It’s December 1975, less than a week out from Christmas. What to get your teenage niece? Her parents gave her a small record player for her birthday and have been complaining about the noise emanating from her bedroom ever since. And the last time they visited she sat with her ear pressed against a tiny transistor radio for most of the afternoon. Music, then. A trip to the local suburban record store—also selling hi-fi and electrical appliances—reveals that the record companies have helpfully released a slew of compilation albums, selections of so-called Greatest Hits, just in time for the festive season. You ask the young fellow behind the counter for advice. He’s tall and skinny and looks like a uni student, kind of superior and lost-looking simultaneously. But he smiles encouragingly and points towards a section of the record racks marked “Gift Ideas.” These all came out this year, he says. There’s quite a range.
*
Some terrific brass-driven songs on this first compilation by the US ensemble. Having released seven LPs in six years, there was no shortage of strong material. [#7]
*
The Beatles drummer and sometime singer had released four album, one of which—Ringo!—was quite successful. The joy of this compilation, however, are the two singles “It Don’t Come Easy” and the driving “Back Off Boogaloo.” Great fun. [#6]
*
The harmonising trio wrote some great songs; pretty melodies and catchy choruses. Probably all the America you need. [#5]
*
The Canadian poet/singer/songwriter/novelist had a reputation for being miserable. Laughing Len he was sarcastically labelled. But that is mostly his flat delivery. The songs are memorable and many of the lyrics, like a good red, have improved with age. [#4]
*
Robert Fripp selected the material for this compilation of King Crimson, 1969–1975. It is a fine introduction to the band and its music, though this fan would argue that all the pictured albums (with the exception of Earthbound) are essential. [#3]
*
This thorough four LP compilation of English folk and folk rock is exactly what it says on the box. A treasure trove for any fan of the music, despite being light on radio-friendly hits. [#2]
*
Not many ‘best of’ albums can be deemed essential, but this is one. The non-album releases, the inclusion of the key song from the somewhat challenging Sometime In New York City, plus the other thoughtful choices make this a requisite for any (vinyl) fan of John Winston Lennon. I’ve always liked the cover art, too. [#1]
*
Which record would you pick? Or would you give up and buy a new electric shaver?
*
vinylconnection.com.au 
Lennon seems like the essential one, since stuff like Cold Turkey didnt appear on a studio album.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s what I think too, G.
LikeLike
Stream me up, Spot’y.
(No offence intended to the young sales person).
Maybe Ringo deserves a listen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Any resemblance to people living or on the way out…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sign me up for America. You’re right, I’m good with about 40 minutes worth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s the joy of a good comp, isn’t it? Just the right amount.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the electric muse, and Lennon. I have several of these but those are the two I play.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think that’s true for me also, Neil. Though (whisper it) I often go to the CD set of Electric Muse as it adds material.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s a book of that name which is worth a read and yes the added material is worth it regardless of format. The LP is very Fairport centered but that opening medley is fun. It may be sacrilege but I’m warming to the occasional CD as some albums only exist in the format.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely. The format is good for a number of things, isn’t it? Bonus tracks (often a mixed blessing), contemporaneous live recordings (frequently fascinating, eg: the 50th anni ’Time Out’), efficient presentation of the material (eg: Keith Jarrett’s Bremen-Lausanne works much better with one CD for each concert rather than three sides per gig), thorough compilations/historical re-issues.
I absolutely loved the book Electric Eden by Rob Young (if that’s the one you mean!). Sent me into perhaps my longest ever dive into English folk-rock.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes Electric Eden, fascinating book, likewise sent me on a spiral to folk rock mayhem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice one Bruce. Shaved Fish is great but I hate the way they split ‘Give Peace a Chance’ in two – why do that?!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s odd, for sure. I mean, if you want to echo Sgt Pepper (and why not?) at least put the whole song at the beginning of Shaved Fish, not just a snippet. But having said that, one minute of Give Peace a Chance is probably enough at any one sitting. Or bedding.
LikeLiked by 1 person