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Post by cameron on May 30, 2020 21:30:13 GMT
As we know, the Hollies have MILLIONS of Greatest Hits compilations, enough to even bore the completists among us. But I have to ask the question: in terms of track listing and contents, which are your favourites? Here's mine: Hollies Greatest (Parlophone) 1968 MONO I find this is my default go-to. I play this a lot, especially to hear those glorious original single mono mixes. The stereo pressing has the much better version of 'Yes I Will', but the rest of it is unlistenable. A fault on initial pressings puts the left channel significantly quieter than the right one, leading it to be almost acapella! A jagged tracklist has no flow, but I've got used to it now: www.discogs.com/The-Hollies-Hollies-Greatest/release/2042678Hollies Greatest Hits (Hansa) 1968The German alternative, comprised of only 1967 and 1968 tracks that gave us the stereo versions of some of their best 1967/8 works for decades until they slowly became available on CD (with 'All The World Is Love' only making it onto CD as recently as 2011 in stereo!). I've often viewed this as the "lost" 1968 album: www.discogs.com/The-Hollies-Hollies-Greatest-Hits/release/3750941Pop Chronik (Hansa) 1975This German compilation covers 1967 through to 1971 with a very generous helping of deeper album cuts from 1969-1971 as well as most of the singles (though inexplicably, 'I Can't Tell The Bottom From The Top' is missing) and it's packaged in a lavish gatefold with a booklet that details the various line up changes and the pre-Hollies names. Perhaps the first place this was done? www.discogs.com/The-Hollies-Pop-Chronik/release/3469307The Other Side of the Hollies (EMI) 1978I think this was issued following the success of '20 Golden Greats', it compiles all the B-sides of the Parlophone years, even complete with an old PMC catalogue number as all but two of the songs are in mono. There's songs here that would be career highlights for some artists, but they're mere B-sides for the Hollies! www.discogs.com/The-Hollies-The-Other-Side-Of-The-Hollies/release/316955418 Highlights of a Unique Musical Career (Polydor) 1980I believe this compilation is of Dutch origin. It rounds off the Polydor years nicely, right up to 'Buddy Holly' with a bunch of 'Live Hits' tracks added at the end of side two re-edited together to play like a mini concert with no obvious edits. There's everything here from the first single for Polydor 'The Baby' through to the last 'Heartbeat' and a collection of singles and album tracks, though I guess some oddities like 'Falling Calling' and 'Daddy Don't Mind' were singles in the Netherlands: www.discogs.com/The-Hollies-The-Hollies-Collection/release/1473899 30th Anniversary Collection (EMI USA) 1993Although perhaps a bit too lavish and exhaustive to be a mere Greatest Hits comp, this one is poignant for containing the first and only remixes of the Hollies' back catalogue. Three discs covering mostly 1963 - 1974 with a few "recent" songs tagged on at the end, with lots of previously unreleased material, studio chatter and false starts really excited this Hollies fan who was dying to hear something NEW on a compilation! www.discogs.com/The-Hollies-30th-Anniversary-Collection-1963-1993/master/1076234Hollies' Finest (EMI) 2007This was one of the first Hollies albums I ever bought because I mistakenly thought it was a "proper' greatest hits album. You could have fooled me! They all seemed like hits to me. I was very disappointed to learn that gems like 'To Do With Love' and 'Step Inside' were mere album tracks and not enormously successful singles! I liked how it showcased the Hollies' greatest performances rather than the usual hits. www.discogs.com/The-Hollies-Finest/release/2480249What are your favourites that you find yourself playing regularly, aside from their usual back catalogue? I'm not counting the trilogy of boxsets that are exhaustive back catalogue collections, just sets that are "Best Ofs".
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Post by Mevrouw Bee on May 30, 2020 22:39:11 GMT
I have a sentimental favourite: This Canadian-only compilation from 1977 that I bought at the age of 16 for about $5.99. I wasn't a fan at the time of anything but 60s music in general and recognized a couple of songs that I wanted. www.discogs.com/The-Hollies-20-Greatest-Hits/release/1759000I remember being ticked off that they weren't all the originals -- it was about half and half live and studio (the LP is still in Holland so can't remember exactly which was which); and at the time I was very fussy about collecting original studio recordings of any artist. But then I actually listened to those live tracks...And I was blown away, especially by the live versions of "Air," and "Sandy" (the last song I had never heard before). I mean, in a 16-year-old girl "Who the hell is this singer?" kind of way. I looked at the front cover and hadn't a clue who was whom. Ah, the pre-internet age when you couldn't just do a google! And annoyingly, I was yesterday years old when I read in Bobby's book (pg. 277) that the Hollies actually DID play my one-horse hometown of Thunder Bay, Ontario, only a couple of months after I bought and fell in love with this compilation (around the 1st week of November, 1977). But they played at our local college so it would have served booze and been closed to underagers. GROWL. My only ever opportunity to see the classic lineup live, gone bye-bye. So, in short, I had no clue what the singer looked like until 2003. No word of a lie!
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Post by dirtyfaz on May 30, 2020 22:58:28 GMT
Doesn't that Canadian LP have several tracks that have been faded early to give them space to get the 20 tracks on it?
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Post by Mevrouw Bee on May 30, 2020 23:18:04 GMT
Doesn't that Canadian LP have several tracks that have been faded early to give them space to get the 20 tracks on it? Like I said, the LP is 6,000 km away right now and I haven't heard it in years. Wouldn't be surprised though. Perhaps The Dude would know? I'll ask him.
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Post by cameron on May 30, 2020 23:41:47 GMT
I think it is, if it's the one that was advertised on TV, then yes, several tracks are cut a bit short
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Post by baz on May 30, 2020 23:46:47 GMT
I think it is, if it's the one that was advertised on TV, then yes, several tracks are cut a bit short Yes... the era of K-Tel and Ronco churning out compilations cramming on as many tracks as possible, editing tracks down and because the grooves were so packed, they were pretty poor sonically!
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Post by thejanitor on May 30, 2020 23:55:22 GMT
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Post by Mevrouw Bee on May 30, 2020 23:56:27 GMT
I think it is, if it's the one that was advertised on TV, then yes, several tracks are cut a bit short Of course, dorky chicks like me who wouldn't have noticed were the target audience, n'est-ce pas? But the 70s were notorious for cheap edited compilations, usually with "original stars" and other code words for "not the original recording". I was just lucky that, despite its flaws, the music on this one was all quality. My question is - was there usually just one source for the live recordings at this time? Like "Hollies Live Hits" or something?
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Post by anthony on May 31, 2020 0:48:40 GMT
Can't think of any other group who has had more greatest hits albums than the Hollies. Midas touch The Very Best Of The Hollies as it goes through all the years is hard to beat for me.
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Post by dirtyfaz on May 31, 2020 1:26:20 GMT
Those live tracks from the Hollies Live Hits lp back in the 70s have been used over and over by different countries around the world. They certainly got mileage from that recording. It was from a period of time where the band were artists for Polydor and the EMI period tracks were used many times on compilations.
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Post by Mevrouw Bee on May 31, 2020 1:31:56 GMT
Those live tracks from the Hollies Live Hits lp back in the 70s have been used over and over by different countries around the world. They certainly got mileage from that recording. It was from a period of time where the band were artists for Polydor and the EMI period tracks were used many times on compilations. Well, they're quality tracks; they definitely won over this teenage rock chick! I'll get The Dude to compare the two albums. Thanks!
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Post by cameron on May 31, 2020 15:01:28 GMT
Yes I like '24 Genuine Top Thirty Hits', though I think 'top thirty' is a stretch, the vast majority of the LP tracks made the top ten, if not top five in the UK! They should have called it something else with more impact. Interesting how the Hollies were now with Polydor, but EMI got new photos of them during the recording sessions for 'Write On' in 1975! I love 'Rarities', but was counting the "best of" compilations mainly.
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Post by cameron on May 31, 2020 15:04:29 GMT
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Post by Mevrouw Bee on May 31, 2020 15:46:31 GMT
Just confirmed via Skype with the The Dude...The TeeVee Records collection does use the live recordings from Hollies Live Hits.
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Post by johnt on Jun 1, 2020 22:35:42 GMT
My favourite has got to be Hollies Greatest from 1968 because a year earlier I saw them live on stage for the first time and the hits on that album kept reminding me of that performance. I wore out that LP and had to replace it some years later. I've got most of the compilations that have been issued since then and one that I particularly like is the Dutch Collection because it came with a DVD as well: www.discogs.com/The-Hollies-The-Dutch-Collection/release/4283855 Was Wiggle That Wotsit a big hit in The Netherlands?
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Post by Mevrouw Bee on Jun 1, 2020 23:00:40 GMT
My favourite has got to be Hollies Greatest from 1968 because a year earlier I saw them live on stage for the first time and the hits on that album kept reminding me of that performance. I wore out that LP and had to replace it some years later. I've got most of the compilations that have been issued since then and one that I particularly like is the Dutch Collection because it came with a DVD as well: www.discogs.com/The-Hollies-The-Dutch-Collection/release/4283855 Was Wiggle That Wotsit a big hit in The Netherlands? Got to #23! Their last chart appearance. We always were a bit "different"...the only Dutch #1 was "Curly Billy"..."But Do The Best You Can" went to #5 and we were the only country where "Blowing In The Wind" charted (#9). Sandy also went to #8. We got the Dutch Collection as soon as it was released because, um, The Dude and I are Dutch! But also because of the DVD of the videos. Excellent compilation.
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Post by allanangel on Jun 2, 2020 2:08:39 GMT
I have a sentimental favourite: This Canadian-only compilation from 1977 that I bought at the age of 16 for about $5.99. I wasn't a fan at the time of anything but 60s music in general and recognized a couple of songs that I wanted. www.discogs.com/The-Hollies-20-Greatest-Hits/release/1759000I remember being ticked off that they weren't all the originals -- it was about half and half live and studio (the LP is still in Holland so can't remember exactly which was which); and at the time I was very fussy about collecting original studio recordings of any artist. But then I actually listened to those live tracks...And I was blown away, especially by the live versions of "Air," and "Sandy" (the last song I had never heard before). I mean, in a 16-year-old girl "Who the hell is this singer?" kind of way. I looked at the front cover and hadn't a clue who was whom. Ah, the pre-internet age when you couldn't just do a google! And annoyingly, I was yesterday years old when I read in Bobby's book (pg. 277) that the Hollies actually DID play my one-horse hometown of Thunder Bay, Ontario, only a couple of months after I bought and fell in love with this compilation (around the 1st week of November, 1977). But they played at our local college so it would have served booze and been closed to underagers. GROWL. My only ever opportunity to see the classic lineup live, gone bye-bye. So, in short, I had no clue what the singer looked like until 2003. No word of a lie! I think I have 3 copies of that album, maybe 4. It is fantastic!
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Post by Mevrouw Bee on Jun 2, 2020 13:54:20 GMT
I have a sentimental favourite: This Canadian-only compilation from 1977 that I bought at the age of 16 for about $5.99. I wasn't a fan at the time of anything but 60s music in general and recognized a couple of songs that I wanted. www.discogs.com/The-Hollies-20-Greatest-Hits/release/1759000I remember being ticked off that they weren't all the originals -- it was about half and half live and studio (the LP is still in Holland so can't remember exactly which was which); and at the time I was very fussy about collecting original studio recordings of any artist. But then I actually listened to those live tracks...And I was blown away, especially by the live versions of "Air," and "Sandy" (the last song I had never heard before). I mean, in a 16-year-old girl "Who the hell is this singer?" kind of way. I looked at the front cover and hadn't a clue who was whom. Ah, the pre-internet age when you couldn't just do a google! And annoyingly, I was yesterday years old when I read in Bobby's book (pg. 277) that the Hollies actually DID play my one-horse hometown of Thunder Bay, Ontario, only a couple of months after I bought and fell in love with this compilation (around the 1st week of November, 1977). But they played at our local college so it would have served booze and been closed to underagers. GROWL. My only ever opportunity to see the classic lineup live, gone bye-bye. So, in short, I had no clue what the singer looked like until 2003. No word of a lie! I think I have 3 copies of that album, maybe 4. It is fantastic! And I thought I was a collector of beautiful things...! Quite happy that the live tracks are the same ones off Hollies Live Hits (or Hollies Live, depending on where you live)...And probably not chopped off at either end...
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Post by knut on Jun 3, 2020 2:58:04 GMT
My favourite collection is the 2CD with hits from around the world with chart positions and countries. That is the white and blue cover with clouds. Perfect for autographs!
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Post by gee on Jun 3, 2020 10:09:48 GMT
Thanks Knut glad you liked it ! - I worked on that 2003 'Hollies Greatest Hits' 2CD set - we got almost all the worldwide chart hits in true stereo on it, some 45 international chart hits plus one new recording.
Peter Mew centralised the vocals on some basic stereo tracks, notably 'I'm Alive', 'Very Last Day', 'Bus Stop', 'I've Got A Way of My Own', 'Carrie Anne', 'Sorry Suzanne'
with the correct hit version of 'Searchin' in true stereo this time unlike as on Hollies Greatest vol 2 LP and the correct stereo hit single version of 'Yes I Will' unlike as on Hollies Greatest stereo LP (tho' that did ensure the 15 December 1964 alternate first version got a release)
we had to use the album version of 'Magic Woman Touch' (very similar) as the single version master has a massive 'drop out' on the guitar/sitar intro which is coverable on vinyl but not so with CD - Tim Chacksfield told me they attempted to mix out the drop out but it was still noticeable so the album version was slotted in - maybe today the drop out could be replaced but not back in 2003
'Stop in The Name of Love' was then unavailable in 2003 being a WEA recording, while The Hollies themselves vetoed 'That's My Desire' from going on hence we got the Paul Bliss song which I felt was utterly forgettable but at least Carl Wayne got a lead vocal !
A few overseas hits like 'Stewball', 'Man Without A Heart', 'Falling Calling' etc missed out but most were gathered together with the chart details
I did push for the inclusion of (in my view better) Ron Furmanek stereo mixes of 'I Can't Let Go', 'Bus Stop', and 'Sorry Suzanne' to be included - plus the original version in stereo of 'I Can't Tell The Bottom From The Top' with acoustic guitar (that Bobby disliked) but EMI said no....
I wanted them to go on in chronological order but Tim Chacksfield advised EMI felt otherwise hence the jumbled order of songs - the 2CD set reached no.21 in the UK so The Hollies and EMI were pleased about that
re the infamous 'Wiggle That Wotsit' that is so often derided (probably largely as the lyrics were naff: 'rub-a-dug-hug me' / 'shing-a-ling-a-ling me' etc) both Allan and Bernie said they loathed it !
yet besides reaching no.23 in The Netherlands it also made no.11 in New Zealand, no.19 in Sweden, and no.22 in Belgium so it was not quite the disasterous flop some might have us believe
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Post by stuball on Jun 3, 2020 13:23:03 GMT
I have a sentimental favourite: This Canadian-only compilation from 1977 that I bought at the age of 16 for about $5.99. I wasn't a fan at the time of anything but 60s music in general and recognized a couple of songs that I wanted. www.discogs.com/The-Hollies-20-Greatest-Hits/release/1759000And annoyingly, I was yesterday years old when I read in Bobby's book (pg. 277) that the Hollies actually DID play my one-horse hometown of Thunder Bay, Ontario, only a couple of months after I bought and fell in love with this compilation (around the 1st week of November, 1977). But they played at our local college so it would have served booze and been closed to underagers. GROWL. My only ever opportunity to see the classic lineup live, gone bye-bye. So, in short, I had no clue what the singer looked like until 2003. No word of a lie! As a Canadian Hollies fan, I remember seeing this LP advertised on TV back in '77. It was about the only Hollies record I didn't buy! As rare and as exciting as it was to see the group's record on television, it was mortifying to witness my favourite group on that budget label. Tee Vee International and K-Tel were like 'the last roundup' of hits, and I found it very demeaning. Embarrassing even! I caught The Hollies on their Autumn '76 and '77 Canadian tours, in Hamilton and London respectively. Bought tickets to their '79 tour as well, but of course the whole thing was cancelled. Last time I heard them was in '83, with Nash, but that was a totally different kettle of fish. The group seemingly also played Thunder Bay during their '76 Canadian tour as well. On stage at Hamilton Place that November, Terry made a demeaning joke about playing TB that got a good laugh from the Hamilton audience.
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Post by johnt on Jun 3, 2020 13:41:03 GMT
My favourite collection is the 2CD with hits from around the world with chart positions and countries. That is the white and blue cover with clouds. Perfect for autographs! Great minds, Knut.
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Post by Mevrouw Bee on Jun 3, 2020 14:38:06 GMT
My favourite collection is the 2CD with hits from around the world with chart positions and countries. That is the white and blue cover with clouds. Perfect for autographs! Actually that one was really important for me as well. It was 2003, right around the time I first heard "I'm Alive" for the first time on Little Steven's Underground Garage, which reactivated a long-dormant admiration of the band. Although it was a #11 hit in Canada, they never played it on Thunder Bay (then Port Arthur/Fort William) radio for whatever reason. That compilation had just been released and was the ONLY one in the record shops in town other than the US Greatest Hits one with the collage cover (that I already owned). Half of those songs I had never heard before. It really is a good starting point for those asking what the Hollies did beyond the usual three songs...
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Post by Mevrouw Bee on Jun 3, 2020 14:48:18 GMT
I have a sentimental favourite: This Canadian-only compilation from 1977 that I bought at the age of 16 for about $5.99. I wasn't a fan at the time of anything but 60s music in general and recognized a couple of songs that I wanted. www.discogs.com/The-Hollies-20-Greatest-Hits/release/1759000And annoyingly, I was yesterday years old when I read in Bobby's book (pg. 277) that the Hollies actually DID play my one-horse hometown of Thunder Bay, Ontario, only a couple of months after I bought and fell in love with this compilation (around the 1st week of November, 1977). But they played at our local college so it would have served booze and been closed to underagers. GROWL. My only ever opportunity to see the classic lineup live, gone bye-bye. So, in short, I had no clue what the singer looked like until 2003. No word of a lie! As a Canadian Hollies fan, I remember seeing this LP advertised on TV back in '77. It was about the only Hollies record I didn't buy! As rare and as exciting as it was to see the group's record on television, it was mortifying to witness my favourite group on that budget label. Tee Vee International and K-Tel were like 'the last roundup' of hits, and I found it very demeaning. Embarrassing even! I caught The Hollies on their Autumn '76 and '77 Canadian tours, in Hamilton and London respectively. Bought tickets to their '79 tour as well, but of course the whole thing was cancelled. Last time I heard them was in '83, with Nash, but that was a totally different kettle of fish. The group seemingly also played Thunder Bay during their '76 Canadian tour as well. On stage at Hamilton Place that November, Terry made a demeaning joke about playing TB that got a good laugh from the Hamilton audience. The Dude went to our Thunder Bay Memories Facebook page and asked whether anyone remembered the Nov '77 gig and had memories or photos. So far, one person said they did, and Ian Pattison, one of our most well known local journalists (who would also have been around at the time) replied, "How did I miss THAT?" Well because too many local gigs at that time were at Confederation College or Lakehead University, would have served alcohol and therefore been closed to underaged dweebs like me. I don't even remember any promo or reviews. But once everything is opened up again, I'll check out the Chronicle-Journal newspaper archives and maybe contact the University newspaper office too. Oh, and thanks for giving me another reason to whack Terry upside the head. He better not tell that joke around our local hero, Paul Shaffer (of course, after the R&RHoF, he's probably on Terry's bad list too)...
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Post by cameron on Jun 3, 2020 14:57:04 GMT
I wonder why so many of these hits collections don't feature a picture of the Hollies on the front? This seems to be a trend in recent years, though famously started with that utterly hideous cover for '20 Golden Greats'. It obviously shifted so many copies on the strength of the music, because the cover was awful. Allan lamented it at the time in an interview somewhere. But they weren't with EMI at that point and probably had no leverage on it.
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