Comps are great! As a DJ, they've always been a great way to get more bang for my buck.

-Bloodstains are my fav (particularly Belgium)
-I'm going to second those Rhino DIY comps. They were in the discount cassette bins when I was just trying to figure out this punk noise. I mentioned on my radio program that they really shaped my taste growing up. My fav was UK vol2

A few of the big ones for me:

I had no idea about the Rhino DIY comps! I never really came across those in the UK, but I might have been too young at the time. Downloading a few of them off Soulseek now.

This is the one that blew it open for me

Mitch C. I was just jamming to this earlier--really sick shit! Thanks for putting it together!

    Most of the biggies for me have already been mentioned. My local library had all those Rhino DIY comps on CD which is where I likely first heard so many bands (Wire, The Fall, Nerves, etc...). Most of the rest would have been mail-ordered from Underground Medicine - Murder Punk/Where Birdmen Flew Revisited, KBD, Powerpearls, Teenage Treats, etc. I also bought the Mutant Pop comp on a whim in Boston in 99 or 2000 or so and it blew me away. Still my favourite comp of all time.

    Hyped 2 Death which mines similar territory as some of the above comps. In the 80s hardcore comps were the way to hear bands you'd heard about or read about but never actually heard. Crucial.

    Let Them Eat Jellybeans
    MRR Not So Quiet on the Western Front
    The Master Tape
    Peace/War comp
    Flex Your Head

    Have a soft spot for this one. Freedom of Choice - Yesterday's New Wave Hits as Performed by Today's Stars
    Sonic Youth, the Muffs, Redd Kross, Mudhoney

    Another good one for hearing certain things for the first time in a pre-internet era
    The Tyranny of the Beat
    Can, Swell Maps, SPK, Throbbing Gristle, Wire, Dome, etc.

    Punk o Rama 3 was the first comp I bought, from my local virgin megastore. New bomb Turks were on it and then that was that. Also, Pebbles.

      This is exactly the thread I was hoping to find in action.

      Tokyo Flashback is comp of comps for me. Those and the Mississippi tapes. And the Xpressway comps. Favourite comps.

      Homework is good too. How bout the Blorp Esette? Now I'm just naming comps...

      Pretty much my gateway into punk. I wore this comp out when I was in high school. And I think it still holds up. I’m not really into most of the bands these days, but my favorite stuff from them would still be off this record. Sick people!

      Josh Punk o Rama 3 was the first comp I bought

      The Punk-O-Rama and Fat Music comps must've introduced so many people into punk. The Short Music for Short People comp was the first time I'd heard Black Flag, Circle Jerks, Descendents, the Dwarves so in the Allez Al Canon, it matters.

        Loving this thread - it's like a treasure chest of great comps. I’m totally with most of you: I’ve always loved compilations, and a lot of the ones mentioned here (KBD, BFTG, Nuggets, etc.) are essential listening. All that garage/punk/raw energy stuff shaped a big part of my taste too.
        That said, what really gets me going are the comps rooted in early r’n’r, surf, rhythm & blues, funk, and soul. Stuff that’s sweaty, wild, and danceable - you know? I’m talking about comps like Sin Alley, Savage Kick, Las Vegas Grind, Jerk Boom Bam!, Twistin' Rumble, Shakin' Fit / Whip It On 'Em / Show Me What You Got!, Jerk! Shake! And Vibrate!, Jungle Exotica...
        To me, these comps are like time machines - full of raw grooves, sleaze, and forgotten bangers. They go beyond just historical value - they move you, literally.

          this un is pretty novel:

          https://www.discogs.com/release/1012544-Various-The-Youll-Hate-This-Record-Record

          got plastic vomit glued to the cover.

          I love comps, from KBD/Bloodstains to BFTG/Teenage Shutdown/Nuggets/pebbles to k-tel/golden oldies/Rhino's worst records ever/dance craze dollar bin shite to Red Snerts/Waves/ Subterranean Modern. Was and am still blown away by Messthetics cds. Smash the State good for Canuck KBD:

          https://www.discogs.com/master/887016-Various-Smash-The-State-Volume-One-A-Compilation-Of-Canadian-Punk-Rock-1979-81

          I'm sure people know this one as it got quite famous, but it is a great modern comp:
          https://www.discogs.com/release/6363872-Various-Native-North-America-Vol-1

          Johnny Sick you know this one?
          https://www.discogs.com/master/465815-Various-Black-Rock-N-Roll
          it's fantastic.

              Yeah, totally - Black' Rock 'N' Roll is actually where it all started! It's basically the early version of Savage Kick - same comp, same raw R&B/rock’n’roll vibe, just a different name on the cover for the first couple volumes. So yep, I definitely know it - and love it! That series is one of my all-time favorites. Sleazy, gritty, and 100% my thing.
              Funny how they just quietly switched the name to Savage Kick later on without really rebooting the series - just kept going with that same killer formula. Honestly, whether it's called Black' Rock 'N' Roll or Savage Kick, it's pure gold.

                Recently picked up two great compilations. Here are my thoughts:

                Tremblin’: Steamy and Atmospheric Female R&B

                This is a fantastic collection of rare female R&B tracks, mostly from the 1950s and 1960s. The mood is smoky and emotional, with slow and mid-tempo songs that feel perfect for a late-night listen. The vocals are raw and expressive, and the production has that echo-heavy, haunting quality that really pulls you in. It’s great if you’re into the moodier, more intimate side of vintage R&B.

                Rhythm and Blues Guitar Crushers Vol. 1

                A very energetic and gritty set of guitar-driven R&B cuts. The focus here is on sharp riffs, wild solos, and a raw electric sound that leans toward early blues-rock. There are some lesser-known artists, but the playing is always tight and intense. This is perfect for fans of rough-edged rhythm and blues with lots of attitude and groove.

                I'm an unapologetic lover of compilations! They turn you on to new stuff, often include more dynamic and interesting transitions/juxtapositions than a same-y one band record, and are great for when you’re djing and have to pee.

                Like many have said already, KBD, Bloodstains, Mississippi records tapes&comps, Back from The Grave, Girls in The Garage, Punk 45 etc. are absolute gems and have greatly expanded my knowledge and taste.

                I’d also like to put in a good word for:

                -N.O. Experience. Excellent punky power pop stuff out of Louisiana.

                -Garage Punk Unknowns (speaks for itself)

                -Messthetics DIY Compilations (they use the term “indie” but it’s safe, I promise)

                AND I mustn't forget to include the 4 disc cd compilation that changed my life as a teenager when I checked it out from my local library. No Thanks: The 70’s Punk Rebellion.
                Can't wait to check out the other recommendations on here. Comps rule.

                Hail Eno!

                I think about this a lot.