In the age of Spotify, iTunes and illegally downloaded music, I am often asked the same question each time I come back from Newbury Comics or Target with a new album in my hands: "Why do you still buy those things? Don't you think that's such a waste of money?"

Absolutely not.

If you walk into my bedroom one of the first things you might notice, aside from the mess, is a CD rack filled with a variety of albums. When it comes to music, I do not discriminate. (Yup, I even own a few country albums!) Eminem's albums are lined up in chronological order in the rap section, one of Coldplay's earliest EP's is first in line on the fourth row down from the top, and Led Zeppelins I-IV are respectfully placed on the right in the unfinished classic rock section.

My friends often have to pull me away from the CD section of any store we visit, because they know that I could spend hours on end searching for the albums on my list (yes, I have a list) to keep adding to my collection. I am in love with the history behind every album. Whenever I am bored at work, I find myself looking up information about the composition of different albums. Learning about everything that goes into writing an album feeds into my need to have a hard copy of the CD.

For example, I have listened to the band Bon Iver since I was in 7th grade. One of our teachers put their song "Re: Stacks" on in the background during a test we were taking. In that instant, I remember saying to myself "I must own this album." After that, I researched the band, and what went into writing the album that song was on. I came to find out that the lead singer had secluded himself in a log cabin for a certain period of time, and ended up with a beautiful piece of art. That album is called "For Emma, Forever Ago" and is high on my list of albums I want to own.

From as early as I can remember, I was touched by music. Music was everywhere for me. Sometimes, it was The White Album in my grandmother's car on the way to summer camp. Other times, it was Bob Marley's "Natural Mystic" compilation disc, playing in the background while my mother cleaned up around the house.

I was constantly studying the backs and fronts of album covers and CD cases anywhere I was. I loved reading the lyrics inside the book jacket, as well as looking at all the interesting pictures inside. I was just intrigued by how a single CD could tell one big story and could have so many different interpretations.

As soon as I started earning my own money, I would save and spend that money on CDs. Every Christmas List I've made contained a list of albums I desperately wanted to hold in my hands.

Okay. So, at this point, you get the fact that music means a lot to me...but why pay for it?

Yeah, I know musicians make millions without my help. I know that Stephen Jenkins of Third Eye Blind has no idea who I am and probably doesn't really care either. I know that Taylor Swift isn't beating down my door begging me to buy her music. So why pay?

It is a way to thank the artists in my own way. It is a way for me to express my appreciation to them for contributing their life to us. Music comes straight from the heart. These musicians may never be able to see that I am one of the few people left actually buying their music, but if I ever got the chance to meet them, I would let them know that I bought their full album and it is currently in my collection of albums. I think they would appreciate knowing that I did not just steal their song off of a sketchy website. Out of respect to their art, I will always buy the full album.

My goal is to keep expanding my collection of CDs. I love finding new bands and new music to indulge myself in. I love losing myself in the world of music. One day, I hope to have a small room where I can display my albums proudly; a real-life music library, if you will! Some would say I'm a bit of an "old soul", but nothing will ever beat the feeling of owning an album that has made a difference in my life.