Although I have bought actual CDs as presents for people, I assume the first iTunes or Amazon purchases I have made represent when I stopped buying CDs for myself and relied completely on downloads.

Four years ago.

Classical music especially can be much cheaper on the download version, and in general, I appear to have become of a member of the "I want it now" generation. So, yesterday I was told the latest BBC Folk Awards album was out. I got home at 6.30pm. By the time I was preparing dinner, ten minutes later, I was listening to it, streaming as my purchase was downloading.

As I did it on my phone as I was starting to prepare food, and the HiFi Bluetooth link was in play, I can't say I even had to turn anything on to do it, just play with my phone for a minute.

That said, a CD is a kickable asset, hence the ones I give as gifts are ones you can touch, feel and use as a coaster.