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LP" is a term used with vinyl phonograph records that means "Long Play," a category of record containing more than one song per side, unlike smaller record "singles." A record album is a collection of songs, usually by a single artist. Albums are produced in the LP format, making the terms interchangeable even though the abbreviation LP does not technically stand for "album."
History
The term "record album" derives from early 78-rpm (revolutions per minute) records stored together in a booklike album, beginning with a recording of Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite" in 1909. The LP albums we know today began to be commercially produced in the late 1940s.
Record Types
Along with LP, records can also be in the EP (Extended Play) format--a sort of "mini-album" containing 10 to 15 recorded minutes per side--and the once-popular single format, with one song per side that is usually no longer than four minutes.
Size
Standard LP albums are 12 inches in diameter, as opposed to the smaller 7-inch records used for singles and EPs.
Speeds
LP records play at 33 1/3 rpm, and singles play at 45 rpm; other records were produced in the earlier days to play at 16 and 78 rpm as well.
Albums
Song collections today are still commonly called albums, whether they are released on cassette, CD or digitally, even though no record is actually involved, and at times no case with cover art or liner notes as well.
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