All Time Greatest Hits

's departure from after 22 years in 1972 inspired the label to put together a one-volume hits compilation (originally released on two LPs) of 20 songs covering his entire output, from and the early hits like and through the early- to mid-'60s hit period of to the more problematic late '60s and early '70s of The selection sacrifices quality to achieve breadth; it represents all phases of 's career up to this point, but doesn't really include his 20 best performances or even his 20 biggest hits. Nevertheless, it's a good place for the complete novice to start. (Note, however, that several selections are in fake stereo and several are re-recorded versions, not the original recordings.) ~ William Ruhlmann