So, Amazon has started selling albums as MP3 downloads. It's a good idea, especially for people who are just going to rip the CD and load it into their iPod. The downside is that where they offer MP3s, the price of CDs has jumped immensely. For instance, last week the complete Ella Fitzgerald Songbooks cost $175, or you could join some "CDNow Club" (I think this is like the BMG club of yore) and get it for $142. Today it's available as MP3s, and the CDs now cost $245 ($190 from the CDNow Club). The MP3s? $145.
You know, I had this crazy idea that buying music in MP3 format would cost less. Especially since you don't get CDs, packaging, liner notes or any information about the music. $245 for a set of 16 CDs is ridiculous. For that matter, $175 for a set of 16 CDs is ridiculous. CDs have been overpriced for years. I'm dismayed that MP3s may be used as an excuse to jack up the price even more.
As of today the complete Ella Fitzgerald Songbooks are up to $272. Talk about price gouging!