Q: What is the purpose of this site?
A: This is a running tally of my current cd collection. There are several people with whom I
trade cds across the country. For some of my closer trading friends it goes farther than specific trading (1 disc
for 1 disc), instead we send packages of cds every so often. Having a page like this makes it easier
to spot holes in collections, to keep tabs on wantlists, and lastly to save on postage by avoiding duplicates and redundancies.
Q: Why do you use particular colors on the titles of the list?
A: I use BLUE for popular music, and RED for jazz music. Eventually, I plan to use GREEN for
classical. There is no specific meaning for the color choices except to provide a clue about the genre of
the album.
Q: You have ... (fill in the blank with a particular cd title)! Can I buy/trade/have it?
A: It is more often luck than anything else that lands a particular album in my collection. Some
compact discs have become fairly valuable (though I wouldn't recommend it as an 'investing' tool). Still if it is in
my COLLECTION listing, I'm not going to part with it. I'll be able to either hook you up with some
companies that specialize in hard-to-find and limited edition cds, or to refer you to online auction sites. If
you are interested in trading, send me your want list (in artist/album/label/year format). If I do find another copy in
my travels, then I can research the wantlists to notify you.
Q: If you won't sell/trade/give me ... (fill in the blank with a particular cd title), then can you
burn a cd-r of it for me?
A: My lawyers recommend against it. I have plenty of issues regarding the morality and ethics
of most major record companies. Realistically, if an album is readily available then the answer will be a definite
no. If an album is not available (nor is there any sign of it becoming available in the near future) then the answer
is a maybe. In the trading of live recordings (commonly called 'bootlegs' because of their highly illegal nature)
I have no problems and see no issue in trading cd-r's provided no money changes hands and that the outcome will not lead to
money changing hands. Though I wish more bands (especially those who are widely bootlegged) would catch on to the idea
of online downloads or mail order for individual shows (like Black Crowes and Pearl Jam have done). That way, everybody
can get the music they are interested in without stealing from the artists involved in creating and writing the material.
Q: Do you review independent cds? What are your submission guidelines?
A: Yes, I accept cd submissions for my commentary page. The cd should contain the same
liner notes and song listing/order as your "commercial" version and if possible, I would prefer a replicated cd.
(My two basic listening environments feature cd players that have a difficult time tracking cd-r's. If I can't play
it, I can't hear it or comment on it.) Submissions will not be returned. Artists who appear on the commentary
page have my full and complete permission to use the writeup on their projects to help promote or further their career,
provided the information is taken directly and accurately from my commentary. Do not be disappointed if I don't
share your enthusiasm for your project. If I find something isn't a match, I may forward submissions to other people
who may have a greater passion or interest in your music. I will not resell independent submissions.
I will bow to semantics and accept that my commentaries are in fact album reviews. These commentaries
came about a few months after starting this site. They are primarily initial reactions to recordings most often purchased
or received from traders. I'm a collector, not necessarily an expert, so I can't verify everything. I try to make
comparisons between similar artists, and feel that CMJ Magazine has the best idea in using a RIYL (Recommended if You Like)
so that you have an idea of where the recording fits in the sonic spectrum. Most people have their favorites, and don't
like venturing far from them. A Slayer fan may like Tangerine Dream, but would far prefer Testament. This RIYL
can let the Slayer fan (or the Tangerine Dream fan) know nearly immediately if the recording is of interest or not.
I have been getting a bit of email lately regarding my willingness to compare artists; as if my
focus is on an act's "originality." Most "original" artists took something familiar and added their own twist on
it. I use comparisons (RIYL) as a frame of reference. Derivative artists have greater issues to conquer
in determining a personal identity, than in taking exception to any comments I can offer.
Q: Who/what are your favorite artists and why?
A: It depends on the genre. My primary collecting efforts are going towards rock, hard rock,
progressive rock, college rock ('80's alternative rock), jazz, and instrumental music. I may need to put up a Top 25
list. My favorites include R.E.M., Rush, Yes, XTC, Robert Plant, Deep Purple, Pat Metheny Group, Judybats, Loudness,
King's X, Chick Corea, Tea Party, Smithereens, Aerosmith, Tangerine Dream, and Jeff Scott Soto.
Q:What is meant by the term. . .
A: Here is a quick glossary to those of you who are new to cd collecting, or are unfamiliar with a
lot of the terminology of collecting.
first edition (aka initial pressing) - the original version of a compact
disc album. First editions apply to albums that have received multiple re-releases. [For example, Yes has seen 3 editions
of their original Atco catalog make it to cd. The first version was released in the mid-80's and featured stock red
letters on the spine, the second version was issued in the mid-90's and has a black spine with white writing in all capital
letters. The most recent remaster feature bonus tracks, expanded packaging (slipcases for FRAGILE, CLOSE
TO THE EDGE, RELAYER, and TALES FROM TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS), and were moved to the Rhino label via
Atco's present status as a 'retired' label in the control of the Elektra arm of WEA. Hence the released editions bear
a Rhino/Elektra record company stamp.]
reissue - the album has been (or is now) in print on a legitimate silver cd.
Basically the material from the source is coded and coated, packaged and sold. The best example of reissue labels are
Wounded Bird, Lemon, and Rock Candy. The former has built its company by licensing and re-releasing much of the
"less commercially viable" catalog from Warner Bros./Atlantic/Elektra, including many titles that had yet to see a domestic
cd issue (for instance, albums from Montrose, Billy Cobham, Rough Cutt, and Malice had been available only as imports).
These recordings were released "as is" with basic reproductions of the cover art and a somewhat "flat" mix of the album for
a mid-line price. This is a "niche" label, as Wounded Bird only needs to sell a tenth of what a major label would in
order to make money on the reissue. The original label makes its money from the "rights" licensing, and doesn't need
to gamble in making and selling physical product (or to have its resources for a "niche" reissue competing against its
new/active product for shelf space and ad dollars).
remaster - the album has been updated for improved sound quality, channel separation,
and/or marked for its historical significance. Many remasters also feature upgraded packaging from the original
edition, in the case of extended liner notes, additional photos, new essays, bonus material, or special packaging (like
the 3-D jewel box for Rhino's 1996 upgrade of ELP's BRAIN SALAD SURGERY which featured both pictures).
Slipcase - A cardboard protector that holds the jewel box or case of the cd.
The slipcase is popular with certain artists/genres as well as with certain labels. For instance, the Racer label in
Germany put out a series of underground metal releases (each featured 3 bands and was the equivalent of 2 EP's and an album
in duration), and were packaged in a jewel box featuring 3 panels of the original cover art, but stored in an "overview" style
slipcase, with the 3 covers on the front and an overall song listing on the back. Albums on the Inside Out/SPV
label and certain jazz artists (such as Pat Metheny and Bill Laswell) frequently release their first pressings of new albums
with a protective slipcase as well.
OBI (also, O.B.I.) - an OBI strip is used on Japanese cds and albums to translate
the English information into Japanese using the Kanji alphabet. The OBI strips are very collectable and help "authenticate"
Japanese import versions. A lot of collectors prefer these editions because of their frequently superior sound
and packaging; particularly in '80's versions of compact discs and albums. OBI is not an acronym, but is actually a
Japanese word for sash/belt, as it wraps around the spine of a vinyl LP, or compact disc in a similar
manner.
grower - this is a relatively new term first brought to my attention via the www.nolifetilmetal cd review site. A grower is a cd that leaves a poor or underwhelming first impression, and will likely require
multiple listens before it is fully enjoyed or appreciated.
cd-r - stands for compact disc recording media. These are inexpensive copies
best used to archive live recordings, or to make "safety copies" of more valuable cd's to listen to on a portable player or
in your car. Depending on quality, care, and use a cd-r can last anywhere from 3-10 years, though because the information
is literally "scratched" into the cd-r's surface.
silver disc - a legitimate 'coded and coated' cd. A silver disc has to
be pressed and has not been made in a computer's cd-burner. Online auctions and certain traders will spell out
requests in terms of silver disc, due to its more permanent existence than a typical cd-r.
Larry Kriz from LNL Recordings in Elgin (www.lnlrecordings.com) further clarifies this distinction by calling a silver disc a "replicated" disc and a cd-r a "duplicated"
disc.
catalog - catalog is used in two manners. The first form is to refer to an artist's
complete recorded output. For example, a band like King's X has a catalog of 13 albums (3 Megaforce, 4 Atlantic, 5
Metal Blade, 1 Inside-Out/SPV) including a 'Best of' disc and a two-disc 'live' set. The second form of the word catalog
refers to any album except the most recent from an artist. (For instance, bands like Metallica, Pink Floyd, and
Led Zeppelin maintain steady sales on their masterworks, [the BLACK album, DARK SIDE OF THE MOON and
IV respectively] and can regularly be found on the chart for Billboard's Top Catalog category. Though
one is more than 15 years old, and the others are close to 35 years old, these albums continue to sell enough copies
each week to make tracking this worthwhile.) [A oft-repeated quote is from one of the former Atlantic executives
who stated in the early '90's that each of Led Zeppelin's studio albums could be re-certified gold every 6
months. A number of Atlantic's artists of the '80's and '90's may have never gotten a shot to make a record
if Atlantic didn't have the consistent money Zeppelin's catalog generated for the label. [The old saying is
that 1 hit pays for 10 failures, though that ratio has to be shrinking given the current musical climate.]
Exclusive tracks - This is a descriptor that I use for songs I can't find or get elsewhere.
For instance, I bought an imported version of Robert Plant's FATE OF NATIONS cd so that I'd get the track
"Colours of a Shade" that was not available on the American edition of the album, nor any domestic releases. If exclusive
material is used instead of exclusive tracks, then it refers to alternate versions (live, demo, remix, different take) of
songs already available. Exclusive material may also refer to any additional "computer friendly" content on a cd (called
an enhanced cd). These can include music videos, lyrics, wallpaper/screen savers, band bios, etc. Most exclusive
material is used to sell cd-singles, box sets, or remastered editions of popular albums.
Promo releases - When a record is about to be released, record companies will come
up with some sort of strategy to get the artist's music played on the radio, in record stores, and (depending on the artist) dance
clubs. Sometimes, the promo will be the full album (with either a sawcut or drillhole through the UPC code, or gold
writing on the cover artwork or the cd itself). Other times, a special package is put together strictly to promote
the album. For example, to promote Guns-n-Roses' USE YOUR ILLUSIONS I & II cd's, the
label issued a single cd featuring the key tracks from both discs in a simple cardboard sleeve. (This
has become a very collectible piece.) Long standing artists may issue a "greatest hits" promo featuring known songs
from their catalog with the feature tracks from the new cd. (A prime example might be the Goo Goo Doll's DIZZY
UP THE GOOS which featured older 'hits' in addition to new material from DIZZY UP THE GIRL.) The
last kinds of promo are really insidious, featuring a live concert cd or exclusive tracks. Some fans of Train were really
lucky to receive a single track cd of the Led Zeppelin cover "Ramble On", though a majority of DROPS OF JUPITER
did not come with this premium.
DIGI-pak - The trademarked name (going the way of Kleenex and Coke as it becomes more
of a universal term rather than a brand) of a particular cd-packaging method. A DIGI-pak (also called 'DIGI' by some
collectors) is a paperboard cover that opens up to the tray and disc. Though DIGI-pak is a trademarked
name, a lot of other paperboard systems are commonly (and erroneously) attributed to this name. The danger of a
DIGI (or other paperboard artwork) is the fact that they are more prone to age and wear. Particularly fragile are
double-disc packages which tend to be too heavy for a simple paper spine. (For an example, look for an old, well-used copy
of Grateful Dead's II FROM THE VAULT in digi-pak form. Handle with 2 hands while opening or watch it
flop open. The spine gets weak really quickly because of the weight of the trays.)
ECO-pak - ECO-pak is fairly similar to DIGI-pak except that the artwork is on
laminated paperboard and fused to a plastic tray. Part of the tray is a 'click-open' tab covering the right side
of the cover artwork. This is not as common with cd's, but has become a fairly popular packing method for DVD's
(Like MAJOR LEAGUE II for instance). For CD examples, look at R.E.M. cd singles from MONSTER
and NEW ADVENTURES IN HIGH FI or the original pressing of INXS WELCOME TO WHEREVER YOU ARE
(which has since seen a remaster).
Mini (Micro) LP Sleeve - The cd goes into a cutslot in a paper cover that looks like
a vinyl record jacket. The artwork is similar to the old albums, in that only the front and back panels have artwork
(though some are gatefolds, opening to two more panels). Some collectors like the authenticity of this packaging (and
it's much more manageable size), and it is very popular in Japan where almost every major artist has an LP edition.
For example, there is the Japanese 2K series including a stellar edition of Nazareth's HAIR OF THE DOG. This
version has great sound, and features several exclusive tracks. My personal issues with the mini-LP sleeves again are
that the paperboard used is even more fragile than the DIGI or ECO-paks, shows signs of aging quickly, and requires
the cd to be stored without a tray. (Although some include a static/scratch free poly sleeve for
the disc that goes inside the packaging. Unfortunately, most do not.)
OOP - Out of print, means this album is no longer being manufactured. Most cds
with the OOP designation cannot be readily found in new condition in stores. Just because an item is OOP, doesn't mean
you can't get it. For lesser known artists and albums, you may be able to find them in used cd shops, online sellers
like Half.com, or even in "cut-out bins". Certain items (like the Metallica Garage Days Re-Revisited: The $9.98
E.P. for instance) have been out of print for years, and now command premium prices. In the case of Metallica's
EP, the going rate is somewhere between $35 and $50 depending on condition or disc and artwork.
HTF - Hard to Find - a lot of online sellers will attach this descriptor to cd's that
would require a bit of effort to unearth. Say you want a particular 'less popular' studio album from an older audience.
When you go to a record store (or your typical retailer), they are likely going to stock the most popular titles if any by
that artist. For instance, let's say you want Jethro Tull's A LITTLE LIGHT MUSIC cd. Jethro
Tull is a popular longstanding band with a "deep" catalog. However a casual visit to Border's,
Sam Goody, or FYE would turn up a Greatest Hits package or 2, the artist's 2-3 best known albums, a recent recording
or remaster(within 2 years), and maybe a live album among the selections available. (Though likely not this one.)
In order to acquire it, you'd have to make a "special order", knowing full well that it is back-ordered,
and that we may have a new musical format (DVD-A's, MY DRUG OF CHOICE...uggh, no!) by the time it arrives.
Of course, HTF items are easier to find in online places like Amazon or eBay.
S/S - Still sealed. The item is still in its original shrink wrap. Novice
collectors need to be careful, because a lot of European imports are not shrinkwrapped prior to the sale.
M&I - Music & Interviews. These discs are normally sent to radio stations
to preview a new album by an established artist. Most originals will not have cover art, and may come as a cd-r. The
only real item about an M&I disc that is likely to verify or confirm its authenticity is a cue sheet. A cue sheet is one
or two pages long and generally lists the segments of each track (talk, songs, commercials, and a "step out quote" to
follow the newsworthiness of the material). The commercials are kind of wild (though generally placed in the
middle of the track so they can't be directly skipped). Some silences are placed so that local commercials can be included
in the broadcast. These discs also end with snippets that can be played to promote the coming show.
+ # - (i.e. +4 or +6) The cd comes with an additional number of tracks.
For instance, Exciter's LONG LIVE THE LOUD remaster might have +3 after it to denote the inclusion of the
songs from the FEEL THE KNIFE e.p. From my experience, all "bonus tracks" are included, even demos
or live versions of tracks already on the album.
Q: Any advice for storing or caring for cd's?
A: Treat the cd like vinyl, handling the edges or the spindle area only. Wipe with a soft, clean,
cotton cloth to remove lint or dust. When not in use, store cds in their jewel box or trays. If packaging doesn't
provide a tray, I recommend using paper or poly sleeves (most office supply and department stores have them near the
electronics and software departments) to store the cd rather than forcing the cd into a cutslot in the artwork or the jacket
on a mini-lp release. To keep DIGI-pak and paperboard artwork nice, I recommend the plastic cd bags from BAGS
UNLIMITED (see link page for more info) with the flap. For particularly "fragile" paperboard cases, store the cd
outside of the case in a paper sleeve. Lastly, burn cd-r "safety" copies of items that are highly used (moved) or
highly prized. Use the safety copies for car stereos, multi-disc magazine changers, and portable units. That
way if theft or damage occur, you will still have the original item.
Q: What are your collecting pet peeves?
A: I don't like "collector stunts" like multiple covers, different inserts, and the sort. Two
that come to mind are the King's X DOGMAN covers and Pearl Jam's "polaroid-styled picture cards" for NO CODE.
Because King's X has a ridiculously loyal fanbase, some "genius" at Atlantic must have
thought that everybody would want the 4 different covers (The same picture in Blue, Red, Yellow, or Green) and buy them new
at retail. It didn't quite work. A little patience has led to "price correction", as this album
had gone into cut-out bins, and can be found rather cheaply in used bins. I think I paid about $5 total for the
3 colors I didn't have originally.
Pearl Jam prepared photo/lyric cards for each of the songs on their NO CODE album, but put only
a few cards in each album. (So again, people would either have to buy multiple copies to get all of the cards.)
Again, a little patience pays off. I didn't fall for this (yet!), but have seen multiple copies of NO CODE in the used
bins (usually at the lower end of the price scale).
Another pet-peeve are exclusives. This is where a store (such as Borders, Best Buy, FYE, Sam
Goody, Tower, et al.) has a specially-produced version of the album that features bonus music or content. Primarily,
I dislike these because smaller shops (the mom & pops, and the independent stores) only get the stock form to sell.
[For instance, Aerosmith's JUST PUSH PLAY record had an exclusive track called "Face" on the disc for Best Buy customers.
If you bought a new copy anywhere but Best Buy, you didn't get the song. [Though it later appeared on one of the album's
cd-singles.] So everyone was expected to carry the album, but most everyone I know ended up buying it at Best Buy.]
I even ended up buying it at Best Buy, though I really hated the thought of having to support
a mega-corp. that has put so many of my favorite independent record stores out of business.
The last issue is a fairly recent one. This is where albums are being retooled and rereleased.
This screws the fans that buy the album upon its release. If they would've waited for the 2nd or 3rd pressings, they
would've gotten the bonus tracks, remixes, or live versions that were added to the rerelease. [My first exposure to
this was when A&M decided to "expand" albums from Blues Traveller and Soundgarden, by adding a bonus disc. I had
the single disc version, and didn't want to pony up for the second disc. I ended up finding a used copy for less than
$10, shortly after it went out of print, but hated the fact that I had to buy the album again (within 2 years of having the
original cd).
Another pet peeve, (albeit minor) I don't like DIGI-'s or ECO-paks. If I have a jewel case
option, I'll likely take it.
Q: What are the biggest issues that record companies face?
A: These are the primary issues that record companies have yet to figure out...
- The "fair" price of a new compact disc.
- Legal & Illegal downloading of their artists.
- Piracy, duplication, and copyright issues.
- The growing market for resale/used cd's.
- Keeping a music medium available for purchase by those who aren't computer savvy. (Be it
compact disc or another form)
- The increase of entertainment options.
- The shrinking market to expose new artists.
- Preventing any change in their organizational structure.
- Presenting digital rights management policies that are fair to consumers and realistic to enforcement
agencies.
Q: Do you have a D.I.D. list (desert island discs list)?
A: If I were indeed stranded on a desert island, I will pray for company, electricity, running
water, reading materials, ample food and drink, soft toilet paper, and all of the necessary hygiene products until I'm
freed or removed from the island. . . Music is not as important as a good signalling mirror in this situation, but I'll play
along.
ALBUMS
- Rush - Power Windows (Mercury) 1986
- XTC - Skylarking (Geffen/Virgin) 1987
- Miles Davis - Kind of Blue (Columbia)
- R.E.M. - Automatic for the People (Warner Bros.) 1992
- Marc Johnson - The Sound of Summer Running (Verve) 1998
- Judybats - Pain Makes You Beautiful (Sire) 1993
- Rainbow - Long Live Rock'n'Roll (Polydor) 1976
- Yes - Close to the Edge (Atlantic) 1972
- Seal - II (ZTT/Sire) 1994
- Stevie Wonder - Inner Visions (Motown)
Favorite Songs (in no particular order)...
- "My Favorite Things" - John Coltrane
- "Slow Turning" - John Hiatt
- "Half a World Away" - R.E.M.
- "Green Thoughts" - Smithereens
- "Woman from Tokyo" - Deep Purple
- "Blue" - Jayhawks
- "Bittersweet" - King's X
- "Head Over Heels" - Tears for Fears
- "More Than Words" - Extreme
- "Porch" - Pearl Jam
Of course all of this is subject to change. Certain artists and songs are just easier to recall
on the spur of a question like this. Maybe if time and space permit, I'll do a "Building Blocks of a Great Collection"
column to discuss recommendations and so forth.
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