There's a certain dynamic involved in the make-up of compilations which is difficult to pin down. It involves dramatic use of tonal contrasts, an inherent understanding of musical genres and their relationship to one another, and an intelligent approach to design.
These are the factors that have made Aces's Golden Age Of American Rock'n'Roll arguably the best selling series of its kind and, for many, the only reliable way to purchase those treasured early American pop classics.
Using the same exacting criteria, Ace carried this concept forward into the 1960s in the form of a new series, CHARTBUSTERS USA which was extremely well received. Unlike most 60s compilations which are usually thrown together randomly by some marketing department, CHARTBUSTERS USA functions on a historical level and as a listening experience. The series is a proud thoroughbred in a market teeming with mongrel product.
Now we bring you Volume 2. One glance at the track listing will tell you all you need to know. Crammed with 29 quintessential classics spanning 1963-1969 (all mastered from the best possible sources), it hangs together like a dream. Aside from 80 minutes of exhilarating sounds, there's an action-packed 28-page booklet which tells the fascinating tales behind each record set against a lavish visual backdrop. Yum, yum.
But please don't take our word for it - here's what they said about Volume 1:
"... Great sound reproduction, and I only hit the 'skip' button once (Bob Lind's 'Elusive Butterfly'): otherwise, this is 80 minutes worth of cruising heaven."
Uncut
"... With high-class mastering and extensive sleeve notes. Sure to be a big success."
Music Week
"... The music here perfectly crystalises a time and a place, and it's never sounded so good. Finally as with all Ace compilations, the sleeve notes and cover are excellent."
Blues & Soul
"... Superbly annotated by Rob Finnis - the man behind the "Golden Age" series - "Chartbusters" is a flawless exhibition of the fact that, British Invasion or not, the finest principles of 50s rock (spontaneity, mayhem, individuality) survived right through to the era of Woodstock."
Peter Doggett - Record Collector
