What I'm referring to are those large black 12" discs ... you know, the one with the tiny hole in the center. But it's not the vinyl circle that I miss. Instead, it is those album jackets, particularly the liner notes that appeared on practically every LP ever produced.

I cannot tell you the number of times I'd stand in a music store or at a group's record rack and read the comments of someone like Marvin Norcross (or another member of his family), Ken Harding, Herman Harper, J.G. Whitfield or Eldridge Fox. Remember?

In the words of Jerry Goff, "Yes, I see those hands." (Jerry Goff wrote his share of liner notes, too.)

Those liner notes often brought the album to "life." With just a few paragraphs, a successful writer could either talk the reader into taking the album home or have a made-up mind chomping at the bit to get the record on the stereo. Along with mentioning the merits of the artist, some liner notes called attention to particular songs or perhaps, a theme that coursed through the recording. Sometimes, you'd find one artist endorsing another. Regardless of what was written, it added greatly to the anticipation of hearing what was in the paper sleeve inside the cardboard jacket.

The real jewel of album jackets, though, were those of the double-LP. Rip off the shrinkwrap, and let the two sections fall away like a butterfly-cut steak (that part was for Jerry Kirksey) and there, usually, were a wealth of photos and/or more information or trivia. When word of a new live double LP started circulating in those old black & white ads in the old newspaper version of Singing News, I couldn't sleep until I had added it to my collection.

"Live Naturally" by the Kingsmen; "The Very Best of the Happy Goodman Family - Live" by the Goodmans, a couple of Hinsons live albums ... ahh, those were the days. I can almost remember every word and every photo that are found there.

Simply because of the sheer small size of a CD and related packaging, it's hard to find liner notes that have the impact of those that existed in the album days. Think about it: how many times have you picked up a CD, read the back, and just knew you had to have that recording? With few exceptions, all you'll find on the back of a CD package is a list of the songs, a company logo and an unauthorized recording warning.

IF there are any liner notes, you have to find a way to get through the sealed package (people can break into banks all day, yet we can design CD packaging that can cause all of us to have to re-dedicate our lives on a regular basis - go figure), pull out the booklet, wade through a list of songs that have split-publishing to the point that it takes a whole panel to just list the publishers, as well as a list of make-up artists, hair designers, creative consultants and other people. And just when you think you're just about to find "real" liner notes, you find a quick list of thank you's.

I suppose there's nothing wrong with that. To be honest, those things are often legally required. So be it.

But all you really get out of all of that is another chance to re-dedicate your life when you try to put the booklet back under those little tabs in the front part of the case.

I realize limited space is the culprit. But that doesn't change the fact that I miss those great liner notes and photos.You know, I have to wonder if sometimes the lack of convincing liner notes on the back of a new recording have hampered sales. Maybe, maybe not.

I guess I'd better move on. I've got a stack of CDs to go through today for potential Singing News reviews. The backs of the first three I've picked up have ...

...a list of songs, a company logo ...

Oh well.