LASER ETCHEDThis is one of those places where we are going to violate our rule concerning imports, since most of this type of cd seems to be imported, usually cd singles.
I am not sure how these are made or even if a laser is involved but it is a nice effect which exagerates the rainbow colors of a regular cd. The pattern, which is related to the band or the song, is unique to each laser etched cd and is usually visible from both sides of the disc. It is well worth having some of these in your collection.  METALLICA STAND UP AND SHOUT |
 RUSH- ROLL THE BONES CD SINGLE  PRINCE MONEY DON'T MATTER |
LENTICULAR COVERS
There are two types of this cover. The 3-D type gives the picture an illusion of depth, and the shifting type changes the picture as you tilt it right or left or up or down. This technology has been around for many years, but is becoming much more effective as it continues to improve. The first cd that I am aware of that used it was the Tribe Called Quest shown below, but there could have been others before. Note that there are two types of plastic lens used for cds. On one type the lens is part of the cover as a seperate piece of material from the jewel box. On the other, the lens is molded into the jewel box front and therefore the jewel box has to be there in order to get the effect. I wil not include many pictures of these, since the effect does not photograph well.
 SPIDERMAN SOUNDTRACK 3-D COVER |
 TRIBE CALLED QUEST SHIFTING COVER |
SHAPED CDS
BACKSTREET BOYS SHAPED CD
In the olden days someone got the idea to cut records into irregular shapes to make special editions. The cd version never really caught on and I'm not even sure the they will even play. Cds rotate at a much higher speed than records so I think that they would be unstable if not perfectly balanced. I didn't want to risk my cd player to find out. These are rare and mostly imports. I know what you are thinking, and the answer is no, I will not trade my A.J. for your Howie.
PRINCE CD WITH SYMBOL PRINTED ON COVER
UNUSUAL JEWEL BOXES
Jewel boxes have pretty much been the same since the beginning of cds so you can feel free to replace them without effecting the value of your collectable cds. There are exceptions of course that you should be aware of. Frosted top jewel boxes from original issue cds should be saved unless in bad shape. Original lift loc jewel boxes for Mobile Fidelity Gold cds shold be kept. If a cd originally came in a specific color of jewel box or has printing on the jewelbox cover, these should be saved as well. Other types include opaque (not see through) covers, which usually have a sticker on the cover, or are embossed in some way and book type. Book type covers can be very collectable if they are well made of nice materials, but do not confuse these with cheaper types which just have a thin cardboard sleeve or folding cover. There are other types you may run into. Just try to keep anything usual. The rest can be replaced.
X GAMES WITH OPAQUE JEWEL BOX
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ELVIS PRESLEY IN BOOK TYPE COVER
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CD SINGLES
Cd singles replaced the old 45 records, except that cd singles usually have more than two songs.
Sometimes there are songs, live tracks, or remixes that are not available anywhere else. Although most cd singles are normal size, there was an attempt to sell a smaller size for awhile. This never really took off, so these are rare and collectable. Be aware that the smaller size may not play in all players.
Sometimes there are songs, live tracks, or remixes that are not available anywhere else. Although most cd singles are normal size, there was an attempt to sell a smaller size for awhile. This never really took off, so these are rare and collectable. Be aware that the smaller size may not play in all players.