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Some time ago we threatened to do an episode on covermount CDs. For Chris, Dave and many, many other teenagers, the covermount CDs found bundled with copies of Kerrang!, Metal Hammer, NME and numerous other magazines were an indispensable way of finding new music.

At a time when these music magazines were still in high circulation, the covermount CD (or cassette, or vinyl) was also a great way for relatively unknown acts to find a new audience by being included on a CD with some of the biggest acts in the world.

But how did it all begin? What was the origin of these covermount CDs, cassettes, vinyl and floppy disks? How did it benefit bands, the magazines and the labels? Did it even have a positive effect on the smaller bands that found themselves on these release? And how exactly did unsigned bands manage to land a spot on one of these compilation albums?

In this episode we endeavour to answer all of these questions and attempt to figure out just how this process worked for musicians, managers, labels and magazines alike. We also talk about the ways in which these types of CDs - mostly from the late 90s and early 00s - had a huge effect on our music tastes as we grew up.

Next week we’ll be diving into the first in a brand new series where we review a covermount CD and let us tell you, there’s some true crackers to be discussed.

REMINDER: We’ve begun shipping vinyl for our new record club and there’s still plenty of time to get involved. Want to know how to get free records every month? Click the link below and check out our patreon!