Audiophanatic:
I can't recommend a CD, since I mostly listen to "classical" music on vinyl. Most of the CD's I have are newer music not available in the best format (the best format comment is, of course, IMHO), or music I take with me when traveling. Nothing makes North Dakota go by faster than Led Zep played loud, and coincedentally, nothing stems road rage in L.A. traffic, better than Chopin (again IMHO).
"Liner Notes" is the term used for the writing found on the back of an LP, sometimes on the inner jacket, and sometimes on the inner section of a double LP (folio). Some CD's have them replicated in the small book that slides out of the jewel case cover. I find them most interesting when they are written in a biographical style, explaining the life and times of the composer or performer, their inspiration, who the music was writen for (Mozart was the pop idol of his time and quite a bit of his music was written for a commercial audience, Magic Flute for instance), and the politics of the piece. For instance, Beehtoven wrote one piece for Napoleon, who at the time was popularily seen as the savior of the common man, but changed the title after he got the news that Napoleon had proclaimed himself Emperor. I find information like that gives me a better insight to, and more enjoyment of, the music. By the way, did you know that Ride was a large home for un-wed mothers in England, when the Beattles wrote She's Got A Ticket To Ride"?, puts a whole different spin on "and she don't care".
I can't recommend a CD, since I mostly listen to "classical" music on vinyl. Most of the CD's I have are newer music not available in the best format (the best format comment is, of course, IMHO), or music I take with me when traveling. Nothing makes North Dakota go by faster than Led Zep played loud, and coincedentally, nothing stems road rage in L.A. traffic, better than Chopin (again IMHO).
"Liner Notes" is the term used for the writing found on the back of an LP, sometimes on the inner jacket, and sometimes on the inner section of a double LP (folio). Some CD's have them replicated in the small book that slides out of the jewel case cover. I find them most interesting when they are written in a biographical style, explaining the life and times of the composer or performer, their inspiration, who the music was writen for (Mozart was the pop idol of his time and quite a bit of his music was written for a commercial audience, Magic Flute for instance), and the politics of the piece. For instance, Beehtoven wrote one piece for Napoleon, who at the time was popularily seen as the savior of the common man, but changed the title after he got the news that Napoleon had proclaimed himself Emperor. I find information like that gives me a better insight to, and more enjoyment of, the music. By the way, did you know that Ride was a large home for un-wed mothers in England, when the Beattles wrote She's Got A Ticket To Ride"?, puts a whole different spin on "and she don't care".