i was thinking today about all the CD's that i've bought for one or two songs, to keep complete catalogs by artists.

back in the days of vinyl i don't really recall this happening so much as it has in the CD age. i recall the "new age of atlantic" album with the led zep and yes tunes, and those samplers you could order form the inner sleeves for a buck or two, but nothing like we have today.

which leads me to:

when did CD's start this trend of one-offs, which one was first?

i think the first one i got (i think) was "two rooms" (elton tribute) in 1991, i really can't recall one earlier than that.

What was the name of that late-60's comp for which the Beatles contributed "Across The Universe"? That would be the earliest one that pops into my head.

Way one off...but there was a picture book featuring Ferrington Guitars way back and it came with a CD which featured artists such as Richard Thompson, David Lindley, David Hidalgo, and a bunch more performing mostly one-off instrumental numbers on Ferrington guitars. Really quite nice.

1.The Job of Journey Work - Richard Thompson (03:09)
2.Ovy Groovy - Rossy (01:28)
3.Various - Ry Cooder (03:17)
4.Li'l King of Everything - David Hidalgo (01:11)
5.J'aime M'asseoir dans Mon Territoire - Reeves Gabrels (02:56)
6.Rebecca - Stephen Bishop (01:53)
7.Danny's Song - J. J. Cale (01:57)
8.Dolores - Michael Ward (02:51)
9.Miss Faye - Randy Jacobs (01:56)
10.Old Country Rock - Phoebe Snow (01:55)
11.Various - Neil Finn (01:47)
12.Elvis Is Alive - David Lindley (01:24)
13.Afternoon at George's - Kenny Edwards (01:34)
14.Judy - Michael Landau (01:45)
15.Various - Albert Lee (02:54)
16.Various - J. D. Souther (01:41)
17.It Happened One Night - Henry Kaiser (01:46)
18.May 17th - Elvis Costello (01:07)
19.Violins du Jour - String Quartet (01:12)
Joel Derouin (1st violin)\nDavid Campbell (2nd violin)\nLarryCorbett (cello)\nNovi Novog (viola)
20.Home Sweet Home - Don Was (02:13)

I own this!

i remember that.