THE FIRST FIVE CDS I EVER BOUGHT

It is said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Thus, a collection of a thousand CDs begins with the first CD bought. I started my collection in late 1985 with just five CDs. Previously, I had collected vinyl LPs and before that, cassettes or tapes. Tapes proved to be unreliable, frequently subject to reels getting stuck or unraveled after multiple plays, or interminable tape squeak, and never lasted more than a few years. Vinyl is far more durable, but subject to surface noise from dust or static, and inevitable scratches. Plus, you have to turn a record over after hearing the first side.

Compact discs were supposed to be indestructible, having a lifetime guarantee, so I decided to listen the very CDs which I bought some 40 years ago. Can they still play, or have they corroded to the point of disrepair?

I bought my first five CDs at Sing Disc House at Lucky Plaza, having scouted all around Singapore a few months prior to see which record shop had the best range and most reasonable prices. Sing, then manned by Vincent Choo (husband of the wonderful and friendly Doris Tay who later ran the shop), was such a place, located at a quiet corner on the second floor and having good vibes. The CDs then cost $27, a ransom in those days, but still less than the $28 or $29 charged at other shops (Supreme Audio and Beethoven Record House).   

Selections were rather limited then but soon grew geometrically as record labels started to realise the seemingly endless potential of CD as a medium. My selections were made based on repertoire - popular works which I wanted to hear over and over, great artists, good sound as heard on the hi fi, as well as generous playing time. No way was I going to buy a CD that played for just 35 minutes!

So here are my first five CDs, and why I bought them:

My first piano concerto disc!
And it had to be Martha Argerich in two
popular concertos where she is next to peerless.
Later autographed by Charles Dutoit.

My first violin concerto disc!
Absolutely great value for money with
two great violin concertos which used
to occupy a single LP each.

My first orchestral disc!
Wanted to hear loud and scary music
blasted over the hi fi.

This one was an outlier, as I wanted to hear the great
piano romantic in three Liszt concertante works.
Malediction for piano and strings is still a rarity.
Later autographed by Ivan Fischer.

The only recording of Ravel's Gaspard de la nuit
that was available on disc then.
From Ravel's own student, I have yet to hear
a better Pavane pour une infante defunte.

I am happy to report that all five CDs can still play properly and without mishaps, despite some corrosion and occasional small holes in the silver plating. This has afforded me over five hours of listening pleasure, and an invaluable walk down memory lane. Long live the CD!