On April 3rd, 2008, the compact disc was officially pronounced dead. Having been on the brink of death for a long time, the music industry (and music listeners) finally pulled the plug. The first blow suffered by the compact disc was at the hands of Shawn Fanning, the creator of Napster. It remains to see whether it was intentional or not, but he jabbed the CD industry with a sharp stick, opening the dam and allowing MP3s to be distributed free of charge to anyone.

The second blow to the compact disc was on October 23rd, 2001. Thanks to Apple, this new MP3 format now had the ability to be taken anywhere. Instead of having only one CD in your player, you could have much, much more, in a smaller MP3 player. With this advancement, mob rule took over the music industry, and the compact disc had been under attack ever since. Millions, and now billions, of dollars worth of songs are being downloaded to fill people’s iPods. Some legally, but many more illegally. Why would anyone want to support CDs when there is a much cheaper (free) alternative?

Yet, the CD survived all of this until the third of April. On this day, Apple announced it was the top music retailer in the United States, overtaking Walmart. It's official - digital is the people’s way to go.

Now what does that mean for the music we all love and cherish? Not too much, though I will miss the nifty CD art and booklet. And LP covers are still amazing to hold and look at, they are one of the masterpieces of modern art (the good covers at least). But, now, no more visual art, just straight auditory art pumped right into your ears. Going to a tiny record store now feels like a museum trip. I remember going to Sound Fix Records in Brooklyn with my girlfriend, where we would walk around, mouth agape, at the art surrounding us. The records reminded us of a time that we never really were around for; the CDs, at least for me, a time that is beginning to feel antiquated.

Yet, the almost reckless availability of music is a good thing, as people are being exposed to more bands. One of the first things I do when I hear of a band that I do not know is type it in Google, and look up its Myspace. This popularity can lead to tour dates, where a band makes most of their revenue anyway. Of course, on the other hand, EVERY band can submit music online. This can be a bad thing. Not ever band is supposed to “make it.” Some should just stay in the garage.

Downloadable music is a good thing for the consumer too. College kids and others with lower income are definitely helped by this, as they have such a fixed amount to spend and so they cannot always afford new CDs. (Of course, I am not suggesting participating in illegal downloading.)  Legal downloading is also a good thing. It provides instant gratification for the consumer. As an iTunes shopper, it’s great when I can get a CD without having to drive to the store or pay for shipping and handling. Just a simple click and BAM, new music for your listening pleasure.

Although music is definitely more accessible with these advancements, there are some drawbacks. One of the best ways to get to know the band, or at least have a feel for them is to look at the CD insert. With MP3s, there is no little package that the band gives to you. Less personalization, more variety. Is that a good thing? I’m not sure. All I know is there is no going back.

Farewell my Walkman, it was good while it lasted.

Dan Tintle, 19, is a sophomore attending Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY.; He's a psych major who enjoys music and hockey.