Back in the 70's you couldn't really get compilation albums (apart from these), so that's probably what made them so popular, and I'm sure that some people didn't actually realise that they weren't actually getting the originals cause there was nothing on the sleeve to indicate that you weren't. Yep I'm sure some of them by just listening you could tell, but these album were probably bought by kids with their pocket money who didn't realise/care that they weren't getting the real deal - I know I didn't realise. It wasn't until the hits album and the now series began in the 80's that the good old compilation album became really popular, and of course would be original recordings, and uncovered the fact that the totp series was not all it seemed. Having said that I do remember K-tel compilation albums being advertised on tv in the 70's, think they were originals too....however, the price I guess would compare to a proper album. As for proper albums - I had very few and were birthday or xmas presents...I had ride a white swan by t rex, David Essex greatest hits, and all the bay city rollers albums. First album I bought for myself was Alessi "all for a reason"...wtf? A couple of dreamy looking twins..think it was more about the look than the music eh?!!