About
I’ve been running Vinyl Deli since 2019. That’s my vinyl record subscription club — all about carefully matching people with records they’ll love. A full curation experience where every selection is a complete surprise.
But long before vinyl became the staple in my life, I loved CDs.
As a 90’s baby, I grew up with them.
In the garden on a hot summer’s day, my mum and I would hook up a CD Walkman to AA-battery powered speakers and listen to All Saints, Sugababes, A Tribe Called Quest, and De La Soul while we sunbathed. Every morning, on the way to school, I’d have Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Jamiroquai, or Red Hot Chili Peppers playing in my dad’s car. I still remember saving up to buy my mum Kanye West’s Late Registration for her birthday just after it came out. The next morning, Gold Digger was blasting through the hallway at 6 am.
A few years ago, I finally got one of my dream cars from the 90’s. It has a six-disc CD changer, and I’ve used it as the perfect excuse to dig out my old CDs (and start adding new ones). Most drives now are soundtracked by J Dilla, Black Milk, Mac Miller, and Mick Jenkins.
Sure, I could replace the media unit with something modern and Bluetooth-ready, but that would miss the point. When I was five, I used to play house in the schoolyard and pretend I was driving the car I now own; sliding imaginary CDs into the air where the player should have been. Removing CDs from the equation would ruin that nostalgia.
But long before vinyl became the staple in my life, I loved CDs.
As a 90’s baby, I grew up with them.
In the garden on a hot summer’s day, my mum and I would hook up a CD Walkman to AA-battery powered speakers and listen to All Saints, Sugababes, A Tribe Called Quest, and De La Soul while we sunbathed. Every morning, on the way to school, I’d have Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Jamiroquai, or Red Hot Chili Peppers playing in my dad’s car. I still remember saving up to buy my mum Kanye West’s Late Registration for her birthday just after it came out. The next morning, Gold Digger was blasting through the hallway at 6 am.
A few years ago, I finally got one of my dream cars from the 90’s. It has a six-disc CD changer, and I’ve used it as the perfect excuse to dig out my old CDs (and start adding new ones). Most drives now are soundtracked by J Dilla, Black Milk, Mac Miller, and Mick Jenkins.
Sure, I could replace the media unit with something modern and Bluetooth-ready, but that would miss the point. When I was five, I used to play house in the schoolyard and pretend I was driving the car I now own; sliding imaginary CDs into the air where the player should have been. Removing CDs from the equation would ruin that nostalgia.
So I started collecting them again. Old favourites, overlooked gems, and new artists alike. And I realised something: no one was doing for CDs what Vinyl Deli does for vinyl.
That’s why I'm starting Compact Club.
How it works
It’s simple. Much simpler than Vinyl Deli.
For £24 per month, Compact Club will send you two CDs. One you choose from a curated shortlist of essentials and classics, and one I personally choose for you. The surprise isn’t random — it’s picked to complement your selection and your taste.
With Vinyl Deli, I ask you a long list of questions to really understand your preferences. With Compact Club, your monthly choice and your listed favourite genres will help guide me to make sure the surprise choice slots neatly into your growing CD library.
It’s the perfect balance of comfort and discovery.
For £24 per month, Compact Club will send you two CDs. One you choose from a curated shortlist of essentials and classics, and one I personally choose for you. The surprise isn’t random — it’s picked to complement your selection and your taste.
With Vinyl Deli, I ask you a long list of questions to really understand your preferences. With Compact Club, your monthly choice and your listed favourite genres will help guide me to make sure the surprise choice slots neatly into your growing CD library.
It’s the perfect balance of comfort and discovery.
Why only new CDs
We will only ever send new CDs.
Not because I have a problem with used (I’ve bought plenty for myself), but because I believe a business focused on physical formats should also be focused on feeding the artists through royalties.
When you buy new, the artist gets paid a royalty. I can't imagine Compact Club will help a massive amount, but it’s a lot more than streaming — and if we’re sending hundreds or thousands of CDs out each month, it does add up.
Not because I have a problem with used (I’ve bought plenty for myself), but because I believe a business focused on physical formats should also be focused on feeding the artists through royalties.
When you buy new, the artist gets paid a royalty. I can't imagine Compact Club will help a massive amount, but it’s a lot more than streaming — and if we’re sending hundreds or thousands of CDs out each month, it does add up.
Who it's for
If you prefer to go to your local shop and buy only the CDs you already know, Compact Club probably isn’t for you.
Interested? We're launching soon. Sign up for early access below.
- > It’s for people who want to build a collection, not just stream playlists.
- > It’s for people who like a surprise and trust someone else’s taste now and then.
- > It’s for people who still get a buzz from peeling off the shrink wrap and pressing play.
Interested? We're launching soon. Sign up for early access below.
Thanks,
Jordan
Jordan