awardinary

@nowmusic1993 would love to hear your story too why this series means so much to you!

Ok my turn, My introduction to Now That's What I Call Music came in the year 1998, when I acquired my first ever volume, on double cassette, in the form of Now 39. I only knew of a handful of pop artists in total at this point in life, so many of the songs and artists on this volume would have been the first time I had heard a song from them. I remember hearing Angels by Robbie Williams for the first time on there thinking he was a much older and established solo artist but I learnt about him more after that. Most of my favourites at the time would have been songs that catered more to a teenager. I recall seeing advertisements and posters of various volumes across billboards, bus stops and in magazines to promote their collections, as well as older volumes available as part of the Britannia CD Club which you could subscribe to via many magazines and newspapers. I switched from cassette to CD just two volumes in, and stuck with CD's ever since Now 41. Being a collector of Now compilations lead me into collecting many more compilation series including Hits, Top Of The Pops, Smash Hits, Clubland and more. It became one of my favourite things to do, finding older compilations second hand and adding to my collection. In time, I joined the Now Music forum, around 2003, and later BuzzJack. I also joined Facebook groups of other avid collectors too. In was just a few years ago that I finally acquired my final missing volume, Now 15, from a second hand online retailer after collecting the reissued original volumes on CD. I am glad to have been a collector and the journey that this collection has taken me on so far.

Similar to the BBC's current campaign of creating awareness for their programmes, let's take away all the criticism and have a place of reflection on what a 43 year old British institution has given to the general public which we can take away as our heritage of all the music we enjoyed throughout the moments of our lives. Road trips, celebrations, school exams, breakups, gym workouts, personal grief, office parties and much more. The music has been there to remind us all that we are not alone and we can create a lasting memory. See this short piece about the series from just after the 25th anniversary in 2013: So share your fondest memories and what things you appreciate about this great series, because one day, it will all be over.

I was very happy to get Chemical Brothers on the last volume. Less so about Justin's old song.

In your opinion Hadji, what is the best compiled Now That's What I Call Music compilation where you feel the compilers did a decent job at including as many hits at the time with a variety of genres well represented, together with a beautiful artwork? I ask @T Boy the same question just so we have something to compare Hadji's response to.

Tell us all please about all the impeccable 5 star reviews that your bespoke business has? The point? There isn't one. This is not a business masterclass and negative iTunes reviews only drive this "business" further into the ground so that it's gone forever. Is that what you want to happen Hadji? Can you honestly believe that your complaints, whether on this forum, or anywhere else you may choose to share them on the internet, are really going to make a blind bit of difference to the "business model" of a compilation series that has existed longer than you have been alive on this planet?

Did anyone see that sketch on the world Cup halftime show "What has the BBC done for you" and it made me think of Now Music if they did an advert "What has Now That's What I Call Music done for you" and how decades of loved music has been curated for our enjoyment to relive again and again. It probably should have stopped on a high some years ago now but it's desire to keep delivering, albeit not at anywhere near the standards of yesteryear, are to be applauded I feel.

You had to show them the red card then. One more chance on the world stage tonight for a "final decision"

Rocketdaan getting some phresh exposure is a good marketing strategy too! Maybe Dan has some future releases to tease us with and this is his way of reminding us of his alias!

Do people still use Discogs to purchase rare second hand albums?

Be sure to let us know when it arrives! Hope you bagged a bargain there.

The only real licensing issue for any artist, including Taylor Swift, is whether compilers are willing to fork out the sort of capital to acquire it. I don't believe anything is ever off limits but if FIFA put an astronomical value on licensing their official product then that's because it's just how well documented their greed is. Madonna would be a most welcome surprise which we never even consider in this day and age too.

Some songs to consider for Now 125; Olivia Rodrigo – the cure Olivia Rodrigo – stupid song Bruno Mars – Risk It All Shakira feat. Burna Boy – Dai Dai ANOTR feat. 54 Ultra – Talk To You Prospa & Cloonee – Free Your Mind Silva Bumpa – On 2nite HUGEL, Imael Angel & Ultra Naté – Movin' To The Sun STELLA LEFTY – Boston SIENNA SPIRO – Great Expectation Alex Warren – FINE PLACE TO DIE Alex Warren – PASSENGER Myles Smith – My Mess Gracie Abrams – Look At My Life Ella Langley – Be Her Temper City – Self Aware Aitch – RMB (Ring My Bell) Charli xcx – Wink Wink MK feat. Poppy Baskcomb – Zone Josh Baker feat. Poppy Baskcomb – My Place Teddy Swims – Break Up In Reverse Benson Boone – The Time Of My Life Noah Kahan – Orbiter Snow Patrol & Kylie Minogue – These Arms Take That – Sweet July Becky Hill – More! More! More! Jessie Ware – Ride Tyla – IS IT LOVE

Can't seem to load anything right now. Anyone else?