There are many volumes of a various artists compilation album called "NOW". These albums consist of hits from various artists whose songs are still popular. I've noticed that the "NOW" album has made the top ten on more than one occassion, I even saw it made number one once.

I wondering, what's up with this? I know "NOW" would have to get permission from the artists or their record companies to include these songs but why are they giving permission while the songs are still popular? Are artists not making enough money on their own these days that they are willing share some of their sales with someone else?

Back in the day, when music was constantly changing, a song was popular for a few months and moved on. Albums never were popular longer than a year and by the next year, the artist had a new album....with the exception of "Thriller" of course. This is when labels like K-Tel would make a compilation album. I can see why an artist would share profits at that point because they had already made practically all the money they could off the song on their own and any further sales of the song would just be a little something extra.

My question is, why are artists and record companies of today sharing profits with "NOW" while their song is still popular? As far as "NOW" making the top ten....of course people would rather buy a compilation album with current hits rather than buying each individual album, unless they are a big fan of the artists and want their albums.
[Edited 9/16/04 3:10am]

As an old schooler,I do remember those K-Tel albums

now 58 was just released in the uk in july.....

the american version has only been out a short time.

NOW is an easy way for them to make money-easily accessible and mostly stuff you'd hear in department stores.

I think they share it because again-they make tons from it from people who don't really listen to albums (dear god, why?) and always want what's out there and popular.

Teeny boppers have an easily disposable income, and do some adults who just want something inoffensive and easy to swallow.

Did I mention I can't stand these?

Hey i like those compilations. A lot of the time i like the music you hear on the radio but don't want to pick up the entire album so these compilations are beautiful to taste from each of the current flavors.