Dave Clark, drum-thumpin' leader of the Dave Clark Five, was a smart guy. He managed to retain control of his publishing rights and recording masters; this enabled him to become a wealthy man while many of his more successful peers were left paupers after the spotlight faded. The downside for record collectors is that Clark can reissue his work when - and if - he feels like it. He felt like it in the late 70's with 25 Thumpin' Hits, issued on LP to great acclaim in the UK but never released in America. He got the urge again in the early 90's, issuing The History Of The Dave Clark Five (50 songs!) worldwide to capitalize on the CD boom. But, Clark quickly let the availabilty of History lapse. Last time I checked, it was out-of-print again and fetching around $100 per copy on the collectors market.

In 2008, the Dave Clark Five were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (though singer Mike Smith died a mere two weeks before the ceremony). About the same time, Clark announced his intentions to reissue the band's catalog yet again. So, assuming he does, if you're a fan of this mildly talented, wildly exuberant bunch of Brits, get it while - and if - you can....

Clark also doesn't license his masters for soundtracks, oldies collections, etc., making hits like "Glad All Over," "Bits & Pieces," "Over & Over," and "You Got What It Takes" and all the more rare.