Compilation Pre-orders

Compilation Vinyl Pre-orders: Upcoming Anthologies and Collections

What is a compilation vinyl pre-order?

A compilation LP gathers tracks from different sources on one record: several artists around a theme, a label's catalog, a local scene, an era, or the hits of a single performer. Compilation vinyl pre-orders let you reserve that record before its official release. That matters for label anthologies, which are often pressed in limited quantities, and for multi-disc box sets whose first pressing can sell out before release day.

This page lists compilations that have been announced but are not out yet, from crate-digger anthologies like the "Soul Jazz Records Presents" series to crooner collections featuring Dean Martin or Bing Crosby. The range is wide, which is exactly why it pays to compare editions, tracklists and prices before you reserve a copy.

Types of compilations and the labels behind the best ones

Not all compilations are equal. The best come from labels that dig through archives, track down the original tapes and document every track in liner notes. Soul Jazz Records, Numero Group, Ace Records, Light in the Attic and Strut are known for this kind of work. At the other end, mainstream series and DJ mixes such as DJ-Kicks or Late Night Tales are built around one selector's taste.

• Best-of: one artist's signature songs
• Label or scene anthology: a catalog or an era, documented
• Themed series: a style, a city, a decade
• DJ compilation: a curated selection, sometimes mixed

What to check before you pre-order

Start with the tracklist: the vinyl version sometimes has fewer tracks than the CD or digital release because of side length limits. Then check the number of discs, whether there is a booklet and, for an anthology, whether the tracks were remastered from the original tapes. The same compilation may also come on black vinyl and as a limited color edition at different prices.

For historic series, keep reissues in mind. Landmarks such as "Nuggets," the garage rock anthology compiled by Lenny Kaye and first released on Elektra in 1972, have been reissued on vinyl several times. There is no need to pay original-pressing prices if listening is what you are after: a careful reissue with liner notes does the job.

Comparing compilation pre-order prices

Pre-order prices for the same compilation can differ noticeably between stores, especially for box sets. On Vinyles.com, each product page shows the offers available from partner stores. You compare the exact edition, black or color vinyl, single or double LP, then complete the order with the store you pick, under its own payment and cancellation terms.