Remember $2 WARNER BROTHERS Sampler LPs?
Starting with this release in 1969, Warner Brothers Records had the genius idea of “Loss Leaders” albums which were promotional 2 LP sets that were only available through the mail and for only $2. What you got was a double concept album of various new releases on the WB label and their subsidiaries which served as a sampler of sounds and also a way to introduce listeners to new artists on the label’s roster.
The liner notes inside the gatefold cover say it so much better:
“WHAT WE HAVE HERE, to be out front about it, are some of our favorite records by 23 of the artists currently recording for Warner Bros.-Seven Arts and Reprise Records. We have put this double album together not only for our enjoyment-since it includes worthy singles that never made it commercially as well as tracks from current albums, music by Van Dyke Parks for a Datsun television commercial, and as yet unreleased cuts by Jimi Hendrix and The Electric Prunes—but hopefully to win new friends for some very creative people.
The Sinatras, the Dean Martins, the Pet Clarks have their own songbooks. This one is for those of you who may never have heard of Van Morrison but remember “Brown Eyed Girl.” Who are interested to know that Jethro Tull and The Pentangle are both outselling Sammy Davis Jr. Who dig The Mothers of Invention and are wondering what Frank Zappa is up to now.