OK... so here come's my thoughts on this... good topic by the way!
1. Why are so many side CDs created?
In the UK a special UK edition is always released to stop people importing a cheaper version from the rest of the EU. This usually involves adding a couple of extra tracks/remixes etc. I think the same thing happens in Japan.
2. I thought pressing a CD cost a lot of money so they would want one CD--and then make tons of copies of that??
CD's are manufactured by the bucketload and as someone said, they are very cheap to produce. If you know where to go in London there are plenty of shops that sell CD's for £1. these are just surplus stock. HMV and Virgin also clear out at £2.99 for quite a few CD's. Everyone must still be making money on these
3. I have found many studio, pressed CDs that have some live recordings, new cover art, etc... Where do singles come from?
Singles are the songs chosen by record company execs that they think will push the album. In the UK there is quite a focus on the singles chart as it is usually a good indicator that the album will sell well, although there are always some artists that sell well without a 'lead single' and vice versa
4. Do singles come from the concerts only?
No... singles come from albums and promote these
5. Why do they sometimes re-release a CD, call it an import on Amazon with a few bonus tracks, and then charge $15, $25, $30 for it?
See #1...
6. Also, how are singles chosen?
See #3. There are usually between 3 and 5 singles for an album and the record company tries to showcase the artist through that campaign to sell as many of the album as possible.
7. Before a CD is released, how do they know which songs will be most popular?
They guess! Well... not quite but they genuinely don't know for certain. Most recently Robbie Williams (who is a huge success over here) released a simgle "Rudebox" to promote his new album. It tanked and has just about dropped out of the chart after 3 weeks... someone is going to be in trouble.
8. Radio...how do they know? Do they play every song right after the CD is released and then just keep getting requests for the "commonly considered greatest" song?
No.... record companies send out "promo" singles (these are highly collectible!) and radio stations list them (A list, B list etc). A high profile song from a high profile artist will automatically enter on A list (heavy rotation) whereas others can build up from C list to B list etc...
Promo's are also sent out to clubs with remixes on so they can play them to lots of drunk people on a Friday night in the vain hope they will remember the song and want to buy it (this actually works!!)
9. Why do they put EP on a CD? I have a Howie Day live CD that says EP on the front. Wasn't that for records only?
In the UK there are very strict chart rules as to what can be considered a single and what is not. There must be 1 CD priced at £1.99, this can have 2 tracks (or 3 if there is only one other format). There can be two other formats (CD/DVD/vinyl) which cannot contain more than 2 more tracks or an unlimited number of the title track (remixes). If a release satisfies all of this then it is chart eligible.
Obviously, sometimes a band just wants to put some songs out there and doesnt care about the chart but they don't have enough material for an album. They release an "EP"
10. Do certain artists get to release live CDs because they are so popular?
This can be the case. Live CD's DVD's are tricky as they need to be recorded/filmed whilst the atrist is on tour. This often happens before or during a release and so the record company doesn't know how popular the album will be and hence no live CD recorded.
11. It really sucks when you like an unpopular artist and they don't get the chance to make live CDs, etc.
Yes this is a bummer!
12. Special editions--they also get me and make me angry. Especially if you already own the normal edition.
See #1... I take it you also mean when an album is re-released with another CD. This is usually to hook people who have been holding off buying the album if it has been out a while and the hardcore fan! It also stops the price of the album falling towards the end of it's campaign if the artist has gained popularity
13. Live CD's and then DVD's? This confuses me as well. Some artists release a CD with the live concert but they also release a DVD. Whatever.
Yes... it's all about selling as much of their stuff as they can!
14. MUSIC VIDEOS. Why the HECK do they go to all the trouble to make amazing pieces of video and then hold them tight? Can someone tell me how exactly music videos work. I understand they are played from time to time on television. You can watch them on AOL Radio, etc. But the quality online isn't that amazing, either. Why don't they include music videos more? I do have a few CDs that either have a DVD with a music video or a really low quality version included on the CD.
Most CD singles have the music video on them nowadays. Most successful artists will release them on DVD at some point or as you say, include a bonus DVD in the album (becoming more popular!)
15. First of all, I have purchased CDs ONLY because of how powerful the music video is. I can't recall going, yuck...bad video, I'm not buying the CD. I also don't understand why I shouldn't get a copy of the video for free with the music--one that I can store.
As I said, they usually come on the single in .mov format which MC handles very well (I have all mine stored this way, much like a video jukebox). Also Itunes sell them and 7digital.co.uk
And on to greatest hits....
They usually have a few new songs on for a number of reasons. Firstly the artist needs radio play to promote their 'new' album, therefore they need a new single (very few songs get played that are not singles). Also as someone has mentioned they need to get the person who has all of their stuff already to buy the hits CD...