Inspired partially by the impeding release of Sci-Fi Lullabies vol 2 for RSD - the tracks of which are being added to the original for an “expanded” DeLuxe edition on CD.
I hadn’t realised that the original compilation wasn’t all the B-Sides and I’ve seen fans complain about omissions from the new one. How do you feel about such compilations, should bands be selective and do a “best of” the B-Sides/EPs/unreleased material or should they compile more or less everything?
I’m in the latter category, if it is a distinct, fully recorded song - as a opposed to an iteration of a released one, I’d like it to be compiled. That said fully recorded and produced alternate arrangements are usually interesting.
Demos I am somewhat tepid on, they are seldom that edifying but if you are going to release them, you may as well release as many as possible. Ditto live versions, they are usually just inferior versions of tracks we already own, though I do like it when bands do extended versions/different arrangements/blend the track with one or more others.
Remixes are variable, with Rock bands often dull or embarrassing but they may as well be compiled if they exist. Covers too.
In short I’d like bands I love to release all their b-sides and unreleased original songs, the ideal for me would be as one set. Many bands are doing this with the popularity of deluxe/anniversary editions where multiple discs are appended to the original.
Obviously in the age of streaming compilations are rendered somewhat obsolete but the complete b-sides, unreleased, demos etc could all be turned into separate playlists either for the full back catalogie or album by album which is likely more practical. NB - I don’t use streaming sites so forgive me if this is normal pratice.
The SFA released Rings Around the World as a three CD deluxe with approximately three more discs worth of material for download and,I presume, streaming.
Where do you guys stand on this?