Have always been a big fan of compilation albums, they were a relatively cheap way of hearing what a label or genre had to offer and possibly entice you further.
Here's several I really enjoyed at the time and indeed still do....
Fast Product - The First Year Plan
Great collection of early Fast singles by Human League, Gang Of Four, Scars, Mekons and 2.3.
http://www.discogs.com/Various-Fast-Product-The-First-Year-Plan/release/446257
CNT records - They Shall Not Pass
Another great comp, similar to above in being early singles by Sisters of Mercy, The Three Johns, Newtown Neurotics and Carlton B Morgan (a kind of David Wrench of his day), also has a mad cover version of 'Won't Get Fooled Again' by some schoolgirl Vicky Morgan. If I remember rightly, it was released as a benefit for striking miners and their families at the time.
http://www.discogs.com/Various-They-Shall-Not-Pass/release/443253
Blast First - Nothing Short of Total War
Great collection of out takes live and demo's by the likes of Big Black, Rapeman, Sonic Youth, UT, Head of David, Ciccone Youth, A C Temple, Arsenal, Big Stick and Band Of Susans.
http://www.discogs.com/Various-Nothing-Short-Of-Total-War-Part-One-A-Blast-First-Compilation/release/3930778
Homestead Records - Human Music
Great double LP of many bands on the fabulous Homestead Records label. It's a little like and expanded Wailing Ultimate tbh.
Notables include GG Allin, Live Skull, 1/2 Japanese, Bastro, Tall Dwarves, Antietnam, Salem 66, The Chills and many more.
http://www.discogs.com/Various-Human-Music/release/4527390
Sub Pop - Sup Pop 200 (and the Mojo one 300 as well)
Great selection of 'Grunge' greats, Nirvana, Mudhoney, Tad, Walkabouts, Soundgarden, Green River, Screaming Trees, Blood River, Beat Happening and many more
http://www.discogs.com/Various-Sub-Pop-200/release/1695491
http://www.discogs.com/Various-Sub-Pop-300/release/1400039
Earache Records - Grindcrusher
Godflesh, Bolt Thrower, Carcass, Morbid Angel, Napalm Death, what's not to like!
http://www.discogs.com/Various-Grindcrusher/release/3277941
Different genre, but I always loved the first Warp compilation, Pioneers of the Hypnotic Groove.
Sweet Exorcist, LFO, Nightmares on Wax, DJ Mink, Tricky Disco. Some great singles collected here.
http://www.discogs.com/Various-Pioneers-Of-The-Hypnotic-Groove/release/29365
Beyond Records - Ambient Dub volume One
Collection of wonderful chilled out tracks on the now defunct Birmingham label Beyond Records. Original Rockers, Higher Intelligence Agency, Banco de Gaia to name but a few.
http://www.discogs.com/Various-Ambient-Dub-Volume-One-The-Big-Chill/release/1186003
Cover version compilations.
Various - In Search Of Hawkwind
Bardo Pond, AMT, Kinski, Mugstar, Moon Duo, Mudhoney, White Hills do justice to some fabbo Hawkwind songs.
http://www.discogs.com/Various-In-Search-Of-Hawkwind/release/2481192
We Were So Turned On - Tribute To David Bowie
Wonderfully diverse versions of many of Bowie's best tracks
http://www.discogs.com/Various-We-Were-So-Turned-On-A-Tribute-To-David-Bowie/release/2497350
We Will Fall - The Iggy Pop Tribute
Joey Ramone, Chilli Peppers, Misfits, Joan Jett, Lunachicks, Blanks 77, Jayne County, 7 Year Bitch to name but a few of the great versions on here.
http://www.discogs.com/Various-We-Will-Fall-The-Iggy-Pop-Tribute/release/772000
Jim White presents - Searching for the Wrong Eyed Jesus - OST
Soundtrack to the film/documentary. Faultless selection of tunes.Played this to death when I first got it. Particularly enjoy the Cat Power, Handsome Family, 16 Horsepower and Jim White songs.
http://www.discogs.com/Various-Jim-White-Presents-Music-From-Searching-For-The-Wrong-Eyed-Jesus/release/5510558
Few more recent comps would include...
The Outer Church
http://www.discogs.com/Various-The-Outer-Church/release/4967804
Soul Jazz - Deutsche Elektronische Musik Vol 1 and 2
http://www.discogs.com/Various-Deutsche-Elektronische-Musik/release/2236173
http://www.discogs.com/Various-Deutsche-Elektronische-Musik-2/release/4368062
Various - Berlin 61/89 - Wall Of Sound
http://www.discogs.com/Various-Berlin-61-89-Wall-Of-Sound/release/2002528
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