FOR THE WEEK OF April 12, 1999

DEAR JERRY: What is a gatefold cover? I hear this term used a lot. Is this an album that has just one fold like a book or does it have two folds like a letter you would send in the mail? My other question is about a picture disc. Is this an album that has a picture only in the middle of the album or is the whole album one big picture?
—Mike Kennedy, Paris, Texas (cb134@webtv.net)

DEAR MIKE: The cover of an album with a gatefold cover, of which there are thousands, opens like the front cover of a book, or, wouldn't you know it, a gate.

Like a book or magazine, nearly all gatefold covers open from right to left, though a few mavericks exist that open upwards from bottom to top. When opened, most display liner notes and photos inside. The right, or bottom, side contains the record. Gatefolds exist for seven-inch EPs as well as LPs.

Gatefolds commonly contain either one or two discs. Those with two are known as double-pocket covers. In the '50s we even had a few triple-pocket releases, though this format is quite uncommon.

A picture disc is made with artwork, usually of or relating to the artist, imbedded between the top and bottom layer of vinyl. To best display the art, most picture discs use clear vinyl instead of traditional black.

DEAR JERRY: I recall a song with a Motown-type sound that seemed to be a big hit around 1971. I believe it was by an act called Mac and Katie. It may have been called Juppa Juppa Jeep Jeep.

For such a catchy tune I've been surprised that I haven't heard it on the radio, including oldies stations, in at least 25 years. There is no mention of this artist or title in the reference computer at my local record store.

Please tell me about this elusive song.
—Steve Eskenazi, Winter Haven, Florida

DEAR STEVE: You supply an interesting mix of details, some of which are not too far off the mark.

The correct title of this Top 20 hit, from the summer of '71, is “ Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep.” The duo is the brother-sister team, Mac and Katie Kissoon (ABC 11306).

Mac and Katie, who hail from Trinidad, had no other chart hits.

DEAR JERRY: I was recently given a collection of older records, a mix of 78s and 33s, which seem to be pre-1960s. They all seem to be in great shape, except for dust. What is the best way to clean these?
—Lisa (bgrabel1@tampabay.rr.com)

DEAR LISA: To clean vinyl or polystyrene records, I recommend a liquid soap used with cool or lukewarm water. Then dry them with a soft, lint-free cloth, or let them drip dry. Never use commercial household cleaners or solvents.

One word of caution: do not use water on non-vinyl 78 rpms, most of which are shellac and will be damaged by water. Wipe 78s clean with a clean cloth, lightly dampened by a shot of water from a spray bottle. You do not indicate you have 78s, but I mention this for other readers who might.

When in doubt, clean only the side of the disc containing the song you like least. Then, if need be, you can abort the mission.

Those with large collections to clean may even want to invest in a record cleaning machine, and there are some good ones available.

What's it Worth? Get fast appraisals by e-mail!

DEAR JERRY: Have you gotten any good responses yet to the squeaky noise in Elvis' “So Glad You're Mine”?
—Dirk Carpenter, York, Pa.

DEAR DIRK: Several readers have tried to solve the squeak mystery, but thus far I have yet to receive any credible enough to share. We haven't given up, so stay tuned.

For those who missed this story, click here for the details.

IZ ZAT SO? Unlikely though it may seem, Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup, who wrote and recorded the original “So Glad You're Mine,” had the world's first 45 rpm single. In 1948, RCA Victor chose his “That's All Right” to be the first in their series of the “brand new, unbreakable 45 rpm singles.”