The Best of the Best Two-Disc Releases

In the good old days, nothing was more exciting than buying a record from your favorite band, only realizing that it’s a ‘double disc’ purchase. What were some of the more memorable two-disc releases?

We’re still saddened about the recent passing of Gregg Allman, but “The Allman Brothers Live at Fillmore East” is a ‘must have’ in any conversation about double albums. This LP was recorded in New York City over three nights, containing the classics “Whipping Post” and “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed.” This Allman Brothers double album is considered by many, to be the greatest live rock and roll release of all time.

“Quadrophenia” by the Who was released in late 1973, giving the boys in the band one of their biggest sales and branding moments. The double album went platinum almost immediately after the release, and contains the memorable songs “The Real Me” and “Love, Reign O’er Me.”

In 1979 a fairly successful punk band from London known as the Clash released a double album called “London Calling.” The albums were considered manna from heaven for its fans, in that it dealt with poverty, unemployment, drug use and discrimination; the very same maladies of the UK at the time of pressing.