A liner note essay is an editorial piece composed to accompany the CD booklet or the inner sleeve/gatefold of a vinyl album. It is not to be confused with simple credits or special thanks commonly defined as “liner notes” (or, in European territories, “sleeve notes”). A Liner Note Essay is a proper essay in which the writer elucidates on historical background, expository perspectives and, most importantly (in my work, at least), anecdotes and reflections from people who were involved with the artist at hand, the creative process behind a specific album, or both professional and personal confessions about the music. These people include band members, session musicians, engineers, producers, loved ones, rivals, etc.

 

Writing Liner Note Essays is my favorite of all the writing that I do. It is immeasurably rewarding to have my words be a part of the packaging of a CD reissue, anthology or brand-new piece of work by an artist that I respect and/or admire. I assume great responsibility and utmost care in preparing essays that are passionately wrought, rich in detail, easy for insiders, connoiseurs and lay people alike to comprehend, and as entertaining as they are informative and educational.

 

I have composed over 300 Liner Note Essays and am proud of every piece.

 

 

- A. Scott Galloway