Monday, March 10, 2008 at 12:01AM

I don't know what to call an artist release these days.

Is it album, record, CD? All three words point to audio formats that are nearly obsolete.

It's hard to write a review of a new work when you don't even know what word to use. For example "The band's debut ALBUM is strong, but not inventive." This sentence is fine, but I still don't think "album" is the correct word. Still, it sounds a lot better than MP3.

Music labels are another thing: RoadRunner Records. Retrospect Records. Universal Records. Metal Blade Records.

Are artists releasing records - which are simply a vinyl product of a pressed recording - or are they releasing albums?

Am I just splitting hairs?

I don't think so. The whole joy of buying new music is all but gone these days. An artist - and label - theoretically doesn't even need to spend money on cover art anymore. Just put up a picture of the band and load the songs on iTunes. If it is uploaded, they will come.

I am torn.

There is nothing better than going through bins at a thrift shop and looking for rare vinyl. I equally enjoy cruising the cutout bins of big box music shops, trying to score a great deal. Still, I sometimes get impatient and iTunes can usually fulfill my music fix within seconds.

Don't get me wrong. I love my iPod. The digital music players are completely genius. I can't imagine going to work or the gym without my iPod. Still, there is nothing quite as satisfying as tracking down some rare release (is that the correct word?) and playing it for the first time.

Maybe it's just me. What do you prefer: physical or digital media? Also, do you say "release," "album," or "record?"