Save the CD is about preserving the album and its packaging as an art form.

We know things change. We fully support new technologies, and even though it’s part of our name, we understand that the CD won’t be around forever. But for right now, it’s the format that gives artists the most options. If an artist wants to release 12 unconnected pop songs, great. If they want to make a rock opera with segues and multi-part epics, wrapped up in visually creative packaging that provides crucial clues to understanding their work, the CD lets them do that, too.

But now, with the advent of digital downloading, the focus is back on the songs – one song, 99 cents, without any larger musical (or visual) context.

We would hate to see downloading replace a tangible, “hard-copy” music format. Don’t get us wrong – we’re not against downloading. The Save the CD staff uses iTunes and other services to try out new artists, and we love the ease of legal downloading. We just don’t want it taking the place of the CD.

CDs provide a complete – and completely portable – music experience:

songs that are ready to play, or easily transferred into other file formats for use in new, emerging technologies;

the potential for creating a continuous musical “story” or album of songs that blend into and build upon each other;

artwork and even enhanced CD visuals that can add to the experience and place the music in its larger contextual meaning; information for the fan: lyrics and liner notes;

a durable, long-lasting archive that can be collected and enjoyed for years to come.

CDs and digital downloading can co-exist.
But if we could only save one, we would save the CD.

Thanks for listening!
The Save the CD staff