Compile This!

Sadly, the compilations are as you describe, and often worse. Even "Greatest Hits" by a particular artist leaves out many of my favorite songs, usually. Also, in 50s and 60s compilations, you have to beware re-recordings, which not only suck, but are grounds the whip the compiler's ass.

You have a good point about re-recordings, Edgar.

I'm glad to know there are others out there who share my disdain for compilations.

I mean, on what planet does someone think "Popsicles, Icicles" is some of the best music to come out of the sixties? Sheesh!

Rhino Records has some pretty good compilations:

http://www.rhino.com/

My son, who has given me some strange gifts, gave me Rhino's, "Have a Nice Decade" which had more songs from the 70's than I would ever want to remember!

Hey, I thoght Woo Hoo out of the 50s by the Rockateens would sink into oblivion in the same decade, but it keeps getting revived.

Thanks for the suggestion, Phoenix. I'll check it out!

I second the Rhino recommendation - if they do a single artist GH it will include all that's good.

The reason you don't get beatles/doors/stones etc is they charge a higher rate so the compiler has to trade off between a reasonably priced disc or an inclusive one - artists with still selling back catalogues don't need no stinking mix cd to get cash.

Maybe the guy was referring to a certificate of deposit.

Even though it's jazz, they should appreciate the quality of the music.
The Best of the Blue Note
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:agy67u5070jj

I've got a bunch of indie compiliations that i like - the indie 2000 series, the loaded and inhaled series.

But as far as Jazz goes I love 'Jazz on a summers day':

Take five Dave Brubeck
Summertime - Sarah Vaughan
Moanin' - Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers
The man I love - Peggy Lee
I wish I knew - Billy Taylor and the Billy Taylor Trio
The girl from Ipanema - Astrud Gilberto and Stan Getz
So what - Miles Davis
Mercy, mercy, mercy - Cannonball Adderly
Lullaby of birdland - Sarah Vaughan
Watermelon man - Mongo Santamaria
Mack the Knife - Louis Armstrong
Got my mojo workin' - Jimmy Smith
Walkin' shoes - Gerry Mulligan with Chet Baker
Birdland - Weather Report
Hymn to freedom - Oscar Peterson

Ohh! I have a cd of Dave Brubeck's that I love! His "Take Five" is probably my all time favorite jazz piece!

For all you Brits out there ..I Wish I Knew by Billy Taylor is the theme from Barry Norman's Film Night.This IS one of the best Jazz compo's ever.Nina Simone does a cracking vocal version of "I Wish...." on her "The Very Best Of" as well