The next release in the highly popular NOW compilation disc hits the shop shelves and digital download stores later this month.  NOW 76 is available for pre-order and gets a formal release on July 19th 2010.

  For many years the Now That’s What I Call Music release has been regarded as a staple purchase for the working DJ.  EMI Music has always tried to fit in a wide selection of music - it is also one of the few compilations to be updated twice yearly and to to have stood the test of time.

• Top of the Pops
• Smash Hits
• Hits (now merged into the NOW series)

  The producers have managed to cram in 46 songs into NOW 76, so it does beg the question as to whether even shorter radio edits have been used.  Is it also a case of quantity over quality?

  However, DJs have always noticed that there are times when ‘filler’ tracks have been added to the disc and there are always discussions as to why virtually unknown artistes get a prominent place on such a popular release.  There has also been a few recent discs that have had multiple songs from one artiste or the same song by a different group or singer.  This policy just seems like a waste of space on the disc or it shows that EMI Music is struggling to fill it with enough content.

  Some DJs buy the NOW releases simply to make sure that they have an ongoing collection – despite using digital downloads and DJ only subscription services to get the latest tunes.  Perhaps the proliferation and ease of downloading individual music tracks could bring an end to the NOW discs?

  NOW 76 has a mixture of Pop, Dance, Indie, R&B and even a hint of Drum and Bass.  The emphasis on this release seems to be focused on Pop, with the likes of Katy Perry, Kylie Minogue, Lady Gaga, Cheryl Cole, Justin Bieber and the Scissor Sisters, to name but a few of the artistes.

  Have a look for yourself at what is on the CDs and leave your comments below.

• What do you think of the newest release and do you think that there is a future for the NOW CDs?
• Do you still buy the CD or do you have most of the songs from another source?
• Will legal digital downloads kill off the CD?
• Would you prefer to use a DJ subscription service to get the latest songs before they are on a compilation disc?

  In an effort to save DJs some money, the NADJ has scoured the Internet to find the best price for NOW 76.  Most of the online retailers are selling it for £11.99 - £13.99 (HMV, Amazon, Play.com, etc.).

  However, we found that Tesco Entertainment are offering the latest NOW compilation for £12.85, but if you enter a special code into he online ordering process, you will get 15% off a single entertainment purchase: FTSL15-1

  If the voucher code is accepted (expires on the 31st July 2010) this will bring the cost of the CD down to £10.92.  There is also a way of saving even more money by using a cashback website, such as Quidco or TopCashback to claim a small percentage of the sale as a kickback.  These cashback websites offer around 8-10% of the sale as a kickback, but it is not guaranteed.

Disc One

1. Katy Perry & Snoop Dogg - California Girls
2. Enrique Iglesias & Pitbull - I Like It
3. JLS - The Club Is Alive
4. Usher & Will.I.Am – OMG
5. David Guetta, Chris Willis, Fergie & LMFAO - Gettin' Over You
6. Kylie Minogue - All The Lovers
7. Professor Green & Lily Allen - Just Be Good To Green
8. B.O.B. & Bruno Mars - Nothin' On You
9. Lady Gaga - Alejandro
10. Cheryl Cole - Parachute
11. Rihanna - Te Amo
12. Roll Deep - Good Times
13. Kelly Rowland & David Guetta - Commander
14. Dizzee Rascal - Dirtee Disco
15. Yolanda B Cool & D Cup - We No Speak Americano
16. Inna - Hot
17. Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina - Stereo Love
18. Sean Kingston & Justin Bieber - Eenie Meenie
19. Miley Cyrus - Can't Be Tamed
20. Pixie Lott - Turn It Up
21. Justin Bieber & Ludacris - Baby
22. Iyaz - Solo
23. Timbaland & Justin Timberlake - Carry Out

Disc Two

1. Plan B - She Said
2. Scouting For Girls - This Ain't A Love Song
3. K'Naan - Wavin' Flag
4. Jason Derulo - Ridin' Solo
5. Alicia Keys - Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart
6. Fyfe Dangerfield - She's Always A Woman
7. Train - Hey, Soul Sister
8. Scissor Sisters - Fire With Fire
9. Diana Vickers - Once
10. Example - Kickstarts
11. Swedish House Mafia & Pharrell - One (Your Name)
12. Black Eyed Peas - Rock That Body
13. Alexandra Burke & Pitbull - All Night Long
14. Aggro Santos & Kimberly Wyatt - Candy
15. Taio Cruz & Ke$ha - Dirty Picture
16. Chipmunk & Esmee Denters - Until You Were Gone
17. Skepta - Rescue Me
18. N-Dubz& Bodyrox - We Dance On
19. Robyn - Dancing On My Own
20. Florence + The Machine & Dizzee Rascal [Live At The Brit Awards 2010] - You've Got The Dirtee Love
21. Kelis - Acapella
22. Tinie Tempah & Labrinth - Frisky
23. Pendulum - Watercolour