We can all remember the first 7″ single we bought. But what about the last?

This was mine. The last of literally thousands. By the mid-90s, my favourite format was being phased out in favour of the CD. Yet with their awkward plastic cases and cold digital clarity, CDs were initially a huge flop. They seemed set to go the same way as 8-tracks and Betamax until Gerald Kaufman MP stuck his nose in. Twenty years ago, a CD cost about 50% more than the same album on vinyl and Mr. Kaufman demanded an enquiry into “profiteering” by the record companies. This led to them reducing both the price of CDs and the availability of vinyl, so we were effectively forced into adopting the new format. But the reign of the CD was short. They’ve now been supplanted by downloads which is just like buying singles again. This is still a great track but I’ve only got it on a 7″ single. Might have to download it.