Tedium explores the world of hidden tracks in the music industry, particularly focusing on the infamous pregap, the space before the first track of a CD. The article highlights Willie Nelson as the pioneer of pregap hidden tracks through a patent filing by Justice Records. It delves into the technical aspects, controversies, and limitations of pregaps, such as CD plants’ reluctance to press CDs with pregaps. Additionally, the piece discusses the rise and fall of Enhanced CDs, noting the challenges artists faced with mixing data tracks and music tracks, including Barenaked Ladies’ humorous approach to the format. Ultimately, the author showcases the unique history and evolution of hidden tracks in the music industry.
https://tedium.co/2024/07/06/compact-disc-pregap-history/