TommyK Posted October 1, 2008 Share Posted October 1, 2008 This subject comes up once in a while. People refer to a Cd chock full of a dozen or more songs an "Album", then correct themselves. I posit that where as most of us 40 - 50 somethings say 'album' a Long Play (LP) record comes to mind. But, this is a borrowed term in this usage. Once upon a time 78rpm records were 10 inches in diameter and contained 3 minutes of music per side. (The reason most songs are in the 3 minute range.) Later this was increased to 12 inches to accomodate longer orchestral songs. One could purchase multiple songs in a book like case containing a number of records. This was called an album. Probably not a coincidence that album also refers to a book like case holding numerous photographs. Too, the etymology of the word 'album' indicates it is analogous to 'book' and 'collection'. With the advent of 33 1/3 speed records, and narrower grooves, more songs could be squeezed into a smaller package, i.e. a single vinyl disk. An entire 'album' of songs were available on one single record. Thus, an LP can be properly referred to as an 'album'. Therefore I believe, that as 'album' refers to a collection of songs on one record or disk, a CD containing a collection of songs equally deserves to be called an 'album' without apology. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murph Posted October 1, 2008 Share Posted October 1, 2008 I can live with that. Murph. Old guy..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChanMan Posted October 1, 2008 Share Posted October 1, 2008 ok... sure! I vote yes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L5Larry Posted October 1, 2008 Share Posted October 1, 2008 Therefore I believe' date=' that as 'album' refers to a collection of songs on one record or disk, a CD containing a collection of songs equally deserves to be called an 'album' without apology.[/quote'] I second that statement. Being in the above defined demographic, I find old habits hard to break. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jannusguy Posted October 1, 2008 Share Posted October 1, 2008 i've sold off all my albums and cds. all the music contained therein is now "files". and, i have a lot more space in my home now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolff Posted October 1, 2008 Share Posted October 1, 2008 You can use the terms interchangebly - SlipKnoT has a new album out SlipKnoT has a new CD out .....same thing, so I vote yes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheLiveSoundGuy Posted October 1, 2008 Share Posted October 1, 2008 It can be... if ...you can find a record lathe and a CD player so's you can RIP you a copy! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cvansickle Posted October 1, 2008 Share Posted October 1, 2008 I feel that it is correct to refer to the selection of songs as an "album." LP, CD, cassette, 8-track, MP3 - these are formats for the packaging of the collection of songs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Martin Posted October 1, 2008 Share Posted October 1, 2008 I feel that it is correct to refer to the selection of songs as an "album." LP' date=' CD, cassette, 8-track, MP3 - these are [i']formats [/i]for the packaging of the collection of songs. +1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saturn Posted October 1, 2008 Share Posted October 1, 2008 I've always called a CD an album. That is, unless it's some promo thing or something with only 1 or 2 songs. The only time I would correct myself is if I refer to a CD as a "record". As in "The Jonas Brothers have a new record coming out" :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrosurfer1959 Posted October 1, 2008 Share Posted October 1, 2008 Yep they were still called albums when they were on tape and you still sort by album on a Ipod so it's a collection of songs vs. a single Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surfpup Posted October 1, 2008 Share Posted October 1, 2008 I call 'em albums. I started listening to music in the 70's. Albums were cool. When I'm downloading it, I still call it an album. If I say anything else, it feels stupid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thundergod Posted October 1, 2008 Share Posted October 1, 2008 I think its the first time I read a post by you TommyK (I used to spend most of the time on the les paul and spain part of the forum, and now the lounge). Nice to meet you, I'm glad I read this post, very informative. This is the best of having a lounge, we can meet people who frequent parts of the forum we dont. Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murph Posted October 2, 2008 Share Posted October 2, 2008 I'll drink to that..... Murph. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckledzepplin Posted October 2, 2008 Share Posted October 2, 2008 i wish they still made Vinyl Record LPs, i have a huge collection Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surfpup Posted October 2, 2008 Share Posted October 2, 2008 i wish they still made Vinyl Record LPs' date=' i have a huge collection[/quote'] They do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckledzepplin Posted October 3, 2008 Share Posted October 3, 2008 They do. i know but they don't sell them at your wallmarts and targets Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockitmarty Posted October 3, 2008 Share Posted October 3, 2008 see what ya sayin.. but yea i still think a CD is an album -marty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surfpup Posted October 3, 2008 Share Posted October 3, 2008 i know but they don't sell them at your wallmarts and targets All the more reason not to buy your music at a Walmart or a Target! Try a record store. You can also get them online. Lately they often feature tracks not found on the digital issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S t e v e Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 yes, album means a collection of songs...be it on LP, CD, or cassette B) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest farnsbarns Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 Strictly speaking, an album is more than 4 songs. 4 or less is considered a single or a promo by the industry. A cd album is as much a record as any vinyl. It's a recording. The etymology speaks for it's self, it's a record of sound created some time in the past. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S t e v e Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 Strictly speaking, an album is more than 4 songs. 4 or less is considered a single or a promo by the industry. A cd album is as much a record as any vinyl. It's a recording. The etymology speaks for it's self, it's a record of sound created some time in the past. that's what i said Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silenced Fred Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest farnsbarns Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 I didn't realize the aim was to string everything out for as long as possible. Sorry! I must try never to make a ouright statement or impart fact simply because it may be of interest to people discussing a related subject. Instead, I'll argue about subjective matters of opinion such as which opperating system, death metal band, genre of music, colour of blues artist or fuzz pedal is best. I do apologize. Please carry on, I'll just be over here avoiding factual information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kimbabig Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 I didn't realize the aim was to string everything out for as long as possible. Sorry! I must try never to make a ouright statement or impart fact simply because it may be of interest to people discussing a related subject. Instead, I'll argue about subjective matters of opinion such as which opperating system, death metal band, genre of music, colour of blues artist or fuzz pedal is best. I do apologize. Please carry on, I'll just be over here avoiding factual information. What you talkin 'bout Willis? Steve bumped the thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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