| Terms to
Keep In Mind
Ever wondered what it meant when an online
store or a person listed an item for sale as a CD5 UK promo CD-R-acetate with no inserts?
If so, and even if not, the following page will help you to understand some of the terms
associated with collecting music memorabilia. The following was compiled from a series of
sources including Southland CD. Some of what you will
find on the following page may be obvious. However, bear in mind that this was designed
for the amateur collector as well as for the person that needs everything.
General
definitions and terms:
advance: Refers to albums released before the
general release, usually to promote the album.
album: Used interchangeably with full length to
describe a CD or record. Albums usually contain 10 or more songs.
award: A plaque or sales award signifying the
sales of a certain amount of CDs, records, and cassette tapes of a given release.
back artwork (b/a): Some promos only come with
back artwork. It usually a single sheet placed behind the tray holding the CD.
catalog number: This is usually unique number
assigned by the record company to identify a pressing. In the US catalog numbers are
generally numeric (i.e. 883564). In the UK many catalog numbers are alphanumeric (i.e.
CD-R 6345).
CD (compact disc): CDs generally contain one or more
tracks. Some may contain spoken word such as interviews or interactive programs that may
work with a computer. CD5 refers to a CD that is 5" in diameter. CD3 refers to a CD
that is 3" in diameter. They are also known as mini-discs.
country of origin: Often different songs are
marketed towards different countries. Often albums, but more common, singles containing
certain songs are released in different countries. Sometimes CDs are manufactured in one
country but released or marketed in another country. In some cases the CD and the artwork
are made in different countries.
cue sheets: Information sheets provided with
radio shows to describe the contents of the show. May include track listing, timing
information, "intros" (start of track) and "outros" (end of track) to
allow for cueing of the CD or record, and advertising information. Basically a summary of
the radio show.
cut out hole (COH): A hole punched through a
record cover and sometimes the sleeves of CD covers. In the cases of Cds, the spines of
the cases are cut. Usually denotes a cut-out or promo. Also see cut-out and promo,
and bb in the records section.
cut-out (CO): This usually applies to records,
but does not exclude CDs or books. An item that is "cut-out" of the
manufacturers catalogue is usually marked in some manner to be sold at a discount.
deleted: Indicates that the item is no longer in
production or in print. Items that are deleted are more rare and therefore usually cost
more than similar releases.
disk jockey (DJ): Often used to describe a promo
release. DJ promos usually contain mixes.
edit: A song that is often shorter than the original
LP version. Also see radio edit.
EP (extended play): Refers to a 7" record,
or a CD with 4 or more tracks. The tracks are usually different songs and not just
different versions of the same song.
front sleeve (f/s) - front insert (f/i): This
is generally used to describe the artwork accompanying singles from Europe. It is usually
a single sheet with color artwork that fits in a slimline jewel case or thin case.
gatefold (g/f): Applies to both CDs (usually
having a card sleeve) and records. It indicates that one side of the sleeve fold out,
similar to the cover of a book.
import: Describes the country of origin outside
of the United States. Releases from some countries are more rare than others.
interview: A question and answer session
usually with the artist or artists.
LP (Long Play) version: Term refers to a song
version released on the full length album or LP.
matrix number: See reference number.
mix: See remix.
memorabilia: This applies to anything other
than a CD or a record associated with a group or artist. Memorabilia may include (but is
not limited to) posters, promotional displays such as mobiles, books, magazines, clothing,
musical instruments and accessories, videos, and press kits.
OBI strip: An insert included with Japanese
releases and some other Asian releases. Normally a single sheet that covers the spine of
the jewel case.
picture sleeve (p/s): This refers to the
artwork accompanying the CD or record. For CDs this may mean the booklet (made up of two
pages or more) in the front of the case or a single page insert and insert placed behind
the tray containing the CD. They are usually in color but can sometimes be black and white
(b/w). For records, this means that the record comes with a card or paper sleeve
that is used to enclose the record.
plug side: The side of a record that has been
chosen by a record company for radio play. Also see XOL and promo/promotional.
promo/promotional: Indicates that the item was
used to promote a particular release or artist. Some promo CDs or records may be advance
releases to generate hype before the actual release.
radio edit: A
song that is edited to remove offensive language
that cannot be played on the air. Also see edit.
radio show: Syndicated broadcast program often
containing music and interview with the artist and sometimes live concert material.
Usually supplied with cue sheets. Radio shows often have advertising spots by the show's
sponsor between segments of the show (segments are generally 3 to 6 songs in length).
Examples include BBC, Super Golden Radio Show, and Westwood One.
record: The term applies to vinyl albums and
singles. Most albums are 12" in diameter, though some are 10". Most singles are
7" in diameter.
reference number: A number assigned to the
particular pressing of a CD or record. Sometimes a CD or record with the same title may be
pressed more than once with different versions of a song and the only way to identify
these is by matrix number. Matrix numbers are usually located in the center of the CD or
record. On a CD it appears on the playing side, on a record it will appear on both sides
if the record is 2-sided, otherwise just on the playing side (if it is 1- sided).
re-issue: Some releases are re-released,
sometimes with different songs or with some added feature.
remix: Indicates that original song has been
redone to lengthen it, or changing another characteristic such as adding a sample from
another song. A remix may include digital effects. Remixes may be done by DJ's who
interpret the original song.
ring wear: Damaged to an insert caused by
indentation of the tray holding the CD. In records this also refers to damage caused by
the actual record on the sleeve holding the record. Term applies to condition.
sampler: A collection of songs from an album
used to promote the album. May also contain songs from various artists to promote various
singles or releases.
self titled (s/t): A recording that is named
after the artist.
shrink wrap: Heat shrunk plastic used to seal
new CDs or records that are for retail sale. Term applies to condition.
SOC: Sticker on cover. Term applies to
condition.
SOL: Sticker on label. Term applies to
condition.
stereo/stereophonic (s): Stereophonic recording
refers to recording by with two discrete channels of sound.
stock: A copy of a type of media that is
intended for sale by a retailer.
soundtrack: This is an album containing songs
from a movie. The songs are usually played as background music to the movie. Not all songs
in the movie may appear in the soundtrack.
TOC: Tape on cover. Term applies to
condition.
TOL: Tape on label. Term applies to condition.
track: A track is a song. It can also be an
interview.
Various Artists (V/A) -The recording or item
has more than one artists. Used primarily to describe compilations.
version: A single song may have various mixes
done by different people and may be referred to as "blank" version, blank being
the name of the version.
WOC: Writing on cover. Term applies to condition.
WOL: Writing on label. Term applies to condition.
XOL: An X is written on the label of a record to
denote that it is a plug-side of a promotional copy. Also see plug-side and promo/promotional.
Terms
applying to cassettes and their packaging:
inlay: This is the insert that comes in the
plastic case holding the cassette. It normally lists the songs on the contents of the
cassette, as well as information about the release. Usually has artwork associated with
the album or the release. In the case of promos, sometimes only basic information is
supplied.
long box: Some cassettes were packaged with additional
packaging. This was usually a box usually made of cardboard measuring approximately
12" long (sometimes 8") by cassette dimension. These have been phased out due to
environmental concerns. However, some cassettes have been issued in limited numbers in
long boxes.
Terms applying to
compact discs and their packaging:
acetate/CD-R: These are gold CDs used to test the
finished sound quality of a song or group of songs. They generally come in jewel cases. If
a front insert is supplied it will normally show the studio of production. Usually, only
the basic information about the song is printed on the non-playing side of the CD.
However, sometimes CD-Rs do not come with inserts or printing. Also see test pressing.
card sleeve: A cardboard envelope that hold s the
CD. Usually has artwork on both sides. Some promos only have the basic information about
the CD or the songs on the CD.
CD (compact disc): CDs generally contain one or more
tracks. Some may contain spoken word such as interviews or interactive programs that may
work with a computer. CD5 refers to a CD that is 5" in diameter. CD3 refers to a CD
that is 3" in diameter. They are also known as mini-discs.
CD album/full length: Albums usually contain 10
or more songs.
CD single: CD featuring (generally) 6 tracks
or less. It is equivalent to the 7" record and the 12" single. Songs from an
album are chosen to be singles. Singles help to promote a particular song. Singles
sometimes but not always contain different versions to the same title song.
digipack: This consists of a piece of cardboard that
fold like a book around a plastic tray that holds the CD. The cardboard usually has some
artwork.
ecopack: Similar to the digipack. Also has a clasp
on the right hand side which holds the pack together.
jewel case: This is the standard container of
a CD. It consists of two pieces of plastic and a tray that holds the CD. Usually contains
booklet of lyrics, CD, and back artwork. Some double CDs now come in the standard jewel
case size, though much older releases come in a case twice the size of the normal jewel
case. Also see slimline jewel case.
long box: When CDs were first issued they came with
additional packaging. This was usually a box that was 12" long (sometimes 8") by
5" wide. These were phased out due to environmental concerns. However, some CDs have
been issued in limited numbers in long boxes.
maxi CD: Refers to CD singles which usually
have three or more tracks.
picture disc: Often the non-playing side of a CD may contain
artwork, or a picture of the artist.
slimline jewel case: This is also known as a thin case.
Normally, singles from Europe and Australia come in these type of cases. Unlike the
standard jewel case, they do not have a separate tray for the CD. Therefore, there is no
back insert.
test pressing: These are CDs produced by the record industry
to test the finished sound of a song or group of songs. Generally the CD will have no
artwork on the non-playing side. These CDs are made in very limited numbers and are much
sought after by collectors. Also see acetate/CD-R.
Terms
applying to laser discs and their packaging:
NTSC: This is the standard recording format
for the United States.
Terms
applying to records and their packaging:
1-sided: Tracks are contained on one side of the
record. The other side of the record unplayable, having non-playing grooves.
33: Speed at which a record plays, 33 rpm or
rotations per minute. The actual playing speed is 33 1/3 rpms. This generally applies to
12" records.
7"/45: 7" is the diameter and 45 is
the speed at which the record is played. These are also referred to as jukebox
records. They usually contain 4 or less tracks. They may or may not come with artwork.
Some records come in plain white sleeves. This type of record generally features one song
with supporting tracks or mixes. This track is referred to as the A-side (as it is on side
A or side 1 of the record).
8": 8" diameter record.
10": 10" diameter record.
12": A record containing usually 6 or less tracks. This type of record generally features one song with supporting
tracks or mixes. This track is referred to as the A-side (as it is on side A or side 1 of
the record).
acetate: These are records produced by the record industry to
test the finished sound of a song or group of songs. Sometimes these are used to promote a
single song or album. Acetates come in a variety of sizes, usually 12", 10",
8" or 7". Often 10" and 8" acetates will have a playing track fitting
a 7" diameter playing surface (effectively a 7" record with outer non playing
area). Acetates are sometimes double sided and often contain different song versions to
the finally published track. Acetates have a metal backing and better sound quality than
regular vinyl records, however the quality diminishes more quickly after fewer plays than
a regular record
AA-sided: This means that a song or songs are repeated on
both sides of the record.
bb: indicates a bb sized hole in the cover of a
record. Usually denotes a cut-out or promo. Also see cut out hole, cut-out,
and promo in the
general terms section.
black label: Same as white label, just black. Also
see white label.
colored vinyl: Most records are released on black
vinyl. However, some vinyl, more often 7" records come in a variety of colors and
designs, such as marble or transparent.
cut corner (CC): The corner of a record cover
may be cut out. This denotes a cut-out or promo item. Also see cut-out and promo
in the general terms section.
double-grooved: Very occasionally records are
pressed with two grooves, each having a different song or songs.
flexi disc: A record, usually 7", made on some
medium other than vinyl. Flexi-discs are often supplied with magazines. They are rarely
issued these days due to the popularity of CDs.
LP (long playing): Usually an album release
with 8 or more tracks.
picture label: Described the label in the center of
the record. Contains a picture or design related to the release rather than just textual
information.
quad (quadraphonic re-production): A special
recording technique for use with specific types of equipment, generally utilizing 4
positioned speakers.
picture disc. In this case the record is made of
clear vinyl. A paper insert is placed between the two sides of the record giving
the appearance of a picture disc. Playback quality of a picture disc is lower than for
normal vinyl (black records).
poster sleeve: The sleeve folds out to become a
poster. There is no standard size for the posters.
rpm (rotations per minute): This is the speed at
which a turntable must turn in order for a record to play.
seam split (sm spl): A split on the seam or
edge of a record cover or sleeve. Term applies to condition.
shaped disc: These are usually 12"
records that are cut so that there is equivalent of a 7" playing surface. Most often
shaped discs are picture discs, hence shaped picture disc. Sometimes coming with plinths
so that the disc can be mounted.
white label (w/l): The labels on the record are white
and may or may not have text to describe the record. White label records are usually
considered to be promotional although they are sometimes made for testing purposes only.
Terms applying
to videos and their packaging:
DVD (digital video disc or digital versatile disc):
This is a type of format in which movies may be recorded. Looks much like CD, but
contains a higher memory capacity. DVD's usually have some added clips not found on a VHS
recording.
NTSC: This is the standard recording format for the
United States. VCR's in the United States cannot play the PAL format.
PAL: This is the standard recording format for
Europe.
Other terms:
flat: This is a thin piece of cardboard the size of
an album 12" x 12" with artwork associated with the artist or an album/release.
You can usually see these plastered on the walls or used as displays in record shops.
press kits: This usually consists of one of
more photos, usually black and white with dimensions 8" x 10", along with sheets
talking about the artist or an upcoming release. Sometimes the information is printed on
glossy stock. Some press kits can be very extravagant and include other promotional items
relating to the release.
radio spots: These are promotional records (generally
7"), cassettes, and sometimes CDs which have the artist promoting a record or
appearance on a radio station. |
