Nuggets (series)

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Nuggets is a series of compilation albums, started by Elektra Records in 1972^[1] and continued by Rhino Records thereafter.^[2] The series focuses primarily on relatively obscure garage and psychedelic rock songs from the 1960s, but with some hits and pop-oriented songs also included.^[2]

In 1972, Elektra released Nuggets: Original Artyfacts from the First Psychedelic Era, 1965–1968, compiled by Lenny Kaye.^[1] The later series by Rhino consists of 12 vinyl-only and three single-CD albums, all released during the 1980s. In 1998, Rhino issued a 4-CD Nuggets box set, which was essentially the original 1972 LP with 91 bonus tracks.^[2] Four more box sets and four single-CDs releases followed.

The music on Rhino's 1984–1989 Nuggets series is similar to that on Kaye's original compilation. While many of the songs on the 1980s series' 15 albums appeared on the original Nuggets double LP, others were new to the series and some eventually wound up on Rhino's 1998 box set. Although most of the music was recorded by US groups, there are some exceptions, such as the Troggs (English) and the Easybeats (Australian).

In 2012, Australian label Festival Records issued their own CD compilation titled Down Under Nuggets: Original Australian Artyfacts, 1965–1967,^[3] followed by a vinyl release the following year.^[4]