The Comparison Book 1954-82

Yes, the labels and numbers are confusing! I made the best attempt that I could on tracking those down. I used a number
of different sources, including most of those posted above. We seriously considered leaving the numbers out for that very
reason, but decided to go with what we thought was correct. I certainly have no problem in making corrections where they
may be needed. Not sure how many people even care about that info (especially nowadays when most people obtain things
digitally), but we tried our best under a tight deadline!

Edited by Paul Haney

Paul Haney wrote: I should also note that even the Billboard chart department has been struggling in recent years with these issues. That's one reason why they no longer show such info on their charts. They even have a hard time coming to a consensus on some song titles and artist billings! Not like the old days when we could just look at one physical configuration (single and/or album).

It's like most songs have three different labels
listed - everyone wants a piece of the action. Have
noticed that Billboard often switches up the labels
listed on their charts through a songs run. Have you
looked at the number of songwriters listed. Some
spanish songs have 10 writers each with four names in
their individual names.

Another issue is that an artist will release a deluxe
or special edition of a popular CD that includes only
a new song or two but has a different label number.
Suppose that new song makes the rock chart. Are you
going to list a different label number for the same CD
just for that new song?

A problem that is pronounced in the alternative world
is the releasing of a digital only song which then
becomes popular. So they release an EP, then a year
later a full fledge album that contains the song. Case
in point, "Broken" by lovelytheband was first released
as a single in April 2017. Started getting some
airplay so they released an EP (Everything I Could
Never Say) in September 2017, Became a big hit so they
released the album "Finding It Hard To Smile" in
August 2018. You listed that last album in your book,
however while it's true the song is on the album, the
album wasn't available when most were listening to the
song. There are many other examples of this situation
occurring. Reminds me of the situation where they
would release a 45 of a song not available on an album
so you had to buy the 45. Then a few months later, an
album came out that contained the song. Weren't the
Beatles famous for releasing 45 only songs?

Edited by Chartman

I think it is a good idea to include and your right it is at least a place to
start. Most do download but suppose the download of the album isn’t
available? Or downloading isn’t an option. I think it’s always worth the
effort.   Looking forward to my copy when it arrives (don’t live in the US
so international post awaits)