Hit Compilations By College Rockers, pt 4
Drive-By Truckers, Greatest Hits 1998-2009
Since these kings of modern roots-rock consistently release 2LPs (if not 2CDs) that would be classic 1LPs, they’re pretty deserving of a 1 disc sampler even if you could fill 2 with gems. This one starts chronologically but gets fuzzier as they enter the Isbell years, not that you’d notice if you didn’t know. This may be their most consistent 16-tracks-in-a-row, but you can’t achieve the definitiveness of Lynyrd’s Gold & Platinum you didn’t really make singles. Recommended if you’re afraid of picking the wrong 2LP to start with.
The Dandy Warhols, The Capitol Years: 1995-2007
Taking just three songs from their best album and the four best tracks from each of the albums that bracket it makes for one listenable sampler of ad-friendly alt-psychedelia. Shame two or three songs from the indie that got them a major deal weren’t included to offset the three negligible ones from the album that understandably ended it. Recommended if you didn’t know they had an indie debut album, and don’t still have one of the others in a binder from school somewhere.
English Beat, Beat This! Best Of The English Beat
Totally listenable, totally fun, but totally unnecessary. If you love “Mirror In The Bathroom,” start with I Just Can’t Stop It and then get Special Beat Service. If you love “Save It For Later,” start with Special Beat Service and then get I Just Can’t Stop It. If you love something from Wha’ppen? you already know you don’t need this. Recommended if you would rather die than own two English Beat albums.
