For The People Who Died (Music Related Deaths in 2020)

Music related deaths in 2020

NPR: In Memoriam 2020 Musicians

Another list of music related deaths in 2020

RIP to all the wonderful music related names we lost in 2020.  

Intro To Album/Song A Week Posts

 Beginning January 1, I'm going to be posting my thoughts on an Album or Song every week in 2021.  This is not a new concept to anyone who follows bloggers, but it is something I've contemplated doing for some time.  What I hope to accomplish is feature albums/songs that have affected my life.  I also want to feature albums and songs that many people have forgotten.  We all have favorite

songs and albums that mean more to us than other listeners.  I don't plan to write up a history of my picks, but to give my choices from a personal point of view.  

Many of my posts will come from a Spotify playlist that I've had since its inception called Tracks Of My Life. 

Hope you'll follow me throughout 2021. 

Playlist for 12/26

Wanna Buy A Bridge - Various

Black Uhuru - Sinsemilla 

Teena Marie - Robbery

Joe Bonamassa - Royal Tea

Garth Brooks - Fun

K.T. Oslin - Simply

Miley Cyrus - Plastic Hearts

Taylor Swift - Evermore

Strokes - New Abnormal

Chris Cornell - No One Sings Like You Anymore

Sturgill Simpson - Cuttin’ Grass Vol. 2

Kelsey Waldon - They'll Never Keep Us Down

Blue Oyster Cult - Symbol Remains

Troublemakers - Various (1980 Warner Brothers)

One Night Only:Best of Broadway (TV Special)

Tom's Top Songs/Reissues of 2020

The usual caveats.  This is just a snapshot of the songs I heard this year.  I'm going to hear more of what came out in 2020 down the road.  But for now this is a good look at what I returned to most often. 

Also check out my Top Albums of 2020.

1. Harry Styles - Watermelon Sugar

2. Megan Thee Stallion w/Beyonce - Savage

3. Weeknd - Blinding Lights

4. Miranda Lambert - Bluebird

5. Chicks - Gaslighter

6. H.E.R. - I Can't Breathe

7. Low Cut Connie - Help Me

8. Miley Cyrus - Midnight Sky

9. Maddie & Tae - Die From A Broken Heart

10. Mickey Guyton - Black Like Me

11. Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion - WAP

12. BTS - Dynamite

13. Alicia Keys - Perfect Way To Die

14. Ashley McBryde - One Night Standards

15. Lil Baby - Bigger Picture

16. Tyler Childers - Long Violent History

17. Bob Dylan - Murder Most Foul

18. Bruce Springsteen - Ghosts

19. Trey Songz - How Many More Times

20. Gabby Barrett w/Charlie Puth - I Hope

21. Terry Ellis - Angry Black Woman

22. Jessie Ware - Spotlight

23. Chris Stapleton - Starting Over

24. Kelsea Ballerini - Hole In The Bottle

25. Beyonce - Black Parade

26. Taylor Swift - Betty

27. Yola w/Highwomen - Hold On

28. Sufjan Stevens - Video Game

29. Sam Smith - Diamonds

30. Usher - Bad Habits

31. Surf Mesa w/Emilee - ily (I Love You Baby)

32. Stephanie Lambring - Daddy's Disappointment

33. John Prine - I Remember Everything

34. Sam Hunt - Hard To Forget

35. Harry Styles - Adore You

36. Run The Jewels - Ju$t

37. Anderson.Paak - Lockdown

38. Morgan Wallen - More Than My Hometown

39. Lemon Twigs - One

40. Ava Max - Kings and Queens

41. Randy Travis - Fool's Love Affair

42. Elizabeth Cook - Thick Georgia Woman

43. Haim - Steps

44. Fontaines D.C. - I Don't Belong

45. Luke Bryan - One Margarita

46. Stevie Nicks - Show Them The Way

47. Amanda Shires & Jason Isbell - Problem

48. Biig Piig - Don't Turn Around

49. Fleet Foxes - Maestranza

50. Maren Morris - Better Than We Found It

51. Eric Church - Stick That In Your Country Song

52. Drive-By Truckers - Thoughts and Prayers

53. Luke Bryan - One Margarita 

54. Tuxedo - Doin' My Best

I'm still catching up to reissues that were released years ago.  But the compilations, greatest hits and repackaged deluxe editions below I highly recommend.

Reissues 

1. Ready or Not -Thom Bell's Philly Soul Arrangements & Productions 65-78  - Various (Ace)

2. White Stripes - Greatest Hits (Legacy)

3. Girls Go Power Pop - Various (Ace)

4. Joni Mitchell - Archives Vol. 1: Early Years (63-67)

5. Elvis Presley - From Elvis In Nashville (Legacy)

6. Harry Smith B-Sides - Various (Dust-to-Digital)

7. Pylon - Pylon Box (New West)

8. Stone Crush: Memphis Modern Soul 77-87- Various (Light In The Attic)

9. Soul of the Memphis Boys - Various (Ace)

10. Thelonious Monk - Palo Alto (Impulse)

11. Jimmy LaFave - Highway Angels...Full Moon Rain (Night Tribe Reissue)

12. Bob Stanley Presents 76 In The Shade - Various (Ace)

13. Saint Etienne Present: Songs for the Fountain Room - Various (Ace)

14. Cafe Exil - Various (Ace)

15. Strum & Thrum: American Jangle Underground 1983-87 - Various (Captured Tracks)

16. Ella Fitzgerald - Lost Berlin Tapes (Verve)

17. Freddy Fender - El Bebop Kid- En Espanol (Jasmine)

18. Freddy Fender - El Bebop Kid - In English (Jasmine)

19. Prince - Sign O' The Times (Super Deluxe Edition)

20. Surrender to the Rhythm: London Pub Rock Scene of the Seventies - Various  (Cherry Red Box Set)   

21. Mayer Hawthorne - Rare Changes (Big Bucks)

22. Elton John- Jewel Box (Universal)

23. Bobby Bare - Great American Saturday Night (Sony)

24. Dallas Frazier - Singing My Songs (Digital Reissue 1970 Album)

25. Tom Petty - Wildflowers & All The Rest  (Deluxe Edition

26. Everly Brothers - Down In The Bottom: Country Rock Sessions 66-68 (Warner)

Tom's Top Albums of 2020

The usual caveats.  There's no way to listen to everything released this year, let alone everything I wanted to hear.  I'm still finding stuff that was released 40, 50, 60 years ago.  In other words, this is just a snapshot of my listening habits in 2020.  Considering my mind (and I'm sure yours as well), was focused on COVID-19, the Presidential election and many other things that happened which weren't music related, I still managed to carve out enough time for music.  

Also check out my Top Songs/Reissues of 2020

1.  Run The Jewels - RTJ4

2.  Ashley McBryde - Never Will

3.  Elizabeth Cook - Aftermath

4.  Lilly Hiatt - Walking Proof

5.  Jessie Ware - What's Your Pleasure

6.  Margo Price - That's How Rumors Get Started

7.  Brandy Clark - Your Life Is A Record

8.  Chicks - Gaslighter

9.  Jason Isbell - Reunions

10. Fiona Apple - Fetch The Bolt Cutters

11. Secret Sisters - Saturn Return

12. Rina Sawayama - Sawayama

13. Taylor Swift - Folklore/Evermore

14. Bob Dylan - Rough and Rowdy Ways

15. Haim - Women In Music Pt. III

16. Ambrose Akinmusire - On The Tender Spot of Every Calloused Moment

17. Lori McKenna - Balladeer

18. Chris Stapleton - Starting Over

19. Sturgill Simpson - Cuttin' Grass Vol. 1 & 2

20. J.S. Ondara - Folk 'N Roll Vol. 1: Tales of Isolation

21. Mickey Guyton - Bridges

22. Tame Impala - Slow Rush

24. Whitney Rose - We Still Go To Rodeos

25. Mavericks - En Espanol

26. Alicia Keys - Alicia

27. Bruce Springsteen - Letter To You

28. Perfume Genius - Set My Heart On Fire Immediately

29. Cam - Otherside

30. Fantastic Negrito - Have You Lost Your Mind Yet?

31. Sufjan Stevens - Ascension

32. Stephanie Lambring - Autonomy

33. Hailey Whitters - Dream 

34. Katie Pruitt - Expectations

35. Colter Wall - Western Swing & Waltzes and Other Punchy Songs

35. Charley Crockett - Welcome To Hard Times

36. Kathleen Edwards - Total Freedom

37. Moses Sumney - Grae

38. Dua Lipa - Future Nostalgia

39. Waylon Payne - Blue Eyes, Harlot, Queer, Pusher & Me

40. Aubrie Sellers - Far From Here

41. John Moreland - LP5

42. Lydia Loveless - Daughter

43. Laura Marling -Song For Our Daughter

44. Joe Ely - Love In The Midst of Mayhem

45. Maria McKee - La Vita Nuova

46. Drive-By Truckers - Unraveling/New OK

47. On the Road: Tribute to John Hartford - Various

48. Tenille Townes - Lemonade Stand

49. Sault - Untitled (Black Is)

50. Miley Cyrus - Plastic Hearts

51. Lucinda Williams - Good Souls, Better Angels

52. Arlo McKinley - Die Midwestern

53. Frances Quinlan - Likewise

54. Andy Shauf - Neon Skyline

55. Sam Hunt - Southside

56. Sarah Jarosz - World On The Ground

57. Mo Pitney - Ain't Lookin' Back

58. Shabaka and the Ancestors - We Are Sent Here By History

59. John Anderson - Years

60. Courtney Marie Andrews - Old Flowers

61. Sunny Sweeney - Recorded Live at the Machine Shop

62. Ashley Ray - Pauline

63. Tyler Childers - Long Violent History

64. H.C. McEntire - Eno Axis

65. Della Mae - Headlight

66. Thundercat - It Is What It Is

67. Steve Arrington - Soul Sessions

68. Zephaniah Ohora - Listening to the Music

69. Matt Berninger - Serpentine Prison

70. Gregory Porter - All Rise

71. Black Thought - Streams of Thought Vol. 3

72. Charli XCX - How I'm Feeling Now

73. Caylee Hammack -If It Wasn't For You

74. Kem - Love Always Wins

75. Tessy Lou Williams - Highway Queens

76. Swamp Dogg - Sorry You Couldn't Make It

77. Lianne La Havas - s/t

78. War and Treaty - Hearts Town

79. Badly Drawn Boy - Banana Skin Shoes

80. Willie Nelson - First Rose Of Spring 

81. Kelsey Waldon - They'll Never Keep Us Down

82. Becky Warren - Sick Season

83. Corb Lund - Agricultural Tragic

84. Gillian Welch - Boots No. 2: Lost Songs

85. Megan The Stallion - Good News

86. Paul McCartney - McCartney III

87. Bright Eyes - Down In The Weeds Where The World Once Was

88. Bobby Rush - Rawer Than Raw

89. Jeff Tweedy - Love Is The King

90. Emma Swift - Blonde On The Tracks

91. Avalanches - We Will Always Love You

92. Don Bryant - You Make Me Feel

93. Randy Rogers/Wade Bowen - Hold My Beer Vol. 2

94. Little Big Town - Nightfall

95. Luke James - to feel love/d

96. Steve Earle - Ghosts of West Virginia

97. Mike & the Moonpies - Touch of You: Lost Songs of Gary Stewart

98. Brent Cobb - Keep 'Em On They Toes

99. Will Kimbrough - Spring Break

100. Eddie Chacon - Pleasure, Joy and Happiness

101. Lady Gaga - Chromatica

102. Killers - Imploding the Mirage

103. Brothers Osborne - Skeletons

104. Old 97's - Twelfth

105. Mandy Barnett - Nashville Songbook

106. AC/DC - Power Up

107. Buddy & Julie Miller - Lockdown Songs

108. Low Cut Connie - Private Lives

109. James Hunter - Nick of Time

110. Chris Cornell - No One Sings Like You Anymore

111. Ward Davis - Black Cats and Crows

Playlist for 12/18 (Christmas Albums, Etc.)

Now That's What I Call Music! R&B Christmas - Various

Dolly Parton - Holly Dolly Christmas

Carrie Underwood - My Gift

Maddie & Tae - We Need Christmas

Alison Moorer - Five Holiday Favorites

Anne Murray - Ultimate Christmas Collection

Peggy Lee - Ultimate Christmas

JoJo - December

Leslie Odom Jr. Christmas Album

Andrew Bird - Hark

Calexico - Seasonal Shift

Christmas On The Range - Various

Buck Owens - Merry "Hee Haw" Christmas

Santa's Funk & Soul Christmas Party - Various

Rick Wakeman - Christmas Portraits

Amazon Originals Holiday - Various

Spotify Singles: Holiday Collection - Various

Tara Thompson - Hillbilly Christmas

Tinashe - Comfort & Joy

SiriusXM 70's/80's Holidays (new channel)

Carrie Underwood: My Gift A Christmas Special (HBO)

Mariah Carey's Magical Christmas Special (AppleTV+)

A Holly Dolly Christmas (Dolly Parton TV Special)

Greatest Christmas Songs

Below is a list of some of my favorite Christmas songs. There may be multiple versions of the same song, by different artists.  

1. Bing Crosby - White Christmas
2. Nat "King" Cole - The Christmas Song
3. Brenda Lee - Rockin' Around The Christmas
4. Elvis Presley - Blue Christmas
5. Judy Garland - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
6. Bobby Helms - Jingle Bell Rock
7. Jose Feliciano - Feliz Navidad
8. Darlene Love - Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
9. Eartha Kitt - Santa Baby
10. Donny Hathaway - This Christmas
11. Harry Simeone Chorale - Little Drummer Boy
12. Jimmy Durante - Frosty The Snowman
13. Vince Guaraldi Trio- Linus and Lucy
14. Burl Ives - Holly Jolly Christmas
15. Gene Autry - Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
16. Mariah Carey - All I Want For Christmas Is You
17. Drifters - White Christmas
18. Charles Brown - Please Come Home For Christmas
19. Andy Williams - It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
20.Ronettes - Sleigh Ride
21. Dean Martin - Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
22. Bing Crosby - Silent Night
23. Elvis Presley - Silver Bells
24. Jackson 5 - Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town
25. Carpenters - Merry Christmas Darling
26. Aretha Franklin - Winter Wonderland
27. Andy Williams - Happy Holidays
28. David Bowie/Bing Crosby - Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy
29. Gene Autrey - Here Comes Santa Claus
30. Run DMC - Christmas In Hollis
31. Roy Orbison- Pretty Paper
32. Elvis Presley - Santa Claus Is Back In Town
33. Vaughn Monroe - Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
34. Darlene Love - Marshmallow World
35. Johnny Mathis - It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
36. Wham - Last Christmas
37. Chuck Berry - Run Run Rudolph
38. Whitney Houston - Do You Hear What I Hear?
39. Jimmy Boyd - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.  
40. James Brown - Santa Claus Go Straight To The Ghetto
41. Gene Autry - Here Comes Santa Claus
42. Leroy Anderson- Sleigh Ride
43. Beach Boys - Little Saint Nick
44. Elvis Presley - Merry Christmas Baby
45. Luther Vandross - O Come All Ye Faithful
46. Nat "King" Cole - O Tannenbaum
47. Joni Mitchell - River
47. Perry Como - Home For The Holidays
48. Bing Crosby - I'll Be Home For Christmas
49. Elvis Presley - If I Get Home On Christmas Day
50. Stevie Wonder - Someday At Christmas  
51.  John Denver & Muppets - 12 Days of Christmas
52. Thurl Ravenscroft - You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch                                                     
53. John Lennon - Happy Xmas
54. Elton John - Step Into Christmas
55. Barry Gordon - Nuttin' For Christmas
56. Greg Lake - I Believe In Father Christmas
57. Crystals - Parade of the Wooden Soldiers
58. Merle Haggard - If We Make It Through December
59. Bruce Springsteen - Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town
60. Nat "King" Cole - O Little Town of Bethlehem
61. Spike Jones - All I Want For Christmas
62. Clarence Carter - Back Door Santa
63. Jackie Wilson - O Holy Night
64. Waitresses - Christmas Wrapping
65. Dolly Parton - Hard Candy Christmas
66. Vanessa Williams - What Child Is This?
67. Jackie Wilson- God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
68. Frank Sinatra - The First Noel
69. Barbra Streisand - Ave Maria
70. Nat "King" Cole - Hark The Herald Angels Sing
71. Vince Guaraldi Trio - Christmas Time Is Here
72. Angela Lansbury and Cast - We Need A Little Christmas
73. Ray Parker Jr. - Christmas Time Is Here
74. Elvis Presley - Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me)
75. Nat "King Cole" - I Saw Three Ships
76. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - Deck The Halls
77. Dan Fogelberg - Same Old Lang Syne
78. Madonna - Santa Baby
79. Harry Belafonte - Mary's Boy Child
80. Band Aid - Do They Know It's Christmas?
81.  Buck Owens - Santa Looked A Lot Like Daddy
82. Paul McCartney - Wonderful Christmastime
83. Pogues & Kirsty MacColl - Fairytale of New York
84. Aretha Franklin - Joy To The World
85. Windham Hill Artists - Carol of the Bells
86. Eagles - Please Come Home For Christmas
87. George Strait - Away in A Manger
88. Alabama - Christmas In Dixie
89. Ella Fitzgerald/Louis Jordan - Baby It's Cold Outside
90. Pretenders - 2000 Miles
91. Louis Armstrong - 'Zat You Santa Claus?
92. Johnny Mathis - My Favorite Things
93. Chipmunks - Chipmunk Song
94. Robert Earl Keen - Merry Christmas From The Family
95. Kelly Clarkson - Underneath the Tree
96. Bobby Lloyd and the Skeletons - Do You Hear What I Hear/You Really Got Me
97. Johnny Mathis - Caroling Caroling/Happy Holidays
98. Mills Brothers - I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm
99. Slade - Merry Xmas Everybody
100. Randy Travis - Old Time Christmas
101. Oak Ridge Boys - Thank God For Kids
102. Prince - Another Lonely Christmas
103. Kenny Loggins - Celebrate Me Home
104. Elmo & Patsy - Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer
105. Bob B. Soxx and the Blue Jeans - Bells of St. Mary
106. Mabel Scott - Boogie Woogie Santa Claus
107. Hall & Oates - It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
108. Fred Waring - 'Twas The Night Before Christmas
109. Miles Davis - Blue Xmas (To Whom It May Concern)
110. Michael Buble - Grown Up Christmas List
111.  Billy Squier - Christmas Is The Time To Say "I Love You"
112. Temptations - Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
113. Jimmy Buffett - Christmas Island
114. Detroit Junior - Christmas Day
115. Weird Al Yankovic - Christmas At Ground Zero
116. Dolly Parton - Hard Candy Christmas
118. Bryan Adams - Christmas Time
119.  Alexander O'Neal - My Gift To You
120. Bing Crosby & Andrew Sisters - Mele Kalikimaka
121. Frank Sinatra - Mistletoe and Holly
122. Roches - Here We Come A Carolling
123. Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton - Christmas Without You
124. Emmylou Harris - Christmas Time's A-Coming
125.  Darlene Love - All Alone At Christmas
126.  Gayla Peevey - I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas
127.  John Mellencamp - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
128.  Luciano Pavarotti - Adeste Fideles
129.  Gene Autry - Up On The Housetop
130.  Tom Petty - Christmas All Over Again
131. Trans Siberian Orchestra - Christmas Canon
132. NRBQ - Merry Christmas Wish
133. Stevie Wonder - What Christmas Means To Me 
134. Zach Schmidt - I'm Drunk Again This Christmas
135. Nick Lowe - Christmas at the Airport
136. Kurtis Blow - Christmas Rappin'
137. Kenny Rogers - Kids
138. Sounds of Blackness - Soul Holidays
139. Wizzard - I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday
140. Shirley Booth & Mickey Rooney - Year Without Santa Claus
141. Kinks - Father Christmas
142. Peggy Lee - Christmas Spell
143. Andrea Bocelli - Angels We Have Heard On High
144. Ventures - Sleigh Ride
145. James Taylor - Go Tell It On The Mountain
146. John Prine - Christmas In Prison

147. Earth, Wind & Fire - Happy Seasons

148. Kay Starr - Man With The Bag

149. Dick Shawn - Snow Miser Song

150. Tracey Thorn - Joy

151. El DeBarge - Christmas Without You

152. Youngsters - Christmas In Jail

153. Mavis Staples - Christmas Vacation

154. Sia - Snowman

155. Irish Rovers - Good King Wenceslas

156. Clarence Reid - Winter Man

2020 Uproxx Music Critics Poll

 I voted in this poll.  Over 230 critics participated.  

Main Poll page: 2020 Uproxx Music Critics Poll

My Ballot: Tom Lane's Ballot

RIP Charley Pride

Charley Pride was a groundbreaking artist.  But he didn't do it through protest songs or speeches, but his mere determination to be treated as a musical equal.  Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000, Pride was one of the genres great vocal stylists.  His slightly baritone voice an influence on a generation of Country acts who followed him.

My Dad loved Charley Pride and had plenty of his vinyl albums.  So, I grew up not just with his big hits like "Kiss An Angel Good Morning" and "Is Anybody Goin' To San Antone" but with plenty of deep cuts.  Pride may have come across as unassuming in interviews.  But don't let the modesty fool you.  Pride always set out to prove that making it as an African-American Country singer in a white-dominated field was not a novelty.  Pride had the goods.  His rich voice was distinctive.  And he had the songs too.  "Does My Ring Hurt Your Finger", "Just Between You and Me", "Burgers and Fries", "All I Have To Offer You", "She's Just An Old Love Turned Memory" are just a few of his big hits. He ended up with 52 Top 10's and 29 #1 Country Hits. 

Charley Pride always wanted to let the music do his talking when it came to the color of his skin.  And it did.  And because he was so great at what he did, he became a groundbreaking artist. 

Playlist for 12/12

Chris Stapleton - Starting Over

Joni Mitchell - Archives Vol. 1: 63-67 (Box Set)

Jubilation! Great Gospel Performances Vol. 1-3 (Rhino '92)

Buddy & Julie Miller - Lockdown Songs

Shemekia Copeland - Uncivil War

Sharon Jones - Just Dropped In

Chaka Khan - Clouds

Kylie Minogue - Disco

Will Butler - Generations

AC/DC - PWRUP

Playlist for 12/6

Harry Smith B-Sides - Various (Box Set)

Stephanie Lambring - Autonomy

Jeff Tweedy - Love Is The King

Elvis Costello - Hello Clockface

Will Kimbrough - Spring Break

Billy Joe Shaver - I'm Just An Old Chunk of Coal

Billy Joe Shaver - s/t

Sam Smith - Love Goes

Ariana Grande - Positions

Megan Thee Stallion - Good News

Indeep - Last Night A D.J. Saved My Life

Slight Disturbance In My Mind: British Proto-Psychedelic Sounds Of 1966 - Various

Top Greatest Hits/Collections (The 2007 List)

Here's a companion piece to my recently posted 2008 edition of My Top 411 Albums Ever.  On that list there were no Greatest Hits/Compilations.

This list was started in February 1999 and my last update to it was in March 2007.  This is a pretty good list of essential collections as of 2007.  Thirteen years later and many of these albums have been supplanted by better ones.  Yet I think this would be a good starting point for anyone looking to check out someone's discography that they are curious about.  And that's where Greatest Hits do their best job. 

Abba - Gold (Polygram)

ABC - Absolutely (Mercury)

Gregory Abbott - Super Hits (Columbia)
Bryan Adams - So Far So Good (A&M;)

Aerosmith - Greatest Hits (Columbia)

Aerosmith - Big Ones (Geffen)
Alabama - Greatest Hits (RCA)
Alabama - Greatest Hits Vol. 2 (RCA)
Arthur Alexander - Ultimate (Razor & Tie)
Allman Brothers - Dreams (Polydor Box)
American Graffiti - Soundtrack (MCA)
Animals - Best of (Abcko)
John Anderson - Greatest Hits (WB)
John Anderson - Greatest Hits (BNA)
Andrews Sisters - Greatest Hits (MCA)
Anthology of American Folk Music (Folkways Box)
Louis Armstrong - 16 Most Request Songs (Columbia)
Fred Astaire - Hits From Hollywood (Columbia)
Ay califas! Raza Rock of the 70's & 80's (Rhino)
Bachman-Turner Overdrive - Remastered Hits (mercury)
Bad Company - 10 From 6 (Atlantic)
Laverne Baker - Best of (Atlantic)
Hank Ballard - Best of (Rhino)
Bangles - Greatest Hits (Columbia)
Bobby Bare - Essential (RCA)
Beach Boys - Endless Summer (Capitol)
Beach Boys - Good Vibrations:30 Years (Capitol Box)
Beatles - 62-66 (Capitol)
Beatles - 67-70 (Capitol)
Tony Bennett - 16 Most Requested (Columbia)
Chuck Berry - Chess Box (Chess)
B-52's - Time Capsule (Reprise)
Billboard Pop Memories - The 1920's (Rhino)
Billboard Pop Memories - The 1930's (Rhino)
Bobby "Blue" Bland - Greatest Hits Vol. 1 (MCA)
Bobby "Blue" Bland - Greatest Hits Vol. 2 (MCA)
Blasters - Collection (Slash)
Blondie - Best of (Chrysalis)
Gary "US" Bonds - Best of (Rhino)
Booker T. & The MGs - Very Best of (Rhino)
David Bowie - The Singles (Ryko)
Bootsy Collins - Best of (Warner)
Bread - Anthology (Elektra)
Garth Brooks - Hits (Capitol)
James Brown - Star Time (Polydor Box)
Jackson Browne - Best of (Elektra)
Buffalo Springfield - Best of (Atco)
Solomon Burke - Very best of (Rhino)
Buzzcocks - Singles Going Steady (IRS)
Byrds (Columbia Box Set)
Cameo - Best of (Polygram)
Cars - Anthology (Elektra)
Carter Family - Hall of Fame Series (MCA)
Johnny Cash - Essential (Columbia Box)
Rosanne Cash - Hits 79-89 (Columbia)
Ray Charles - 50th Anniversary Collection (Rhino)
Cheap Trick - Greatest Hits (Epic)
Cher - Greatest Hits (Geffen)
Mark Chesnutt - Greatest Hits (MCA)
Chic - Best of (Atlantic)
Chic - Best of Vol. 2 (Atlantic)
Chi-Lites - Greatest Hits (Rhino)
Eric Clapton - Crossroads (Polydor Box)
Clash - On Broadway (Epci Box)
Patsy Cline - 12 Greatest Hits (MCA)
Clovers - best of (Atlantic)
Coasters - 50 Coastin' Classics (Rhino)
Eddie Cochran - Fine Lookin' Hits (Razor & Tie)
Leonard Cohen - best of (Columbia)
Nat King Cole Trio- Best of (Capitol)
Nat King Cole - Collector's Series (Capitol)
John Coltrane - best of (Atlantic)
Commodores - Anthology (Motown)
Alice Cooper - Greatest Hits (Warner)
Joe Cocker - Greatest Hits (A&M;)
Perry Como - All Time Greatest Hits Vol. 1 (RCA)
Elvis Costello - Best of (Columbia)
Robert Cray - Collection (Mercury)
Creedence Clearwater Revival - Chronicle (Fantasy)
Marshall Crenshaw - Collection (MCA Promo)
Jim Croce - His Greatest Hits (Atco)
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - So Far (Atlantic)
Culture Club - Best of (Virgin)
Dick Dale - Best of (Rhino)
Bobby Darin - best of (Atlantic)
Bobby Darin - Best of Vol. 2 (Atlantic)
Dazed & Confused - Soundtrack (Medicine)
Debarge - Ultimate Collection (Motown)
Def Leppard - Vault (Polygram)
Delaney & Bonnie - Best of (Rhino)
Delfonics - Definitive (Arista)
Dells - Best of (MCA)
Neil Diamond - Classics..Early Years (Columbia)
Neil Diamond - 12 Greatest Hits (MCA)
Bo Diddley - Chess Box (Chess)
Dion - 24 Original Classics (Arista)
Dire Straits - Money For Nothing (WB)
Disco Years Vol. 1 (Rhino)
Disco Years Vol. 2 (Rhino)
Willie Dixon - Chess Box (Chess)
Donovan - Greatest Hits (Epic)
Doors - Greatest Hits (Elektra)
Doo Wop Ballads (Rhino)
Doo Wop Uptempo (Rhino)
Lee Dorsey - Definitive (Arista)
Drifters - Very Best of (Rhino)
Duran Duran - Greatest (Capitol)
Bob Dylan - Biograph (Columbia Box)
Eagles - Greatest Hits (Elektra)
Eagles - Greatest Hits Vol. 2 (Elektra)
Earth, Wind & Fire - Eternal Dance (Columbia Box)
Steve Earle - Collection (MCA)
Stoney Edwards - Best of (Razor & Tie)
Duke Ellington - Essence of (Columbia)
ELO - Strange Magic: Best of (Epic)
En Vogue - Best of (EastWest)
Everly Brothers - Heartaches & Harmonies (Rhino Box)
Faces - Best of (Warner)
Freddy Fender - Best of (MCA)
5 Royales - Best of (Rhino)
Ella Fitzgerald - Love Songs (Verve)
Ella Fitzgerald - Best of the Song Books (Verve)
Fairport Convention - Classic Years 67-75 (A&M;)
Flying Burrito Brothers - Best of (A&M;)
Four Tops - Ultimate (Motown)
Aretha Franklin - Queen of Soul (Atlantic Box)
Frat Rock (Rhino)
Free - Anthology (A&M;)
Lefty Frizzell - Look What Thoughts Will Do (Columbia)
From Where I Stand:Black Experience In Country Music (WB)
Gang of Four - A Brief History (Warner)
Gap Band - 12" Collection and More (Polygram)
Gap Band - Best of (Polygram)
Marvin Gaye - The Master (Motown Box)
Genesis - The Hits (Atlantic)
Girl Groups Best of (Rhino)
Girl Groups Best of Vol. 2 (Rhino)
Go-Betweens - 78-90 (Capitol)
Golden Gate Quartet - Swing Down Chariot (Columbia)
Steve Goodman - Anthology (Red Pajamas)
Gospel Sound of Spirit Fell (Spirit Feel)
Grandmaster Flash, Melle Mel & Furious Five - Best of (Rhino)
Al Green - Greatest Hits (Right Stuff)
Groove 'n' Grind - 50's and 60's Dance Hits (Rhino)
Guess Who - Track Record (RCA)
Woody Guthrie - Asch Recordings Vol. 1 (Folkways)
Merle Haggard - Down Every Road (Capitol Box)
Hall & Oates - Greatest Hits (RCA)
Tom T. Hall - Storyteller, Poet, Philosopher (mercury)
Tom T. Hall - Essential Story Songs (mercury)
Jimi Hendrix - Ultimate (MCA)
ZZ Hill - Greatest Hits (Malaco)
Hip Hop Greats:Classic Raps (Rhino)
Billie Holiday - Essence of (Columbia)
Hitsville USA 59-71 (Motown Box)
Buddy Holly - Collection (MCA)
John Lee Hooker - Anthology (Rhino)
Hot Chocolate - Best of (EMI)
INXS - Greatest Hits (Atlantic)
Gregory Isaacs - Best of Vol. 1 and 2 (Heartbeat)
Chris Isaak - Wicked Game (WEA Import)
Isley Brothers - Rockin' Soul (Rhino)
Isley Brothers - T-Neck Years (Rhino)
Janet Jackson - Design of a Decade (A&M;)
Wanda Jackson - Best of (Rhino)
Tommy James & The Shondells - Anthology (Rhino)
Jefferson Airplane - 2400 Fulton Street (RCA)
Waylon Jennings - Greatest Hits (RCA)
Joan Jett - Great Hits (Mercury)
Elton John - Greatest Hits (Polydor)
Elton John - Greatest Hits Vol. 2 (Polydor)
Little Willie John - Best of (Rhino)
George Jones -Essential (Epic)
George Jones & Tammy Wynette - Greatest Hits (Epic)
Tom Jones - Best of (Polygram)
Michael Jackson - History Disc 1 (Epic)
Jackson 5 - Ultimate (Motown)
Elmore James - History of (Rhino)
Billy Joel - Greatest Hits Vol. 1 and 2 (Epic)
Robert Johnson - Complete Recordings (Columbia)
Spike Jones - Anthology (Rhino)
Janis Joplin - Janis (Columbia Box)
Joy of Cooking - American Originals (Capitol)
Louis Jordan - Best of (MCA)
Louis Jordan - Vol. 2 (MCA)
Joy Division - Substance (Qwest)
Etta James - Her Best (MCA)
KC & The Sunshine Band - Greatest Hits (Rhino)
B.B. King - King of the Blues (MCA Box)
King's Record Collection Vol. 1 (MCA)
King's Record Collection Vol. 2 (MCA)
Kiss - Greatest (mercury)
Kool & The Gang - Best of 69-76 (Polygram)
Kool & The Gang - Best of 79-87 (Polygram)
Kinks - Greatest Hits (Rhino)
Kinks - Kink Kronikles (Reprise)
Alison Krauss - Collection (Rounder)
Led Zeppelin (Atlantic Box)
Little Richard - Georgia Peach (Specialty)
Jerry Lee Lewis - Anthology (Rhino)
Jerry Lee Lewis - Greatest Hits (Rhino)
LL Cool J - All World (Def Jam)
Los Lobos -Collection (Slash)
Louvin Brothers - Best of (Razor & Tie)
Patty Loveless - Greatest Hits (MCA)
Lovin' Spoonful - Anthology (Rhino)
Frankie Lymon & Teenagers - Best of (Rhino)
Loretta Lynn - Collection (MCA Box)
Lynyrd Skynyrd (MCA Box)
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Essential (MCA)

Uncle Dave Macon - Hall of Fame Series (MCA)
Madness - Very best of (Geffen)
Taj Mahal - Taj's Blues (Columbia)
Madonna - Immaculate Collection (Sire)
Madonna - Something To Remember (Sire)
Mamas & The Papas - History of (MCA)
Mamas & The Papas - Greatest Hits (MCA)
Manhattans - Best of (Columbia)
Bob Marley - Legend (Island)
Bob Marley - Songs of Freedom (Island Box)
Marshall Tucker Band - Greatest Hits (AJK)
Johnny Mathis - Ultimate Collection (Columbia)
Curtis Mayfield/Impressions - Anthology (MCA)
Delbert McClinton - Ultimate (Hip-0)
Clyde McPhatter - Best of (Rhino)
John Mellencamp - Best That I Could Do (Mercury)
Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes - Best of (Columbia)
Johnny Mercer - Collector's Series (Capitol)
George Michael - Best of (Epic)
Millennium Funk Party (Rhino)
Millennium Hip Hop Party (Rhino)
Emmett Miller - Minstel Man From Georgia (Columbia)
Roger Miller - Greatest Hits (Smash)
Glenn Miller - Unforgettable (RCA)
Steve Miller - Greatest Hits 74-78 (Capitol)
Mills Brothers - All Time Greatest Hits (MCA)
Joni Mitchell - Hits (Reprise)
Thelonious Monk - Best of (Blue Note)
Monkees - Greatest Hits (Rhino)
Bill Monroe - Music of (MCA Box)
Moonglows - Their Greatest Hits (MCA)
Van Morrison - Best of (Mercury)
Morrissey - Bona Drag (Sire)
Motorhead - Best of (Roadrunner)
Mott The Hoople - Retrospective (Columbia)

Willie Nelson - Greatest Hits (Columbia)
Willie Nelson - Greatest Hits & Rare Tracks (Rhino)
Willie Nelson - Super Hits (Columbia)
Ricky Nelson - Volume 1 (EMI)
Rick Nelson - Volume 2 (EMI)
Neville Brothers - History of (Rhino)
New Order - Best of (Qwest)
New Orleans Rhythm & Blues Best of Vol. 1 (Rhino)
New Orleans Rhythm & Blues Best of Vol. 2 (Rhino)
Randy Newman - 30 Years of (Rhino)
Olivia Newton-John - Essential Collection (Geffen)
New York Dolls - Rock N' Roll (Mercury)
Harry Nilsson - Anthology (RCA)
Nuggets - Various (Rhino Box Set)
Billy Ocean - Greatest Hits (jive)
O'Jays - Best of (Epic)
Sinead O'Connor - Best of (Chrysalis)
Old School Love Songs (Thump)
Alexander O'Neal - Best of (Tabu)
Jeffrey Osborne - Ultimate Collection (Hip-O)
Buck Owens - Collection (Rhino Box)
Parliament - Tear The Roof Off 74-80 (Casablanca)
Charlie Parker - Ultimate (Rhino)
Ray Parker Jr. - Greatest Hits (Arista)
Dolly Parton - Best of (RCA)
Johnny Paycheck - Little Darlin' Years (CMF)
Johnny Paycheck - 16 Greatest Hits (Columbia)
Teddy Pendergrass - Greatest Hits (Right Stuff)
Carl Perkins - Original Sun Greatest Hits (Rhino)
Pet Shop Boys - Discography (EMI)
Tom Petty - Greatest Hits (MCA)
Philly Sound 66-76 (Epic Box)
Wilson Pickett - A Man And A Half (Rhino)
Poison - Greatest Hits (Capitol)
Gene Pitney - Anthology (Rhino)
Pure Funk (Polygram)
Queen - Greatest Hits (Hollywood)
Queen - Classic Queen (Hollywood)
Platters - Golden Hits (Mercury)
Police - The Classics (A&M;)
Elvis Presley - King of Rock N Roll Complete 50's Masters (RCA Box)
Elvis Presley - Top Ten hits (RCA)
Elvis Presley - Gold Records Vol. 5 (RCA)
Ray Price - Essential (Columbia)
Charley Pride - Essential (RCA)
Prince - Hits/B Sides (Warner)
John Prine - Anthology (Rhino)
Professor Longhair - Anthology (Rhino)
Psychedelic Furs - A retrospective (Columbia)
Best Punk Album In The World Ever (virgin import)
Quicksilver Messenger - Sons of Mercury (Rhino)
Bonnie Raitt - Collection (Warner)
Ramones - Ramonesmania (Sire)
Rascals - Very Best of (Rhino)
Raspberries - Collector's Series (Capitol)
Otis Redding - Otis (Rhino Box)
Jimmy Reed - Speak The Lyrics (VeeJay)
REM - Eponymous (IRS)
Paul Revere & The Raiders - Essential Ride 61-67 (Columbia)
Charlie Rich - Essential (Epic)
Lionel Richie - Truly Love Songs (Motown)
Righteous Brothers - Anthology (Rhino)
Risque Rhythm Nasty 50's R&B; (Rhino)
Smokey Robinson & Miracles - 35th Anniversary (Motown Box)
Rock This Town: Rockabilly Hits Vol. 2 (Rhino)
Jimmie Rodgers - Essential (RCA)
Rolling Stones - Hot Rocks (Abkco)
Rolling Stones - Rewind (RS)
Romantics - What I Like About You (Columbia)
Linda Ronstadt - Greatest Hits (Elektra)
Linda Ronstadt - Greatest Hits Vol. 2 (Elektra)
Diana Ross & Supremes - Ultimate (Motown)
Roxy Music - 20 Greatest Hits (Reprise)
Run DMC - Greatest Hits (Profile)
Todd Rundgren - Best of (Rhino)
Mitch Ryder - Best of (Rhino)

Sam & Dave - Anthology (Rhino)
Searchers - Greatest Hits (Rhino)
Neil Sedaka - All Time Greatest Hits (RCA)
Neil Sedaka - Best of (Varese)
Bob Seger - Greatest Hits (Capitol)
Shalamar - Greatest Hits (Right Stuff)

Shirelles - Very Best of (Rhino)
Del Shannon - This Is (Music Club)
Paul Simon - Negotiations and Love Songs (Warner)
Simon & Garfunkel - Old Friends (Columbia Box)
Frank Sinatra - Capitol Years (Capitol Box)
Frank Sinatra - Reprise Collection (Reprise)
Ricky Skaggs -Best of (Columbia)
Percy Sledge - Very Best of (Rhino)
Slow Jams The 60's Vol. 1 (Right Stuff)
Sly & The Family Stone - Anthology (Epic)
Huey "Piano" Smith - This Is (music Club)
Smiths - Singles (Reprise)
Smooth Grooves:60's Vol. Early 60's (Rhino)
Jimmy Somerville/Bronski Beat - Singles Collection (London)
Sonny & Cher - Best of (Rhino)
Sons of the Pioneers - Hall Of Fame Series (MCA)
Joe South - Best of (Rhino)
Southern Rock Essential (HOB)
Phil Spector - Back To Mono (Abkco Box)
Spinners - Anthology (Rhino)
Spirit - Time Changes (Epic)
Dusty Springfield - Very best of (Mercury)
Rick Springfield - Best of (RCA)
Bruce Springsteen - Greatest Hits (Epic)
Staple Singers - Best of (Fantasy)
Steely Dan - Decade of (MCA)
Gary Stewart - Gary's Greatest (Hightone)
Rod Stewart - Storyteller (Warner Box)
Story of Jamaican Music (Mango Box)
George Strait - Greatest Hits (MCA)
George Strait - Greatest Hits Vol. 2 (MCA)
Stylistics - Great Love Hits (Pickwick)
Donna Summer - Endless Summer (Mercury)
Donna Summer - On The Radio (Mercury)
Sun Records Collection (Rhino Box)
Billy Swan - Best of (Epic)
Sweet - Best of (Capitol)
Talking Heads - Popular Favorites (Sire)
Howard Tate - Get It While You Can (mercury)
Temptations - Anthology (Motown)
Joe Tex - very Best of (Rhino)
Hank Thompson - Collector's Series (Capitol)
Richard Thompson - Watching The Dark (Ryko Box)
Three Dog Night - Story (MCA)

Tony Toni Tone - Hits (mercury)
Toots & The Maytals - Anthology (Island)
Traffic - Smiling Phases (Island)
Merle Travis - best of (Rhino)
Randy Travis - Greatest Hits Vol. 1 (WB)
Randy Travis - Greatest Hits Vol. 2 (WB)
Randy Travis - Greatest #1 Hits (WB)
Tribe Called Quest - Anthology (Jive)
Ernest Tubb - Hall of Fame Series (MCA)
Tanya Tucker - Greatest Hits (Columbia)
Tanya Tucker - Super Hits (Columbia)
Big Joe Turner - Greatest Hits (Atlantic)
Tina Turner - Complete Recordings (Capitol Box)
Conway Twitty - Collection (MCA Box)
UB40 - Best of Vol. 1 (Virgin)
UB40 - Best of Vol. 2 (Virgin)
Ritchie Valens - Very best of (Del Fi)
Luther Vandross - Best of Love (Epic)
Stevie Ray Vaughan - Greatest Hits (Epic)
Stevie Ray Vaughan - Greatest Hits Vol. 2 (Epic)
Ventures - Best of (EMI)
Gene Vincent - Best of (Razor & Tie)
War - Anthology (Avenue)
Billy Ward & The Dominoes - Best of (Rhino)
Dionne Warwick - Anthology (Rhino)
Dinah Washington - Compact Jazz (verve)
Muddy Waters - Chess Box (Chess)
Wham - The Final (Epic Import)
Whispers - Greatest Hits (Right Stuff)
Keith Whitley - Greatest Hits (RCA)
Who - Thirty years of Maximum R&B; (MCA)
Deniece Williams - Best of (Columbia)
Hank Williams Jr. - Greatest Hits (Curb)
Hank Williams Sr. - 40 Greatest Hits (Polydor)
Hank Williams Sr. - Complete (Mercury Box)
Sonny Boy Williamson - Essential (MCA)
Bob Wills - Anthology (Rhino)
Jackie Wilson - Mr. Excitement (Rhino Box)
Bill Withers - Best of (Epic)
Howlin' Wolf - Chess Box (Chess)
Stevie Wonder - Original Musiquarium (Motown)
Stevie Wonder - Essential (Motown)
Tammy Wynette - Tears of Fire (Epic Box)
Yes - Very Best of (Atlantic)
Dwight Yoakam - Just Lookin' For A Hit (Reprise)
Dwight Yoakam - Greatest Hits From The 90's (Reprise)
Neil Young - Decade (Reprise)
Zapp/Roger - All The Greatest Hits (Warner)
Warren Zevon - Anthology (Rhino)
Zombies - Greatest Hits (DCC)
ZZ Top - Greatest Hits (Warner)