REISSUES

Best-of CD a bargain and a way to explore

Aretha Franklin, Knew You Were Waiting: The Best of Aretha Franklin 1980-1998
Aretha Franklin, Knew You Were Waiting: The Best of Aretha Franklin 1980-1998

— There’s much to be said for greatest hits collections. All of a favorite singer or band’s biggest hits on one recording is pretty convenient and, sometimes, a bargain.

But there is a downside - a favorite tune or two might not be on the set. A download can remedy that, as well as allow music lovers the freedom to assemble their own vision of an artist’s work.

Whatever you choose, here are some choices to consider:

The English Beat, Keep the Beat: The Very Best of the English Beat, Shout Factory, $13.99

The English Beat, The Complete Beat, Shout Factory, five CDs, $49.99

The single disc Keep the Beat’s 16 tunes is a fine distillation of the label’s boxed set. The box has expanded and remastered versions of the band’s three albums and added two discs of remixes, rare tracks and live shows. The Beat’s ska and beat/groove Motown influenced music may have hit its high point on the wonderful“Save It for Later.” And, while the box will thrill fans, it also makes a great case for just how underrated The English Beat was. Those who appreciate bands such as Madness can get a taste with the single disc set and should find a lot to like.

Aretha Franklin, Knew You Were Waiting: The Best of Aretha Franklin 1980-1998, Legacy, $9.99

The Queen of Soul’s collaborations are emphasized here, such as Franklin’s work with George Benson (“Love All the Hurt Away), Eurythmics (“Sisters Are Doing It for Themselves”), Keith Richards (“Jumpin’ Jack Flash”) and George Michael (“I Knew You Were Waiting”).

A selection of solos enriches the set, with “A Rose Is Still a Rose” and “Freeway of Love” standing out.

David Sylvian, A Victim of Stars 1982-2012, Virgin, two CDs, $24.99

This two-CD set takes an expansive look at David Sylvian’s work. Initially a glam rocker inspired by Roxy Music, Sylvian and his band, Japan, had a hit with “Ghosts” in Europe. But the restless artist left the group and recorded solo albums that ventured into improvisation, jazz, atmospheric sounds and more while he stretched the pop song form by exploring minimalist to nearly nonexistent structure. “Darkest Dreaming” is stark and haunting, “Snow White in Appalachia” uses rural isolation as a metaphor for deep loneliness. The adventurous Sylvian stripped songs to the bone as cleanly as he did when he removed his makeup from the glam days.

Jody Miller, Complete Epic Hits, Real Gone, $15.99

Country singer Jody Miller never rose to huge fame, but her engaging style yielded a number of hits, including “Baby I’m Yours,” “There’s a Party Goin’ On” and a feisty “Ashes of Love.” She covered a lot of ’60s pop tunes, including country-tinged takes on “Will You Still love Me Tomorrow,” “He’s So Fine,” “Natural Woman,” “To Know Him Is to Love Him” and others. The set has 25 songs and liner notes by the artist. Missing: her biggest hit, “Queen of the House,” an answer recording to Roger Miller’s “King of the Road.” It was recorded for another label.

Tab Benoit, Legacy: The Best of Tab Benoit, Telarc, $11.99

This cool swampy blues music distills a fine body of work by the bluesman. Benoit’s Louisiana roots make for memorable songs such as “Muddy Bottom Blues,” the killer “Bayou Boogie,” a compelling “Shelter Me” and a striking rework of Stephen Stills’ song (for Buffalo Springfield) “For What It’s Worth.” This album is a great way to get acquainted with a superb musician.

Paul Simon, Songwriter, Legacy, two CDs, $13.99

How many Paul Simon and Simon and Garfunkel compilations have there been? A bunch. Still, this is one that might be well worth making room for in your collection.One welcome surprise is the inclusion of Aretha Franklin’s fabulous take on “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” rather than S&G’s. With the emphasis on songwriting, fans will hear some familiar songs:“American Tune,” “Still Crazy After All These Years,” et al. But others are missing, such as “Duncan,” “Slip Slidin’ Away” and “You Can Call Me Al.” But blame Simon if you don’t like the track listing; he made the choices. All that aside, this set serves Simon the songwriter well.

Carole King, Pearls: Songs of Goffin and King, Rockingale, $11.99

These 10 songs (no bonus tracks), written with then-husband Gerry Goffin, represent some of the best tunes of the early 1960s before King stepped out on her own as an artist in a big way with the classic album Tapestry. This album lets King the singer shine on songs popularized by others, including Little Eva’s “The Loco-Motion,” the Chiffons’ “One Fine Day,” Blood Sweat & Tears’ “Hi De Ho” and the Cookies’ “Chains.” E-mail:

[email protected]

Style, Pages 43 on 07/15/2012

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