Ask “Mr. Music”
Jerry Osborne


FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 6, 1998

DEAR JERRY: I picked up my first copy ever of the Tacoma (Wash.) News Tribune, and I think your column about CD recordings and old records is the main reason why. Someone is watching out for me I guess.

Now I'm hoping you will answer some questions for me.

1. The CDs you create can play in any regular CD players (including car), right?

2. Is the sound quality nearly as good (if not as good) as a regular CD, or at least as good (if not better) than a tape? Is the quality good enough to warrant buying a CD-R? I've been considering one for data purposes for awhile but haven't been able to justify it. However, getting all my old records on CD would definitely justify it for me.

3. Is the process relatively easy to learn?

4. How do you hook up your turntable to your PC? Does the CD-R come with a card that has an input jack?

Thanks for your time and knowledge, I hope to hear back from you.
—Laurey D'Allred, Tacoma, Wash.

DEAR LAUREY: In numerical order asked, here are the answers:

1. Discs made using the CD recorder/rewritable system can be played on any CD player - AC (home entertainment center, multimedia, etc.) or DC (car, portable, laptop, etc.).

Be forewarned, however, about not recording your entire disc in one session, which is but one option offered by the Easy CD Creator software. Should you leave your disc session open, then return later to add more tracks, you will find that the tracks from any later sessions will play only on your computer's multimedia player. The subsequent tracks are there but cannot be recognized by other players.

The solution is of course to not "create CD" until you have your entire program of tracks ready to write.

2. Restoration steps notwithstanding, the audio quality will match that of the source. The best results are obtained by using a digital source, such as another CD or sound file.

I'd say the benefits would more than justify you taking the CD-R plunge.

3. Yes, it is very easy to learn the process.

4. Whether your source is a turntable, tape player, or external CD player, the standard phono plug output lines plug into a sound card on the back of your CPU (computer) box. There is no separate card for the CD-R. Some output amplification may be necessary if your source device is not self-contained, though you won't know until you set things up and check the recording levels.

Now go make some custom CDs.

Got a question for Mr. Music? Submit it HERE!

DEAR JERRY: I grew up in New York City in the '50s. One song I remember well, and a 45 I used to have, is "Priscilla," by Eddie Coolie & the Dimples.

Now, everyone - especially my wife - just laughs when I mention this song and group. No one believes me. Can you back me up on this? Is "Priscilla" available on CD yet?
—Bruce Edwards, Mt. Joy, Pa.

DEAR BRUCE: Backup has arrived. "Priscilla," a Top 20 hit in mid-1956 (Royal Roost 621), is hardly an obscure track. In fact, considering Cooley's Presley-like style, I always wondered why Elvis didn't record this tune during his years with Priscilla. Maybe his crystal ball suggested otherwise.

You don't say but could it be that your laughing wife's name is also Priscilla? If so, this is her song!

This medium-tempo rocker is on at least one CD, "R&B Gems II," a mail order release from Time-Life (RNR-48).

IZ ZAT SO? Though many may not remember Eddie Cooley's one hit, "Priscilla," most are surely aware of his best-known composition, "Fever" — popularized by such stars as Little Willie John, Peggy Lee, and Elvis Presley.









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





Return to "Mr. Music" Home Page