Compilation album

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A compilation album comprises tracks, which may be previously released or unreleased, usually from several separate recordings by either one performer or by several performers. If the recordings are from one artist, then generally the tracks were not originally intended for release together as a single work, [1] but may be collected together as a greatest hits album or box set. [2] If the recordings are from several artists, there may be a theme, topic, time period, or genre which links the tracks, [3] [4] or they may have been intended for release as a single work—such as a tribute album. [5] When the tracks are by the same recording artist, the album may be referred to as a retrospective album or an anthology. [6]

Contents

Content and scope

Songs included on a compilation album may be previously released or unreleased, usually from several separate recordings by either one or several performers. If by one artist, then generally the tracks were not originally intended for release together as a single work, but may be collected together as a greatest hits album or box set. Compilation albums may employ traditional product bundling strategies.[ citation needed ]

According to sound technician Richard King, classical music compilations "may require more processing to match tracks coming from various sources and recording venues, as well as the different sizes of ensembles." [7]

In Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies (1981), Robert Christgau said, "While compilation albums by album artists (as opposed to stylistically unified singles specialists) are often useless, sometimes they present themselves as events", citing as examples the 1971 Ray Charles LP A 25th Anniversary in Show Business Salute to Ray Charles, The Kink Kronikles (1972), and Changesonebowie (1976). [8]

Common types

Common types of compilation include:

Royalties

For multi-artist compilations, royalties are usually prorated. In most cases, each artist's per-record royalty rate (typically 12–14% in 1999) [13] is divided by the number of artists on the album. Some record companies simplify the equation and pay a rounded-off rate, either as a percentage or as a set amount, regardless of the total number of artists on the record. As of 1999, these rates were around 0.5% to 1% or 15–16 cents per record. [13] When a compilation album includes a track from a different record company, the royalties are split between the artist and the original record company. [13] Unless specifically limited by a contract, record companies may release as many greatest hits albums by their recording artist as they wish without requiring the artist's agreement or permission. [14]

Charts

In the United Kingdom, the Official Charts Company compiles a weekly compilation albums chart, limited to various artists compilations and soundtrack compilations. [15]

See also

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References

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  2. Marc Burrows (20 November 2013). "Why a greatest hits album can be the band's greatest". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
  3. "Definition of 'compilation album'". Collins Dictionary. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
  4. Jupp, Emily; White, Lucy; Carr, Candia (25 September 2015). "32 years of NOW music compilations: Kodaline, Gabrielle Aplin and more share what the series means to them" . The Independent . Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
  5. Michael Hann (9 April 2018). "Covered in glory: the tribute albums that saved careers and changed lives". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
  6. "Definition of retrospective in English". Oxford Dictionaries. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
  7. King, Richard (2016). Recording Orchestra and Other Classical Music Ensembles. Taylor & Francis. p. 223. ISBN   978-1317520818.
  8. Christgau, Robert (1981). "The Criteria". Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies . Ticknor & Fields. ISBN   0899190251. Archived from the original on 6 April 2019. Retrieved 6 April 2019 via robertchristgau.com.
  9. Pelly, Jenn (23 September 2013). "TLC to Release Greatest Hits Compilation to Accompany Biopic, New Album Coming in 2014". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 4 December 2013. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
  10. "Have Yourself A Merry Indie Christmas Volume I, by Various Artists". Various Artists. Retrieved 7 December 2023.
  11. Gentile, John (8 November 2013). "Deadmau5 Compilation 'We Are Friends Vol. 2' – Album Premiere". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 11 November 2013. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
  12. Suchet, Richard (28 November 2013). "Now Compilation Albums Celebrate 30 Years". Sky News. Archived from the original on 1 December 2013. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
  13. 1 2 3 Brian McPherson (1999). Get It in Writing: The Musician's Guide to the Music Business. Hal Leonard Corp. p. 68. ISBN   9780793566990. Archived from the original on 29 July 2020. Retrieved 24 March 2015.
  14. Brian McPherson (1999). Get It in Writing: The Musician's Guide to the Music Business. Hal Leonard Corp. p. 89. ISBN   9780793566990.
  15. "UK Top 40 Compilation Albums Archived 14 July 2018 at the Wayback Machine ", BBC, retrieved 1 April 2012