On the other hand, an intelligently chosen compilation, grouped around some central theme, could do something to put The Beatles in a broader musical context. Worth trying.
Yes, exactly.
I've long had mixed feelings about V/A's. I do think that it would be embarrassing for artists to be tossed in together on poorly compiled albums, plus the crappy advertising for a lot of these V/A compilations just make me cringe. (Like using an ex-Brady Bunch cast member with bad 60's clothes for infomercials.)
On the other hand, as a longtime Beatle lover, I always feel slightly indignant that the Beatles are often left out of these compilations. I realize that there may be issues like getting permission to use their music or expensive copyright fees, but...the Beatles were one of the biggest and most important bands of the 1960's. So it just seems odd that their music is omitted; it just makes me feel like these compilations are quite incomplete. (Sort of like opening a history book and finding some pages torn out, you know?)
Plus, having a
good V/A with the Beatles might be an excellent way to turn on new listeners to their music.