In music, CW stands for comes with, coupled with, or combined with. This abbreviation is primarily used in the context of vinyl records, specifically 45 RPM singles, to refer to the B-side of the record.
Understanding CW in Music
The term "CW" emerged as a convenient shorthand to indicate which secondary track or song accompanies the primary track on a single. While less common in the digital age, it was a vital descriptor for physical music formats.
The Significance of 45 RPM Singles
To fully grasp the meaning of "CW," it's essential to understand the structure of a 45 RPM single:
- A-side (Primary Track): This was typically the song the record label intended to be the hit, the one promoted for radio play, and often the reason consumers bought the single.
- B-side (Flip Side / CW Track): This track "came with" the A-side. Historically, B-sides could be:
- An album track not intended as a single.
- An instrumental version of the A-side.
- A live recording.
- An unreleased song or demo.
- In some famous instances, the B-side itself became a hit or even more popular than the A-side.
Practical Application and Examples
When you encountered a record listing or the label on a physical 45 RPM single, "CW" (or more commonly "c/w") clearly denoted the relationship between the two songs.
Example Usage:
You might see a record listed as:
- "Song A c/w Song B"
- This signifies that "Song A" is the main A-side track, and "Song B" is the accompanying B-side track that "comes with" it.
This terminology provided a clear and concise way for record collectors, DJs, and music retailers to identify the content of single releases. It highlighted the package deal of the A-side and its accompanying B-side.
Evolution of Music Formats
While "CW" is rooted in the era of vinyl singles, the concept of a "main track" and "bonus content" continues in modern music, albeit without the explicit "CW" abbreviation. Digital singles often include remixes, acoustic versions, or other additional tracks that serve a similar purpose to the traditional B-side.
For more information on the history and significance of singles in music, you can explore resources like the Single (music) on Wikipedia.
