Digital Trends News reports, “New figures from media research group Nielsen SoundScan claim that U.S. sales of music CDs declined by 20 percent in the first quarter of 2007 compared to the sale period a year ago, underscoring the music industry's sentiment that digital music downloads are undermining their business.”

Nielsen Soundscan also found that between January 1 and March 18, 2007, consumers bought 89 million CD’s, compared to some 112 million sold a year ago.  These numbers are no shocker after Tower Records closed its doors last October. Music downloads are “it” right now and here are some reasons why they are much more convenient than going to the store and purchasing a CD.

• Music downloads allow music fans to pick out specific songs they like. We’ve all been there: We buy an album, love two songs and hate the rest. Then, we’re left wondering why we just spent $18 on something we’re hardly ever going to listen to again.
• Music downloads can’t be scratched: Don’t you hate when you buy a CD you really love and it ends up skipping from Track 1 to 10 before you even pressed a button?
• Music downloads can be previewed online without having to put on those headphones at the record store that have been worn by 10,000 other curious listeners.
• Music downloads allow you to create your own compilations, mix tracks in audio libraries and burn your own mix CDs if you really want to.

While these trends and statistics don’t surprise many people, they do manage to scare some who don’t want to change with the times or those who simply don’t understand the new wave of online music downloads. For those who wish to try out the world of online music downloads  for the first time or those who simply want to switch services, there are many online music download services to choose from. The next time you miss popping a CD into your stereo, remember how it only took two minutes from the comfort of your desk to get all your favorite tunes.