BECK, JEFF the best of jeff beck OP-80336

The Guitar Virtuoso’s Early Hits: ‘The Best Of Jeff Beck’ (OP 80336)

Today’s entry features a fascinating snapshot of a guitar legend in transition. We are examining the 1971 Japanese compilation The Best Of Jeff Beck, released on the Odeon label as part of the “Rock Now” series with the catalog number OP 80336.

A Tale of Two Becks

Released in 1971, this compilation offers a unique mix of styles that defined Jeff Beck’s early post-Yardbirds career. It juxtaposes his early attempts at pop stardom—such as the enduring singalong “Hi Ho Silver Lining” and the instrumental cover “Love Is Blue”—against the heavy, blues-rock fury of the Jeff Beck Group. Tracks like “Shapes Of Things,” “Plynth (Water Down The Drain),” and the instrumental powerhouse “Rice Pudding” feature the gritty vocals of Rod Stewart and the bass work of Ronnie Wood, showcasing the heavier sound that would influence Led Zeppelin and the future of hard rock. It also includes “I’ve Been Drinking,” a soulful track often sought after by collectors as a non-album rarity in many territories.

“Rock Now” Series Edition

Manufactured by Toshiba EMI (or Toshiba Musical Industries during this transition period), this release is part of the popular “Rock Now” series, known for its distinctive obi strips.

- Vinyl: Pressed on standard Black Vinyl.
- Price: This issue carries a price point of ¥2,200, typical for early 70s Japanese LPs.

Inclusions

The album comes complete with the Obi strip and a lyric insert, making it a well-preserved example of how Japanese labels curated western rock for local audiences in the early 1970s.