Audiophile Vinyl

Compilations primarily used to mean ‘best ofs’ with, say, all the hits for those who just weren’t invested enough to crave an artist’s or band’s complete catalogue. While more focused than ‘various artists’ collections like the interminable Now That’s What I Call… series, they were just as variable sonically because the track selection might span several decades.

But we’ve come a long way from the days of K-Tel, or from quickie label cash-ins such as A Collection Of Beatles Oldies (But Goldies!) released in 1966. Although an official EMI issue, The Beatles apparently had no input into the album, which might explain the illogical track selection.

Unknown Pleasures
Nowadays, single-artist compilations include hits packages, rarities collections or even gatherings of whole LPs, and the 20 here were compiled with either completeness, authority or both in mind. In some cases, as the artists are still with us, they even have their input or approval. For collectors who feel they already have everything by a given artist or band, the labels spice things up with previously unreleased or alternate tracks, outtakes or material that renders the sets essential.

Also on these pages are entirely remastered collections from the past (Collective Soul, The Beatles), the complete output by artists many of us have never heard of (The West Coast Consortium), and even a posthumous set made up of Kenny Rogers’ unreleased songs. Jazz, rock, soul, funk – there’s something for everyone.

Jack Bruce
Smiles & Grins
Esoteric ECLEC 62852 4CD/2Blu-ray

With the subtitle ‘The Broadcast Sessions 1970-2001’, this isn’t the place to look for Cream tracks, but what you do get is an in-depth study of 30 years’ worth of the legendary bass player’s later output. This massive set contains the surviving radio and television appearances including one for Germany’s Beat Club in 1970 with Lifetime (featuring Tony Williams, John McLaughlin and Larry Young) that wasn’t broadcast, and all the surviving BBC sessions – among them two for The Old Grey Whistle Test in 1975 and 1981. Everything has been remastered, the two Blu-rays worth the price of admission.

Alan Hull
Singing A Song In The Morning Light
Grapefruit CRSEG4BOX141 4CDs

This just may be the most rarity-laden set any fan of British folk-rock music might encounter. Subtitled ‘the Legendary Demo Tapes 1967-1970’, this 4CD package contains no fewer than 77 previously unreleased tracks out of the 90 it offers. Primary songwriter and singer for Lindisfarne, responsible for ‘Lady Eleanor’ and ‘Winter Song’, Hull was also involved with Brethren and Skip Bifferty, as well as releasing solo albums. The breadth of his skills makes his passing at the age of just 50 all the more tragic. Despite the demo nature of these recordings, they’re surprisingly polished too.

Texas
The Very Best Of 1989-2023
[PIAS] Recordings PIASR5167CD 2CDs

OK, so 34 years is a weird anniversary to celebrate, but this 24-track selection shows the enduring appeal of a classy group that kicked off their career with the irresistible ‘I Don’t Want A Lover’. Its bottleneck guitar and the disguising of Sharleen Spiteri’s thick Scottish accent rendered it a fellow traveller to the primarily American alt.country movement of the 1980s/1990s, and it was right in tune with that similarly rootsy slide-guitar fancier Sheryl Crow. Texas has continued to produce, though sporadically, a fine album every three years or so. Notable here are three interesting guest duets and their latest two singles.

Neil Young
Archives Vol 1 (1963-1972)
Reprise 093624867548 8CDs

If, like me, you missed this when it was first released in June 2009, grab it. Although just the CD set and not the one with the bonus Blu-ray, it’s still the best-ever study of Young’s early years. I dropped a painful £160 on it because it covers his best work with the Buffalo Springfield. Having to confess I’m no fan of Young’s later works I’m biased, but the live Crazy Horse sets and loads of unreleased tracks make this a must-own for Youngsters.

Nina Simone
Blackbird
SoulMusic Records QSM8CR5218BX 8CDs

Containing 107 tracks and eight albums, this glorious set covers 1959-63, her entire output for Colpix. Roughly half of Nina’s work for the label consisted of live recordings, including exceptional gigs at the 1960 Newport Jazz Festival, a Carnegie Hall set and one at the Village Gate, but the box’s main draw is material found in the Colpix tape vaults in the early 2000s. In addition to the albums, you get 29 bonus tracks of single edits, non-LP sides and other treasures.

Tina Turner
Queen Of Rock ’n’ Roll
Parlophone 5054197750540 3CDs

Inevitably with her passing, Tina Turner would be the subject of a career-spanning set, and the 55 tracks here do a better-than-ample job. As the hype sticker reads ‘Her Legendary Solo Career’, it’s understandable that the classics from her years with Ike, eg, ‘Nutbush City Limits’, are later studio or live takes. Some of her noteworthy duets are included – David Bowie, Eric Clapton, Barry White, etc – while a new version of ‘Something Beautiful’ adds to the collectability.