"Singles" are making a comeback.   In this digital age, people download SONGS and the album concept is not the draw that it used to be.   I receive many CD's where it becomes obvious that the artist has a few really good songs and the rest is "filler". There are fewer thematic recordings as well.   Of course, there are still magnificent albums such as Kathy Mattea's "Coal", but it does seem like we are heading back to a "singles" mentality, and that might not be a bad idea.

Of course, you cannot hold a digital download like you can those old '78s.   I can still remember a number of childrens "singles" that I had as a child - some with Captain Kangaroo on the cover.   The first single that I remember purchasing (with the help of my parents) was the Beatles "I Want to Hold Your Hand".   Still have it!