Story of the Clash, Vol. 1
Artist: The Clash
Community Score: 8.20

In some ways, the double-disc, 28-track compilation The Story of the Clash, Vol. 1 does its job quite well -- if the job is indeed presenting a relatively thorough overview for casual fans. The great majority of the band's hits and signature tunes are here, including album tracks and such non-LP singles as "Bankrobber," "Armagideon Time," and... Read More

For the Lonely: 18 Greatest Hits
Artist: Roy Orbison

Appearing as it did just a few months before Roy Orbison's death, this single CD best-of was incredibly fortuitous for Rhino Records. It was the first compilation to include both Orbison's early successes on Sun Records along with his early-'60s hits for Monument Records and, thus, was as definitive as most casual fans needed it to be. The sound... Read More

Up Through the Years, 1958-1963
Artist: Jerry Lee Lewis
The Best of Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes
Artist: Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes

Concentrating on the highlights from Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes' late-'70s albums, Best of Southside Johnny offers a good introduction to the hard R&B-influenced rock of the New Jersey band. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide Read More

Buddy Holly Rocks
Artist: Buddy Holly

This 32-track album, released by British reissue specialists Charly Records, focused on Buddy Holly's more uptempo material. It was well assembled, but unauthorized by MCA, and had to be withdrawn. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide Read More

Especially for You
Artist: The Smithereens
Community Score: 9.50

The Smithereens' superb full-length debut Especially for You marries an unapologetically nostalgic affection for the melodic crunch of the British Invasion era with an equally unapologetic helping of postmodern melancholia. In tandem with Don Dixon's moodily atmospheric production, Pat DiNizio's lovelorn lyrics and world-weary vocals reveal the... Read More

Full Moon Fever
Artist: Tom Petty
Community Score: 8.41

Although Let Me Up (I've Had Enough) found the Heartbreakers regaining their strength as a band and discovering a newfound ease at songcraft, it just didn't sell that well. Perhaps that factor, along with road fatigue, led Tom Petty to record his first solo album, Full Moon Fever. Nevertheless, the distinction between "solo" and "Heartbreakers"... Read More

The Sun Years 1956-58
Artist: Roy Orbison
Mystery Girl
Artist: Roy Orbison
Community Score: 7.79

Although it had been years since his last recording, Roy Orbison was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Perhaps as a result of the newfound interest in his music, he was invited to record with the supergroup the Traveling Wilburys. Roy Orbison had a renewed sense of purpose, and also began recording material for a new solo... Read More

Greatest Hits - CBS
Artist: Dion & the Belmonts

A solid compilation of Dion's solo sides, including "Donna the Prima Donna," "Ruby Baby," and others. ~ Cub Koda, All Music Guide Read More

Attack of the Smithereens
Artist: The Smithereens

At first glance, a Smithereens rarities compilation might seem like an odd release. After all, the band was never had more than one gold album and none of their singles cracked the Top 30. That doesn't mean the band didn't have fans, however, nor does it mean that their music was undistinctive, as Attack of the Smithereens proves. Filled with... Read More