The Warner promo album series, in addition to the normal radio station and store-only records usually found in promo series, contained a lengthy series of double-album samplers called "Loss Leaders." Sold by mail order only, the records were advertised on the inner sleeves of Warner Brother and Reprise albums and were billed as "loss leaders" because they sold for $2.00. Actually, they proved to be an effective way to introduce potential record buyers to the new Warner/Reprise albums, and as such, were "loss leaders" in the classic retail sense (heavily advertise and sell one item at a loss to get customers in the door where they'll buy other things not on sale. On average, you make money). It seemed to work, as the series lasted for over a decade. Liner notes were informative, chatty descriptions of the artists and songs, written in an informal, personal, you-and-I-are-hip-but-don't-tell-the-others style. These liner notes, after the first few issues in the series, were usually written by Barry Hansen, otherwise known as Dr. Demento.

During the heyday of the Loss Leader Series, cover artwork was particularly detailed, with the fold-open covers often serving as a vehicle for two-panel cover art. Various themes cropped up over and over, including a variety of restaurant-related themes, a number of show-related themes, whole-world inclusiveness themes, and of course, given the target audience, sex-related themes (e.g., Collectus Interruptus at right). They also tried (with varying degrees of success) to be topical and hip. Sometimes, they were just trying, such as the cover of Deep Ear [PRO A 591, 1974], which attempted to combine current events such as the Watergate Scandal ("Deep Throat" was Bob Woodward's confidential inside source of information on the Nixon Administration's activities) with sex (the name comes from an infamous pornographic movie of the same title), and put them into a context of hip listeners (ear vs. throat). Admittedly, it was a reach. In retrospect, maybe that particular cover wasn't such a good idea after all, even if it did seem like it at the time.

The sides on the two and three record sets were usually numbered so that the records could be stacked on a changer, that is Side 1 was backed with Side 4, Side 2 with Side 3, and so forth.

We would appreciate any additions or corrections to this discography. Just send them to us via e-mail. Both Sides Now Publications is an information web page. We are not a catalog, nor can we provide the records listed below. We have no association with Warner Brothers Records. Should you be interested in acquiring albums listed in this discography (all of which are out of print), we suggest you see our Frequently Asked Questions page and follow the instructions found there. This story and discography are copyright 2004 by Mike Callahan.