More from the article...

... In reality, the cultural and economic might of collections like the Eagles' Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975), the all-time bestseller in the US, has declined dramatically in recent years. Purchases have tumbled as streaming replaced CDs and digital purchases as the primary way people consume music. These once-mainstream releases are now viewed primarily as a novelty item -- designed for superfans and their vinyl or CD collections, often with dressy packaging and a price that can top $100.

These records are for "someone who wants to own a product and support an artist in a different way than in streaming," said Michael Kachko, a senior vice president at BMG, whose artists include Mötley Cre and Jelly Roll. "This is your starting point."

For decades, listeners stocked their shelves with greatest hits albums as a cost effective way to acquire the best of an artist's music in one purchase. They became so prevalent that, even today, two of the 10 best-selling albums in the US are greatest hits compilations. In addition to the Eagles' collection, Billy Joel's Greatest Hits Volume I & Volume II ranks among the most-purchased ever. ...

@#2 ... The Animals Resppective, ...

A side story ...

Back in the day of vinyl and reel-to-reel tape recorders ... (I'm talking mid- to late-1960's)

I replied to an article in the local newspaper --- send music tapes to the troops in Vietnam.

So I did. At the time, i was in my mid- late-teens. So with my parents' approval ...

I sent multiple 7-inch reels of music to the address provided.

Six hours of the local radio station (WABC-AM, sometimes WMCA-AM) on a reel of tape.

The thank-you letters I got back from the soldiers who listened to those tapes were nothing short of inspiring for me, as a teen.

Wow. My only regret at this point is that I did not save those letters. They gave me hope and a fixity of purpose.

I even sent one of the soldiers $100 (with parent's OK, of course, it was their check) to buy a new Sony tape deck for me.

A couple weeks later, the tape deck arrived on the door step.

I still know that soldier's name, and google shows me that he is still serving the Country.

&^nbsp

@#2 ... I have some Greatest Hits albums ...

yeah, as do I.

@#6 ... A side story ....

Why I said it is a side story ...

Yeah, after you read all that ...

One of the letters I received from a soldier in Vietnam highlighted the Animals tune he appreciated ...

@#32 ... You brought back a memory as we played that one a lot and sang along with it. ...

Yeah, that is the impression I remember from the letter I received.