What makes a good compilation?
 

It's a question that's just come up in another thread; might as well branch it out rather than bog down the other thread with it.

I'll offer my opinions later (as I'm clearly a gobshite) so ... yeah - shoot.

the artists/performers

I always took compilations as a starting point to find something new and in the best case wanting to know more about it.

A good compilation for me isnt a place to find different artists who do the same music. its a place where i can find a wide range of music from likeminded artists.

The sequence and consistency.

^^like in a good DJ set?
good point, never thought about it that way.

whaaaaaaa???
that is what mastering achieves!!!!

sequence is secondary. what makes a good compilation is the breadth of what is compiled, so the comp always stays fresh in the ears, unlike a compilation of the best live Pearl Jam moments, or Santana's horrible "greatest hits"

sequencing is very important. Like al said I kind of like a comp to be a history lesson on a certain subject.

Sequence, no. Consistency meaning quality of work.Somewhat, yeah.

It depends.

Sometimes I like variety sometimes I don't. Generally tracks that are not longer than 7/8 minutes. I don't mind the style of music too much for as long as the compiler has an ear for outstanding songs and a way to make them work together regardless of their initial incompatibility. A decent compilation has tracks that sit well side by side, or are mixed in such a way that it gives an overall cohesive flow. The flow itself might not necessarily make you instantly love the songs on it, but might stimulate your proneness to picking it up at a later stage and give it another go.

I also like compilations that serve as primers for a whole style of music, record label or scene. I have tons of these and they have been my main source for getting to know new music over the years before the internet took over.

I don't think the songs should be longer than 5 minutes. The point is to highlight a bunch of artists right???

Otherwise it will be a compilation of 10 minute drone/noise farts (boring).

I already have my submission ready for whomever is receiving them.

This I can agree with. If someone can take pieces that initially are so different that from the surface it looks too scattered and mix them fluidly successfully into a beautifull collage they are genius.

It is like Interior design. Like having to fit the husbands deerhead into the wife's contemporary living room.

What will be the most interesting is the various musical styles that will break out of here. I have never seen so many ppl that love the same band have such a variance in musical tastes. It is diverse and wonderful.

ffs.
stay out of it.

kettle!
you still haven't shared your thoughts on mastering or what makes a good compilation. *winks*

100% previously unreleased or otherwise unavailable material.
Gives fans of particular acts good motivation to pick up the comp and get exposed to something new they might like at the same time.

^^100% agreement

me too^^^^^

my thoughts:
you shouldn't have a say on anything.

I agree too... which brings us to the next question. What format is it going to be released? CD?

If so that limits us to 70 minutes (I believe). Which brings me back to my other point; 5-6 minute cap on songs to allow for room?

song length to # of artists

8 minutes = 08 artists
7 minutes = 10 artists
6 minutes = 11 artists
5 minutes = 14 artists