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Records vs. CDs - When did conversion take place?

Hello everyone! I am just now getting into building a music collection, and have for the past couple years tried to get some albums autographed by the bands that I would go and see at our Summer Concert Series in Woodstock, GA. So far, I have gotten autographs by Steve Boone and Joe Butler of The Lovin' Spoonful and Doug Gray of The Marshall Tucker Band, who each both put on one heck of a show. But what I run into when trying to find albums for some of the bands that I plan on going to see is that I can never find an album, but can find CDs. I was a child of the 1980s, and remember playing records, cassette tapes, and when CDs were first coming out. Problem is, I can't exactly remember the time frames when all the conversion started taking place. Would someone respond to this blog and shed some light on this? I don't want to be looking for something that I think is on an album when it actually came out on a CD. Thanks guys and gals.

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Comment by Josh Board on April 21, 2014 at 12:06am: When I was working in classic rock radio in the early 90s, CDs were quickly replacing albums. But...there's good news for you, Mr. Kite. The bands you're looking for...most stores that sell albums have cheaper bins, where you can find a lot of the bands that play at events like that, and are easy to get signed. They obviously look better for the signature (more space, etc). But be warned...you show up at 38 Special with 10 albums, they think you're an autograph dealer. Bring two albums, and you're good to go. And also...don't do something where you can't find a Blue Oyster Cult album, and you order one online for $15 because it's out of print, because after you pay postage and it ends up being $23...and then the band doens't sign, or you only get the drummer...you'll find it's not worth it. Especially because...with only a few original members, even if they DID sign it...the album isn't worth what you paid for it (I know we aren't doing this for money, we collect, but still).

Comment by Steve Zarelli on April 21, 2014 at 3:21am: You have a whole generation now for which music is delivered non- tangibly... Just something to be downloaded. No cool gatefold albums, no pictures, no lyrics printed on the sleeve, no band listings, etc. These days you have to search just to find the names of the band members. I can't help but think an important part of the experience has been lost.

Comment by Jeffery Kite on April 21, 2014 at 6:29pm: Josh...I have NEVER gone to one of our city concerts here in Woodstock, GA, with more than 1 album, for fear of what you just pointed out. I already get "the look," as if to say, "Look at this guy. He's too frickin' young to even know about the album that's in his hands!" I go out of my way to let all the Generation X folks go ahead of me to meet their music heros, and I quietly hang back at the end of the line, patiently waiting, not making a big fuss about getting my album signed, and always say Mr. or Mrs. when calling someone over. Musicians, I have noticed, really pay attention to that. Joe Butler of The Lovin' Spoonful gave me a bit of a lesson in that. I had no idea how to go about getting an album signed at a venue, so I walked right up to him back stage in the park and asked if and when he would sign my album and extended my hand. He grabbed my hand firmly, not in a hurtful way but slightly aggressive and sharply said, "After the show." Steve Boone was watching me like a hawk when some older fans came over to look at my album and I gladly showed it to them, passed it around, and shared my joy of their music. I made dang sure I was front and center at that concert singing along to every song I knew. And when the show was over, I had a fantastic time getting my album signed by some rock and roll Hall of Famers. I have said it so many times on these message boards, but the message never gets old: learn something about who you want an autograph from, show respect, and always be polite by saying please, sir, m'am, and thank you. Works every time.

Comment by Jeffery Kite on April 21, 2014 at 6:34pm: Zip....I think you are right. I always like to see the performance, and have a little momento of that experience I can pull out every once in a while and say, "I saw these guys live, met them, and shook their hand." It is all about the experience for me. I wonder what the kids will collect of Justin Bieber, Miley Cyruss, Lady Gaga, etc. It's all going digital like you said.

Comment by Joe Alesi on April 21, 2014 at 8:17pm: Hey Joey Boy: Why do you insist on posting your drivel in this discussion? Go waste your time and breath making asinine comments somewhere else. We are here to discuss autographs, not your personal insecurities and idiosyncrasies about "commies" and a war in Vietnam. Thank you for your comments and your service. Now go away.

Comment by Josh Board on April 22, 2014 at 12:26am: Just be warned...it doesn't always work. I've been polite and still been turned down!!! By bands that may have been big in 1968, but are playing at a tiny venue that hasn't even sold out. I always say the best thing you can do -- is wear a Tshirt from the band. That shows you're a fan, but...unless you have a shirt, now you're spending MORE money on them.

Comment by Jeffery Kite on April 22, 2014 at 9:13pm: Ah, never thought of that before. Sure does work with athletes (wear a jersey / hat of the team they play for.) I always buy a picture of the band from the merchandise table, just so they know that I did put something a little extra into their bank account. If possible, I might give that a shot. The only time I have ever had someone not sign an autograph for me in person in 22 years of collecting, was Hall of Fame baseball pitcher Don Sutton. He did not like the 11x14 lithrograph picture of all living 300 game winners, and said that he was not going to sign it because it was not an officially licensed photo of major league baseball. I asked him if he would sign it if I sent it to his agent who was conducting a paid signing a few months later. He said, "I'll take care of it then," and smiled. He was the last person to sign it, and it looks fantastic! Matted and framed that bad boy myself and have it up in my office.

Comment by Steve Viola on April 24, 2014 at 12:13pm: I remember the first Elvis CD was in 1984, a Christmas CD. Quite rare & valuable today by the way. Thats when I first became aware of the format, but the explosion started around 86-87 when less & less vinyl was being purchased.

Comment by Jeffery Kite on April 24, 2014 at 3:35pm: Thanks, Steve. I was wondering exactly when some of the re-makes started being made on to CDs.

Comment by Chicklet McTushy on May 2, 2014 at 8:18pm: The best thing you can do is go on the Internet. If you cannot find a vinyl copy online at any price, you can stop looking. If you do find one you just have to continue your search for a copy in the condition and price range you want. I have been able to find affordable full size vinyl albums for every classic band I went after in local record stores on very short notice. Bono, Pete Seeger, Jackson Brown, Brian Wilson, J Geils Band, B-52's, Loretta Lynn, Lyle Lovett, Diana Ross, Moody Blues, Carly Simon, Carole King, James Taylor so many more. Those little CD booklets just can't compare. If you can't find an LP, find a nice photo online and print it out at your local CVS as a 5x7.