Intriguing mix, though I'm not sure I share your conclusions. I think the record industry has always been quick to capitalize on a profitable artist by rushing out a "greatest hits" package; with the advent of the cd, this became even more pronounced, with various money-grubbing box sets. Personally, while I like making compilations of artists (as you can see from my postings on AOTM), I will rarely buy one -- for artists I truly enjoy, I'd rather buy the complete album as the artist intended, not just the hits.

I see your point, but I don't trust a record exec to choose the best works of an artist... I'd rather do it myself !
Plus, a singles collection doesn't always represent what the artist has done throughout his career... I'd say Popkulcher is right (and that Nirvana comp is really horrendous).

is Uncle Tupelo any good? I'm really curious. that was with some of the members of.....Wilco right? *looks around* I haven't a clue. hmmmmph. I could very well have my information messed up.

I agree with popkulcher, I like the album as intended... although a company assembling a greatest hits is no different than the anthologies you do, or... sorry, I shouldn't point you ou because it's no different than what all of us do with every mix tape. I doubt all that many recording artists make their songs with the intention of "oh this will sound great on a mix tape." (Although I'd love to hear of a band that does.) The only difference is that when record companies d it, they wan us to pay for it... and thanks to mp3, we can now say screw them if we don't think it's worth the money.

theres a best-of dino jr? what's on it?