Creativity abounds in compilation albums | Life Happens | CPT PPP Coverage

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In my March column, I discussed the re-issue of the 1973 compilation albums, The Beatles 1962-66/The Beatles 1967-70 and their place in the rock ‘n’ roll pantheon.

Readers commented favorably about the compilations in that the album sleeves and songs chronicle the bands’ artistic growth from pop and soft rock ‘n’ roll to psychedelic and hard rock avatars. However, one woman, identified only as Janelle, said compilations are useless repackages void of any creativity whatsoever. Well, Janelle, I can prove otherwise.

In his compilation, “Shaved Fish,” former Beatle John Lennon provided an enjoyable collection without attaching the boorish “Best Of” or “Greatest Hits” title to this package. “Shaved Fish” refers to a confused man wearing various masks — protest singer, mystical troubadour, lost boy crying for his mother – and more than hints at creativity.

Don’t ponder over the album title, just enjoy the music.

Even the album’s front cover, divided into 11 sections designed to illustrate each song on the album, oozes creativity. The album kicks off with Lennon’s anthem of peace and love, “Give Peace a Chance” and, after 58 seconds, fades and segues into “Cold Turkey” (a lament about the singer’s heroin withdrawal).

By the way, “Give Peace a Chance” reappears in live form at the end of the album. I admit, I felt cheated over the omission of the entire studio track. However, Lennon certainly flexed his creative muscle when assembling this release.

Then, there is the double compilation, “This is the Moody Blues”. Released in 1974, this collection continues in the tradition of the bands’ first seven albums in that songs segue seamlessly without silence between tracks. Also, the front cover depicts the bands’ first seven albums from which the songs were lifted.

The album kicks off not with the album version, but single version of “Question” (from Question of Balance) and offers the Mike Pinder-penned non-album track, “Simple Game,” enhancing the album’s melancholy atmosphere. Other songs were remixed for this occasion.

Additionally, an up-tempo drum beat kicks off “Ride My See-Saw” (from “In Search of the Lost Chord”) instead of the album version which segues from beneath the poem, “Departure.” Similarly, a drum beat launches “I’m Just a Singer in a Rock ‘n’ Roll Band” (from “Seventh Sojourn”) instead of the album fade-up.

Singer-songwriter Harry Chapin combined his greatest hits with a live performance in his 1976 release, “Greatest Stories Live.” Recorded over three nights in California in November 1975, the album featured new studio tracks, two of which (“She Is Always Seventeen” and “Love Is Just Another Word”) were excluded from the compact disc release.

Don’t ask why, I’m just an informant.

The compilation is notable for its extended version of “30,000 Pounds of Bananas,” famous for Chapin’s recounting of his brothers’ remarks after hearing the original ending, “Harry … it sucks.”

“The Carpenters – Singles” 1969-1973 include a slightly different version of “Top of the World,” and instrumental introductions to the tracks “Rainy Days and Mondays” and “Goodbye to Love.” Also, the latter two were sped up in pitch, much to Richard Carpenter’s regret. Certainly, fans got their money’s worth.

I didn’t think I would write about the music scene so soon after my March column. However, I like a challenge and I thank Janelle for her comments. Goes to show I have at least one person who reads my column.

William J. Dagendesh is an author, writer and retired U.S. Navy Chief Photojournalist, Editor and Public Affairs Officer. He has lived in southern Colorado 24 years. Contact William with comments or ideas for his column at [email protected].