Ok, so there was no ‘Volume 2‘ to Alice Cooper’s 1974 Greatest Hits album, which marked the end of the original band. But, back in those days record companies pushed out plenty of Hits compilations = parts 1,2,3…. from acts that didn’t necessarily have huge catalogues. Mercury Records in Canada released a Best Of Uriah Heep, and a Best Of Uriah Heep: Part 2 — from the band’s first 5 albums! Alice Cooper released 7 albums in a 7 year run, and produced a number of hit singles, and more live favorites – from the band’s 5 classic albums from 1971-73. I’ve put together my own picks of those songs that were not A side singles and/or big radio hits, and I’ve included tracks from the band’s first 2 records (Pretties For You, 1969, and Easy Action, 1970) as they were excluded from Greatest Hits (as they weren’t on Warner Brothers, or did particularly well). I’ve included times, and kept each side to under 20 minutes, as per the LP standard times back then. As well I’ve included the single times, wherever possible.

Would be interested in seeing your choices in the comments!

Alice Cooper: Greatest Hits, Part 2

Side A

Side B

Reflected

“Reflected” was the A-side of Alice Cooper’s first single. From Pretties For You. It is best remembered as the song that was later re-written as “Elected”. This was credited to Alice Cooper (band) as writers & producers. I almost included “Living” (the b-side), but left it off. Look up the band’s 1969 TV appearance ‘performing’ this song – HERE.

Shoe Salesman

The single from Easy Action, credited to band. I loved this one when I first heard this record. So different and easily likeable. How was this not a hit (even a minor one!) at the time?

Return Of The Spiders

The B-side to “Shoes Salesman”, also credited to the entire band. More upbeat and aggressive, and reflecting on the band under another name. Insistingly the band has re-done this for their upcoming reunion album, The Revenge Of Alice Cooper.

Caught In A Dream

The 2nd single and my favorite from Love It To Death, penned by Michael Bruce. Hard to see how this wasn’t a big hit.

The Ballad Of Dwight Fry

The epic tribute to American horror film actor Dwight Frye, this became a huge live favorite right away. I chose this for that reason, along with “I Love The Dead”, as both are among the top 10 AC songs ever performed live (according to setlistfm.com )

You Drive Me Nervous

The B-side to “Be My Lover” in some territories (“Yeah Yeah Yeah” was B-side in Canada & the US), and a great aggressive rocker that opens side 2 of Killer. Penned by Michael Bruce, Alice, and Bob Ezrin.

Luney Tune

Issued as the B-side to 1972’s “Elected”; a classic Alice teen trouble story & anthem, credited to Dennis Dunaway & Alice.

Public Animal “9

Also from School’s Out. Strange that there was no 2nd single from that album, as this would’ve made a perfect one. The only 7 inch version I see of this anywhere is a 4-track jukebox single from Thailand! This one got played live, and there’s great footage of the band’s performance of this at the Beat Club, in Germany.

I Love The Dead

Though not issued as a single (A or B), this was a big fan favorite and highlight of the live show, and I’m sure just the title alone created enough interest and controversy.

Hard Hearted Alice

There’s this (& “Working Up A Sweat”) from Muscle Of Love, both used as B-sides, and both played live at the time. An excellent ballad, about the band. Both would’ve made better A-sides than “Teenage Lament 74” (IMO).

Working Up A Sweat

The b-side to “Teenage Lament ’74”, opened side 2 of the album, and featured in the live set. Classic upbeat Alice track. I really had a difficult time narrowing it down to just 2 from MOL, due to vinyl time restraints. I also wanted to include “Big Apple Dreamin”, but opted for these 2).