Favorite compilation CDs

The compact disc was introduced into the US marketplace around 1983 or 1984 (oddly enough, right around the same time that 8-tracks disappeared). It took only a few years for compilation CDs to appear on the market, in the same vein as the K-Tel and Ronco compilation LPs of the mid/late 1970s.

The early compilations were a godsend to DJs like myself, and they provided us with clean, reliable copies of songs that wouldn't wear out with repeated cueings or playings. The CDs wouldn't melt in the sun (you're not really a mobile DJ until you've watched in horror as a 12" shrivels up on the turntable in afternoon sunlight), and were much smaller and lighter than the vinyl counterparts. The greatest invention ever, as far as I was concerned.

Compilations have become rather ubiquitous since the late 1990s, such as the US versions of the long-standing British series Now That's What I Call Music, for example. Older hits are constantly repackaged into short-lived oldies compilations. Although the sound quality of the new CDs is a bit better than some of the early releases, I still prefer the older compilations. The newer compilations can't replace the thrill of hearing the digital sonic womp of Amii Stewart's "Knock On Wood" for the first time, and hopefully this section of the website will convey some of the sheer joy spread by these early compilation CDs.

For you purists, I've found that the golden age of compilation CDs appears to be about 1992-1995. Collections from this period seem to have the best sound quality, with earlier collections having tinny sound or erratic sound levels, and later collections having too much compression (making everything appear louder than it should).

Sonically, I prefer the Rhino collections overall, which all have pretty uniform sound levels and minimal clipping. In particular, the "Just Can't Get Enough" series provides many of the definitive CD versions of '80s pop hits, the "Have A Nice Day" does the same for the '70s, "The Disco Years" and "In Yo' Face" are terrific and definitive multi-disc sets for their genres.

Running as close second in terms of sound are a series of compilations that are mastered by Steve Hoffman, who worked for the Dunhill Compact Classics (DCC) label. He mastered all the "Rock The First" and "Cosmopolitan" collections and a large number of Razor and Tie '80s collections. Everything (except Cosmo Vol. 5) touched by Steve Hoffman's hands has superb sound quality, and I highly recommend all of them, in addition to the Rhino stuff.

The very first batch of compilations, all released as the CD was commercially introduced to the US.

Silver Eagle Records

Priority Records

Razor And Tie Records

Rhino Records

Time-Life Records

Now That's What I Call Music

Atlantic's Year In Review

Jukebox

Pop and Wave

Canadian