Greatest Hits collections that have stood the test of time

I don't like the song edits on this one and Remember Walking In The Sand should have been left off in favor of something else. Mama Kin perhaps. I actually like the track listing on Gems. What they really need is a 2 cd compilation of the Columbia Years.

 

Agreed There is an expanded version of this released back in the 90s as an import with a better more complete track listing

 

I think the sentimental part outweighs favorite in my original intent.

 

Is this sourced from the Vic Anesini remasters?

 

Yes

 

this one, of course... but Janis had like 3 albums to draw from, so it wasn't hard compiling a definitve hits collection

 

Actually, 4 albums, but you were close.

 

Rush - Chronicles; I'd still recommend this to a Rush neophyte over the newer compilations.
Judas Priest - Metal Works '73-'93
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - Greatest Hits
Thin Lizzy - Dedication

 

America - History
Chicago - IX
Mamas and Papas - 16 of their Greatest Hits
Seals & Crofts - Greatest Hits

 

Picked up two this weekend that both meet the high standard of great basic overview AND amazing sound quality... Both of these blew me away yesterday... Original versions of course...

 

Oh, definitely! The mastering is really great on it too. Excellent sound quality.

 

Jimi Hendrix - Smash Hits

 

Hank Williams - 40 Greatest Hits

 

Pearl Jam Rearviewmirror. The test of time - I bought it 4 days ago.

 

The Who - Meaty, Beaty, Big and Bouncy

Chuck Berry - The Great 28

Steve Miller Band - Greatest Hits 74-78

 

This one is pretty much perfect. Still holds up after all these years...

 

I bought Engelbert Humperdinck's greatest hits today, the original 1974 release... it is a sentimental favorite, but at 10 songs, and less than (?) 30 minutes, there are many other best of's that have a lot more music.... this one hits the highlights, nothing but highlights, and there's a lot to be said about a cd I can play from front to back, without employing the skip feature (it was a #1 album in the U.K.)

 

That one goes in the "epic fail" pile for me, due to the inclusion of several short/edited versions. And considering that it's drawn from only 3 albums, you'd be better off just buying the 3 albums and tossing away the comp.

 

The beautiful thing about these forums is that we are free to disagree. This album, based on its order and song selection, played a key role in the love of rock music that I attained in my early teenage years. It led me to explore the many gems in Miller's catalog and to dig deeper into the genre. Yes, in hindsight you can quibble about songs edits and exclusions, but this album was and continues to be, a great success and a fine introduction to Steve Miller. Indeed, even after all these years, this album brings a smile to my face and the uncontrollable urge to break out into song.

 

I agree about the song selection being drawn from only three albums (if you want to get picky it's only two since the title track of "The Joker" being the only song from that album included) and having edited versions on it, but this album was huge back then when it was released. There have been better compilations of his material released since ("Young Hearts" being one) but this is the one most fans remember. I even had it on vinyl and I had all three individual albums when I bought it.

 

The following collections were released many years ago, but are still the best hits collections on the market:

The Jam - Compact Snap
Buddy Holly - From The Original Master Tapes
The Who - Meaty Beaty Big & Bouncy
The Rascals - The Ultimate Rascals (from the Rock & Roll Classics in Digital series)
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - Greatest Hits
The Hollies - All The Hits and More

 

You are right that this compilation is THE disc to have for Engelbert's music. One should also get an LP of the After The Lovin' for the title track or the 45 of that song.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000009POA/

 

All of the Johnny Horton greatest hits comps hit the highlights and stand the test of time but the more songs included in the comp, the better in this case.