exploremusic

First, there’s the bootleg which is an unauthorized recording of some kind of performance, which could range from a concert or broadcast of some sort.  When we talk about a counterfeit record, we mean something on CD or vinyl that looks exactly–or at least tries to–like the original legitimate release.  And finally, there’s a pirate recording.  These are duplicates of the legitimate release but with different artwork, graphics and packaging.  The most common sort of pirate releases are greatest hits compilations done without the permission of the artist.  The other common form of pirate release are collections of demos and unreleased tracks.