Can I write a CD of random songs - without access to streaming?

@grislybutter - Can you get a CD burner to transfer your playlist from your computer?

@wharfy I have a CD burner. My question is, where do I get quality files from?

You can purchase the files from places like Apple Music, bandcamp, and alike. Depends a bit of what music it is. Then you own the tracks and can burn away to your hearts content. Typically songs are about $1 so 1 CD is maybe $20 worth of music. You can choose amongst different file formats (WAV, FLAC, AIFF) for download. You may have to convert particular files to a CD format (WAV or AIFF) before burning. Then use any CD burning software. Burning a music CD is no different than burning a data CD, as digital music = data.

Thanks @oberoniaomnia 

I read that the Apple Music format is not suitable for CDs. I used to burn 100s of music CDs back in the 2000s. Is there a best service for the most formats?

Both Qobuz and HDTracks sell downloadable digital versions of songs that you can purchase in several formats and bit rates. You should be able to be able to then burn them to a CD.

thanks @jastralfu Qobuz might work...

For largest catalog Apple Music. See also here

https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-sites-to-buy-mp3-and-digital-music-you-own-forever/

@oberoniaomnia I spent a couple hours searching last night, none of these sites have or sell my songs. In most cases they sell the whole album or nothing. I could mix and match though with various subscriptions. .I assume it's for copyright issues.

My best bet is to order the CDs, rip them and make a new CD from the mix. (Those CDs are cheaper than the digital versions, not to mention used)

I think it could be a cool service though if one could order a CD without subscriptions but maybe I would be the only customer.

I guess it raises the question why I don't just buy a streamer and a DAC and shut up. (I know why )

Re service, there could well be some copyright issues. Buying used CDs is certainly a great route. Have fun!

@oberoniaomnia I started to track down the CDs which is fun, also. 

Except, of course, if something is hard to get on streaming, it may be hard to get on CDs as well. Nick Drake is - as they say - the Van Gogh of music. (Or maybe the Vermeer from the Isabella Gardner)