At one time, I bought piles of cd's... both new and used. Going to the cd store was something I looked forward to. I could just look around and see what I could find in the stacks and in the used bin. Of course, this cd store was the Sunburst Records shop in Huntsville. Not only did I just enjoy the looking, but I enjoyed shooting the breeze with owner, Jay Ratts, for a while. It always seemed to be a buzz with people looking. But times have changed and the small shops are disappearing due to the big-box stores like Best Buy or Wal-Mart. Shopping for music in these stores just isn't the same.

I bought my first Dream Theater and King's X cd from the used bin at Sunburst Records. These became favorite bands. Also, if there was anything I wanted, I could always order and Jay would have it for me the next time I was in the store. I miss those days.

Many people have turned to digital downloads... but to me, these just aren't the same as holding the cd (or in the older days, the vinyl record or the cassette). I always enjoyed laying down and listening to the music while I peruse the booklet that came with the music... reading the liner notes, looking at the pictures/artwork, and reading the lyrics along with the music.

I just can't come to the "digital music" age as long as cd's are still made (Hell, even vinyl records are still make from time to time...). And buying from the big-box stores isn't fun. So, now, I just go when I know something I want is coming out. And hope that Best Buy even carries it. Sure, I could goto the mall to FYE but the prices tend to be too high.

So, while I continue to enjoy music everyday, the process of finding music has changed.  And for me, not in a good way.

So far, this year I haven't bought anything.

I do know that Opeth and King's X have cd's coming out.  Perhaps Metallica, too.