The CD revival was a bust (and why this is actually great news)

The headlines promised a CD comeback, but the data tells a different story. In the first half of 2025, US compact disc revenues dropped by a massive 22%. In this video, I break down why the "CD Revival" hit a brick wall, how blockbuster artists like Taylor Swift and K-Pop stars are skewing the stats, and—most importantly—why this "failure" is actually a huge win for physical media collectors. In this Q&A, I also dive into: CD Box Set Values: Why they still offer the best "bang for your buck." ✅ The "Completist" Trap: Why I stopped trying to own every album. ✅ The Future of Rock: Are we just scraping the bottom of the barrel for reissues? ✅ Vinyl Purging: Why letting go of records is actually good for your collection. #vinyl #records #Q&A 00:00 Is a CD revival actually happening? 00:35 CD sales data for 2025 and the "Taylor Swift effect" 02:04 Why no revival is good news for collectors 02:59 Buying CD box sets vs. regular albums 04:15 Addressing comments about paid content (Club 33) 05:26 Giving up on being a "completist" collector 06:21 The end of the Classic Rock era and reissues 07:51 Purging the vinyl collection for space 08:39 Hard rock records: W.A.S.P., Winger, and L.A. Guns 09:31 Thoughts on Classical Music 10:07 Online shopping vs. Brick-and-Mortar stores 11:05 How Canadian weather affects listening habits 11:56 New record rituals and keeping hype stickers 12:43 Pets named after music icons --------------------------------- Channel membership: Join Club 33 on YouTube to get early access to all episodes, exclusive members-only videos, and shoutouts: @channel33rpm -------------------------------- Get Channel 33 RPM gear http://channel33rpm.bigcartel.com/ ---------------------------------- Affiliate links and deals: Get 10% off your next purchase at Vinyl Storage Solutions *use code FRANKLANDRY10 at checkout* https://vinylstoragesolutions.ca -------------------------------- Let's connect Twitter (X): Twitter: Channel33RPM Instagram: Instagram: channel33rpm Facebook: Facebook: Channel33RPM Email: [email protected] ----------------------------- Mailbag Interested in sending an item for the Friday mailbag? Well, thank you! Please use the address below for packages. Note this address is for packages only (it's a package re-direct service). Kindly contact me before sending cards and letters (or anything that is not a package/packet) to avoid any issues. Cheers! Frank Landry PO BOX 99900 RE 899 513 RPO GARDEN CITY WINNIPEG MB R2V 5A2 Canada -------------------------- Sponsored content Channel 33 RPM is dedicated to creating high-quality, engaging content for record collectors and music fans. I love working with companies and brands who share my passion for music and gear. Interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities? Please drop me an email at [email protected]. Note: all sponsored content appearing in videos is clearly identified as sponsored content. --------------------- Reviews Have a product you would like reviewed on Channel 33 RPM? Let's chat! Drop me an email at [email protected]. Please note I do not accept payment for reviews. Opinions are all genuine. -------------------- Want to be featured in a Vinyl Dens segment? Please send your submission to [email protected]. Make sure to include 8 to 10 clear, well-lit and in-focus photos of your space and gear, including long shots and close ups (horizontal photos are always preferred). Include some wide angle shots of your space (.5 setting, or similar, on your phone) which helps provide perspective. Also include a bit about yourself (name, age, where you live, how long you have been collecting), a bit about your gear, and information about your room (where in your home it is located, how you put it together, special considerations, cool features, etc.). I will do my best to get as many rooms as possible on future episodes; however, please note I do get more submissions than I have time to show. All types of music rooms welcome. Thanks! ------------------------------ MUSIC CREDITS Pentagram by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...) Artist: http://audionautix.com/ Rocker Chicks by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...) Artist: http://audionautix.com/ Rocker by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...) Artist: http://audionautix.com/ ---------------------------------- Videos shot at the Channel 33 RPM World Headquarters near Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada