Inadvertent Masterpieces: Compilations that are brilliant in their own right.

I dunno, out of all the US albums this one has the most famous history, yet the most lacklustre tracklist (2 Ringo songs?).
Should have been called, "Leftovers from the last 2 albums, plus three new songs not yet out in the UK".

 

Another nod to This Is The Moody Blues

More brilliantly-realised/essential comps:

The Shadows 20 Golden Greats and The Beach Boys 20 Golden Greats (both 1976)

Saint Etienne Too Young to Die: Singles 1990–1995

George Michael Ladies and Gentlemen

John Lennon Shaved Fish


Edit: have to chuck in Scott Walker Boy Child, the beginning of a lifelong obsession

 

I love One Last Kiss by spinart label. Killer comp of early 90s indie.

 

Another vote for the Buffs and Dylan's GH's Vol. II.

 

Asylum Years by Tom Waits
Rock And Roll Diary (double LP version) by Lou Reed

 

Bob, Volume II was life-changing (truly) when my Mom bought it for me when I was twelve.

Was reading the credits on PP&M albums, and asked her who this DIE-LAN guy was. The next day she brought home VOL II.

 

Wikipedia states that Masterpieces "features one previously unreleased track, a unique (1962) outtake version of Mixed-Up Confusion". Don't know about "Corrina Corrina", there's a huge scholarly website that examines which versions are used on his record releases around the world (!), but I can't recall it now...sorry...

The first 7 tracks on CD 2 are all rare single sides (except "Positively 4th Street" which isn't rare).

 

The only way it could be better is by including the studio version of Charming Man.

 

Surprised nobody has mentioned:
Jimi Hendrix - Smash Hits

 

Summarily dismissed by hardcore Beatles fans at the time, it became one the biggest selling albums of the year 2000 and later the decade, topping the charts in over 30 countries.

 

The Cure - Boys Don't Cry
The Cure - Staring at the Sea
The Smiths - Louder Than Bombs
Morrissey - Bona Drag
Joy Division - Substance
New Order - Substance

 

I do own From the Original Master Tapes. An excellent album with superb sound. CD mastering at it's best.

I think there are many, many "Inadvertant Masterpiece Compliations" besides the mentioned Buddy Holly album from artist from that era & the pre rock & roll era.
Artists such as Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf (for example the Rocking Chair album), Little Walter, Jimmy Rogers, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis etc etc. hundreds of artists.

 

A singles based era. Little Richard's first two LPs were compilations of singles and are incredible.

 

Sladest!

 

I came to this thread looking for ‘inadvertent masterpieces’ but all I can find is greatest hits comps!

 

Eagles Greatest Hits
Doobie Brothers Greatest Hits
Carpenters - Singles

 

Brown Sugar was not on it until 2007.

 

The Best of Blue Oyster Cult

I was familiar with just the name - Don't Fear the Reaper - but not the song or anything else by the group, and only picked up this cd a few days ago and am playing it in the car. It is awesome. I'm already saying 'This is not the summer of love....'

I had the same reaction to Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy from many years ago on vinyl. It was my only Who record at the time.

 

I think John Cale's "Guts" falls into that category, introduced a lot of americans to Cale. I remember Cale doing a phone in on an Australian tour, a guy came on and just wouldn't shut up about the brilliance of it. Left Cale speechless.

 

King Of The Blues Guitar 1969
Albert King

Some album tracks from Born Under a bad sign which were often singles too plus uncompiled instrumental b sides and a cracking Dec 67' 45.

A bit random so say it quietly that it may well top Born Under A Bad Sign which is a legendary LP and one of the finest electric blues long players ever made!

 

OP: Inadvertant Masterpieces: Compilations that are brilliant in their own right.

 

Mono Masters

Red album and Blue Album

Life changing for me