Political Beats: Very Special Episode – Most Essential/Necessary Compilations [137]

Released on August 19, 2024 | Hosts: Scot Bertram & Jeff Blehar | National Review

In this very special episode of Political Beats, hosts Scot Bertram and Jeff Blehar delve into the realm of music compilations, exploring what they consider the most essential and necessary "greatest hits" albums across various artists and genres. Diverging from their usual format of interviewing political figures with musical passions, Scot and Jeff engage in a spirited dialogue about curated collections that encapsulate an artist's legacy, influence, and musical evolution.

Opening Reflections and Episode Format Change

Timestamp: [00:00 – 04:09]

The episode begins with Scot and Jeff acknowledging the absence of a guest, marking this as their third very special episode focused solely on their curated lists. Jeff humorously shares his current struggles, including moving residences and the looming Democratic National Convention in Chicago, setting a contemplative yet light-hearted tone.

Notable Quote:

Jeff Blair [02:09]: "I'm feeling really gloomy these days... if it's all about to come to an end, what was it all about?"

Madonna’s "The Immaculate Collection"

Timestamp: [11:03 – 18:35]

Scot commences their exploration with Madonna’s iconic "The Immaculate Collection", praising it as a perfect summation of Madonna's career up to 1992. He emphasizes the compilation's comprehensive inclusion of her hits from 1982 to 1992, arguing that it serves as an essential gateway for both long-time fans and newcomers.

Notable Quote:

Scot Bertram [12:48]: "This is an essential best of from an artist that you don't need any of the actual albums."

Jeff concurs, highlighting the album's ability to encapsulate Madonna's influence without necessitating a deep dive into her individual albums.

Notable Quote:

Jeff Blair [16:19]: "It's a really good way because it's so different than mine. It's balanced towards albums that are like, just get this."

Buzzcocks’ Singles Compilation

Timestamp: [19:34 – 24:18]

Shifting gears, Scot introduces the Buzzcocks' compilation, emphasizing its significance as a definitive collection of their singles. He underscores the band's influence on the punk and pop-punk genres, suggesting that their singles compilation captures the essence of power punk more effectively than their studio albums.

Notable Quote:

Jeff Blair [20:43]: "You need to hear the original form of what power punk was like back when it meant something."

Chicago’s "Chicago 9 – Chicago's Greatest Hits"

Timestamp: [24:58 – 29:56]

The conversation moves to Chicago's "Chicago 9 – Chicago's Greatest Hits", which Scot lauds as the quintessential introduction to the band’s mainstream success. He points out that this compilation provides all the necessary hits without delving into their more complex album tracks, making it ideal for casual listeners.

Notable Quote:

Scot Bertram [26:29]: "These are great songs, hooky pop songs, wonderfully, like sprightly horns."

Jeff adds that while he appreciates Chicago, he prefers this compact collection over their extensive live albums.

New Order’s "Substance"

Timestamp: [32:05 – 35:18]

Jeff champions New Order’s "Substance" as one of the most essential compilations, praising its seamless sequencing and comprehensive coverage of the band’s evolution from post-punk to dance music. He argues that "Substance" is the ideal entry point for those new to New Order, capturing their artistic progression in a cohesive narrative.

Notable Quote:

Jeff Blair [32:32]: "This is one of the greatest accidentally but also intentionally flowing compilation albums you will ever hear."

Steve Miller Band’s "Greatest Hits 74–78"

Timestamp: [35:18 – 40:00]

Scot discusses the Steve Miller Band's "Greatest Hits 74–78", emphasizing its representation of the band's transition from blues rock to mainstream pop. He acknowledges minor omissions but overall endorses it as a staple for casual fans seeking the band's most memorable tracks.

Notable Quote:

Scot Bertram [38:35]: "It's one of the most iconic greatest hits albums of the late 70s when it was released."

The Smiths’ "Half Full of Hollow"

Timestamp: [40:59 – 45:30]

Jeff critiques The Smiths’ early compilation "Half Full of Hollow", noting its attempt to capture the band’s raw essence through a mix of A-sides, B-sides, and BBC sessions. He acknowledges its shortcomings compared to the band’s later works but recognizes its role in presenting their foundational sound.

Notable Quote:

Jeff Blair [44:34]: "These are the people who wrote 'Going Underground'... take the plunge with this one."

Sheryl Crow’s "The Very Best of Sheryl Crow"

Timestamp: [45:30 – 50:16]

Scot highlights Sheryl Crow’s "The Very Best of Sheryl Crow", appreciating its meticulous selection of hits and deeper cuts that showcase her versatility. He praises songs like "I Still Miss Someone" and "Steve McQueen," suggesting the compilation offers a well-rounded view of her career.

Notable Quote:

Jeff Blair [47:39]: "If you're looking for reasons to get hooks that will grab you... a well done greatest hits album is the greatest invitation you could ever receive."

James Brown’s "Star Time"

Timestamp: [73:24 – 79:17]

The hosts transition to James Brown’s "Star Time", heralding it as one of the greatest compilations that not only educates listeners but also entertains them through Brown’s extensive catalogue. They discuss its comprehensive nature, spanning multiple decades and showcasing Brown’s evolution as the "Godfather of Soul."

Notable Quote:

Guest Speaker [77:33]: "There is so much there... you get to listen to the evolution of an entire art form play out."

Sam and Dave’s "The Best of Sam and Dave"

Timestamp: [81:18 – 83:56]

The duo commends Sam and Dave’s "The Best of Sam and Dave" for its energy-packed collection of soul classics. They highlight tracks like "Soul Man" and "Hold On, I'm Coming," emphasizing the album’s role in preserving the duo’s legacy and electrifying performances.

Notable Quote:

Jeff Blair [82:01]: "These are so great, these songs... Instant party in a box."

The Jam’s "Snap"

Timestamp: [87:32 – 91:35]

Jeff introduces The Jam’s compilation "Snap", praising it for capturing the band's transition from punk roots to their more sophisticated later sound. He notes the collection's ability to chart their creative journey, making it an essential listen for understanding their impact on British punk and new wave.

Notable Quote:

Jeff Blair [90:43]: "These songs are worth listening to... It takes you on a journey through the group's evolution."

Foreigner’s "The Very Best and Beyond"

Timestamp: [92:59 – 104:24]

Scot and Jeff discuss Foreigner’s "The Very Best and Beyond", recognizing it as a solid compilation that includes not only the band’s major hits but also lesser-known tracks like "Soul Doctor" and "Prisoner of Love." They appreciate the inclusion of new songs that add value to the collection.

Notable Quote:

Jeff Blair [102:07]: "It's a really good compilation and collection of Foreigner's hits."

The Who’s "Wanted"

Timestamp: [114:52 – 123:03]

Concluding their exploration, Scot presents The Who’s "Wanted", an essential compilation that showcases the band's early energy and iconic singles like "Pinball Wizard" and "I Can See for Miles." He argues that "Wanted" is the perfect encapsulation of The Who’s vibrant and rebellious spirit, making it a must-have for any classic rock enthusiast.

Notable Quote:

Guest Speaker [122:32]: "This is the who in the early glory... one of the greatest groups that has ever existed."

Closing Remarks and Tribute

Timestamp: [135:50 – 147:25]

As the episode wraps up, Scot and Jeff share a brief tribute to Greg Kin, acknowledging his passing and his influence within the community. They reaffirm their appreciation for music compilations as essential tools for both preserving and discovering musical legacies.

Notable Quote:

Jeff Blair [147:25]: "Thanks so much for listening again. You can find us on Apple Podcasts, National Review.com."

Final Thoughts

Throughout the episode, Scot and Jeff emphasize the importance of compilations in distilling an artist's most impactful work, making it accessible for new listeners while providing nostalgia for long-time fans. Their discussions highlight not only the musical quality of these compilations but also their cultural and historical significance in shaping listeners' musical journeys.

For those seeking to build a comprehensive music library or to explore the breadth of influential artists, this episode serves as a valuable guide to the most essential compilations in the music landscape.