Postalbums

Postalbums is a term that emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s to describe a phenomenon in music where artists released collections of songs that were either outtakes, B-sides, or unreleased material after the official release of their primary studio albums. These collections often provided fans with a deeper look into the creative process and the breadth of an artist's work beyond their commercially released albums.

The concept of releasing bonus tracks or B-sides was not new, but postalbums often presented these as a cohesive package, sometimes with newly recorded material or remixes, giving them a distinct identity. They were typically marketed as a way to satisfy the demand of dedicated fans who sought out every piece of music an artist produced. This practice allowed artists to further monetize their back catalog and offer content that might not have fit the traditional album format.

Postalbums could take various forms, including compilations, EPs, or even digital-only releases. They varied in scope, from a few tracks appended to a reissued album to substantial collections spanning an artist's career. The rise of digital music distribution and fan communities played a significant role in the proliferation and accessibility of postalbums, allowing for easier sharing and discovery of this less conventional form of musical output.