The LP tag used by itself, denotes a 12 inch 33 rpm long-playing record
Format Descriptions
6.9. Some format tags are obvious at first glance (such as Mini, Shape or Picture Disc), while others require listening to the audio (such as Mixed, Partially Mixed and Mispress). Still other tags rely on how the release is labeled.
Album, Mini-Album, EP, Mixtape, Maxi-Single And Single
6.10. Album, Mini-Album, EP, Mixtape, Maxi-Single and Single tags should only be used where it is factual. If there is no reference that the use of the tag is correct, the tag should not be used. References can include:
a) mentioned on the release;
b) declared by the label or artist;
c) charted in a relevant chart that corresponds to the tag; or
d) generally regarded as such by independent sources (fan sites, music industry publications, etc.).
Do not guess or attempt to apply personal standards to these tags. If you are going to do multiple edits regarding these tags, remember to follow guideline 14.1.2.
Limited Edition
6.11.1. This tag should only be used when the term “limited” or “limited edition” is specifically displayed on the release (media and / or packaging), or if this terminology is used by a reliable source in the promotion and marketing of the release. Do not use the tag “Limited Edition” when terms such as “One-Time-Pressing” or “Print Run of Only xxx copies” appear without the term “Limited” on the release or by reliable sources.
6.11.2. If the release is a numbered edition, e.g. “xxx of xxx copies”, use only the tag “Numbered”, unless 6.11.1 also applies, in which case the tag ‘Limited Edition’ should also be used.
White Labels, Promos And Test Pressings
6.12.1. Just because a release has a plain label, that does not mean that an item should be listed as Promo or Test Pressing. These tags should only be used in conjunction with ‘White Label’ if they are stated on the label or packaging. Also, these three descriptions can be used in conjunction with ‘Unofficial Release’ or ‘Partially Unofficial’ if the release was made without the consent of the artist or label.
6.12.2. Promo – Any item labelled as being released for promotional purposes, including advance copies sent out to promote a retail release. This tag should only be used where it is clear the item was released as such, for example, it is explicitly mentioned on the release, or by the label, artist, or other reliable source. Retail releases with stamped, stickered, or similarly altered covers and / or media are to be considered the same as retail, as should retail releases with cut spines, marked or cut barcodes, or other such defacement — these promo designations are considered to be post-manufacture, and do not require a separate / unique release. Additionally, retail releases that include ‘one-sheet’ promotional press-release or feedback type pages are not to be considered different than the retail version.
6.12.3. Test Pressing – Typically a limited run of a record made to test the sound quality. Only list an item as Test Pressing if the release is clearly marked as such. Do not enter the pressing plant as the label, even if their logo appears prominently; use the label associated with the retail release. Questions about label identity should be discussed in the forums.
6.12.4. White Label – Only use this tag to indicate when the center labels on a vinyl release are without mechanically applied print on either side. Additional marks with a rubber stamp, small printed sticker, or handwritten on an otherwise blank (but not necessarily white) label would still generally be considered a White Label release. White label releases of the same record may be entered as separate releases if one version has been stamped while another has been labeled with a sticker.
6.12.5. Acetate – If there are label identifiers, but the acetate is not in the same format as the commercial release, then no catalogue number should be entered but the label can be (i.e., a one sided acetate of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ is not the same as the commercial release but identifiable as EMI).
Stereo
6.13. The ‘Stereo’ tag may be used for any stereo release, but is required if there also is a mono version in the Database. Where a release contains both stereo and mono audio, both Stereo and Mono tags should be applied.
LP
6.14. Do not add an LP as ‘Vinyl, LP, 12″, 33rpm’, all that is needed is ‘Vinyl, LP’. The LP tag used by itself, denotes a 12″ (30 cm), 33 rpm long-playing record. Other non-standard sizes can be added if needed, for example, LP, 10″. LP is often misused outside of Petesmuisc_UK to denote an album. At Petesmuisc_UK, we use these terms independently and precisely. Using the LP tag does not mark the release as an album. Album is a marketing term used to denote a collection of tracks, and should only be used where it is clear the item was released as such.
Unofficial Releases – Uncleared Recordings, Bootlegs, Pirates And Counterfeits
6.15.1. Petesmuisc_UK catalogs all audio releases that have been distributed to the general public per RSG §1.1.3. We use the ‘Unofficial Release’ and ‘Partially Unofficial’ descriptions to tag and separate the releases that may not adhere to usual copyright law(s). When these tags are used, please explain in the Submission Notes the reason for tagging the release as such.
6.15.2. The usual Petesmuisc_UK cataloging rules apply to these items: They must be entered in a way that defines the item as a unique release. Please also refer to the label guidelines for naming conventions.
6.15.3. The following are approximate definitions only of items that do not adhere to copyright laws:
Bootleg: Unauthorized recordings of live performances / broadcasts.
Counterfeit: Recordings which are copied or distributed without authority, and which are packaged to resemble the original as closely as possible.
Pirate: Recordings which are copied or distributed without authority, and which are usually packaged differently to the original.
6.15.4. The following are examples of additional items to which the tags apply:
• Releases made in territories that did not regulate copyright laws at the time the releases were made;
• Releases made in compliance with local copyright laws that are not otherwise approved by rights holder(s);
• Releases that contain unlicensed tracks; and
• Other types of releases that may violate copyright and rights holder protections.
This list is not all inclusive. Please work with the Community if you are unsure how to label a release.
Compilation
6.16.1. Unlike other Petesmuisc_UK tags such as ‘Album’ and ‘Single’, ‘Compilation’ does not need to appear on the release or be cited from a trustworthy source. The compilation tag can be used in conjunction with any other available tag, for example, ‘Compilation, Album’. The guidelines remain the same for each individual tag.
6.16.2. Use the ‘Compilation’ tag in the same way as other discographies, collectors, shops and the general public use it: To indicate a ‘Greatest Hits’, ‘Best Of’, or otherwise themed gathering of tracks, usually taken from a variety of previously issued sources.
6.16.3. The tag can be used when a release takes previously available tracks from different sources, and repackages them.
6.16.4. The tag can be used when the release is two or more previously available releases packaged together.
6.16.5. Official discographies and other respected sources can be useful when deciding when to use this tag.
6.16.6. When Not To Use The ‘Compilation’ Tag:
• Releases reissued with bonus or extra tracks should not be tagged as a compilation. For example, text like ‘This release was compiled by …’ or ‘This compilation …’ is sometimes found on releases that contain bonus tracks. Do not use the ‘compilation’ tag on releases that carry such text, unless they fulfill the requirements set out above.
• ‘Sampler’, ‘mixed’ or ‘split’ releases should not be tagged as a compilation unless that term is used in a non-technical way on the release, or by trustworthy sources.
• Releases containing previously unreleased tracks (or mostly previously unreleased tracks) that are not called compilations by an official source.
• 7″ releases combining previously released singles as “double-hit” type releases.
• If there is doubt or disagreement, please do not use the tag and please ask in the Database Forum for advice.
6.16.7. Examples of the use of this tag:
• Valid compilations:
o Lemonheads* – Create Your Friends – A compilation of two albums, ‘Hate Your Friends’ and ‘Creator’.
o Massive Attack – Collected – A ‘Best Of’ type compilation.
• Releases that are not considered compilations:
o Blondie – Autoamerican – Release states “This compilation ?© 2001 Chrysalis Records, Inc”, used in the technical sense, the release is the original album plus some bonus tracks.
o The Who – The Who Sell Out – This release contains the text “This compilation (P) & (C) 1995 Polydor Ltd. (UK)”, this is also used in the technical sense. It is perfectly acceptable to copy the “This Compilation…” text to the Release Notes.
Reissue And Repress
6.17.1. The ‘Reissue’ tag can be used when used on the release itself, or the release is referred to as a reissue by the artist, label or other official sources. It can also be used where the content of the release is not the first issue of the work. This is generally independent of the format – a CD can be a reissue of an LP. It can also be independent of country, but take into account that a work may have its initial releases at different times in different countries, so in general don’t use the tag if there is only a short time period (roughly less than 18 months) between the issues.
Often, it can be instinctive that a release is a reissue (for example, when holding an LP from the 1960s, but the jacket and vinyl feel new). It is ok to use the tag here, but please be clear in the Submission Notes and / or Release Notes why the tag has been used – remember that people need to be able to distinguish a release they hold just by looking at it, using the notes to describe the release is important and helpful.
Reissue should not be used where the work does not appear in its original form, for example, singles that combine two hits together, or CD’s that combine two albums, unless the release itself uses that term.
6.17.2. The ‘Repress’ tag can be used when used on the release itself, or the release is referred to as a repress by the artist, label or other official sources. You can also use the tag when you can state a good reason for doing so in the release and / or Submission Notes. A repress must originate from the original master disc, and the term is only applied to formats that are stamped or pressed out, such as vinyl and CD. The ‘Reissue’ tag can be used in other circumstances, see the guideline for the correct usage of that tag. ‘Reissue’ and ‘Repress’ can be used together.
Shaped Vinyl Size
6.18. When selecting the “size” for the format for shaped records, choose the size to correspond to the width of the recorded section of the disc.
All Media & Box Set
6.19. Box Set & All Media format tags must be used in combination with other media types.