Britain´s Biggest Selling Album Is...

 

 

Every Christmas period the record industry goes into hyperdrive selling greatest hits compilations, while original albums usually containing unheard new tunes, are neglected. It is easy for joe public to buy compilations (especially as presents) when the recipient  doesn't have to put up the unfamiliar or the less than adequate tracks. Indeed the greatest hits compilation is often the only recording somebody might have by that band. However, if you have followed a band from the very start, then in all probability the greatest hits compilation is superfluous to needs.

 

Seeing charts dominated by Thats What I Call Music Volume 95 etc. does not inspire me to buy the album, neither do I see any compilation  being as important as a band's album with original tunes. So, so what: why praise what is often a cynical marketing ploy to make money from back catalogue?

 

 

True . And in fact I have this compilation (and Sheer Heart Attack for Brighton Rock)  but I'm merely a person who likes Queen in small doses - indeed disliked Boehemian Rhapsody from the day it was released. Hence the the Greatest Hits Compilation is the easy way of avoiding the stuff I don't want to hear on the original albums - and there is always the CD programmer to avoid Bohemian Rhapsody.