There's something particularly sad about this chart. Whatever the format-track, LP, cassette, CD—every one has its day and then sales decline as it is replaced by new formats. Then in 2005 comes digital music, which according to the stats from the RIAA as interpreted by Bain show how, for the first time in 25 years, a new format has not sparked increased interest in music. The declines can't just be blamed on the digital format, but it does lead to the big: Is there a new format—perhaps with better audio or enhanced with additional content—that could push the lines on the chart upward again?
The Chart:
