c. r. Grey

Inspired both conceptually and aesthetically by the bootlegs of yore, the very authorized and very corporate Trademark of Quality promo release assembles 18 previously unissued cuts from the then-current Warner/Reprise roster; designed as an instant collector's item, the cover warns retailers and journalists, "When you see it a few years from now, propped up behind the register of your favorite used record store, selling for some obscenely high price, you'll wish you'd kept it…and probably not just because of its resale value," and, hyperbole aside, it's well-worth owning even beyond its Holy Grail status. Several of the tracks – American Music Club's haunting "Love Connection N.Y.C.," the Poster Children's cover of Bob Dylan's "Isis," the Muffs' incendiary "Lucky Guy," and John Wesley Harding's autumnal "Your New Clothes" among them – rank alongside their creators' very strongest work.

Testament is an American thrash metal band from Berkeley, California. Formed in 1983 under the name Legacy, the band's current lineup comprises guitarists Eric Peterson and Alex Skolnick, lead vocalist Chuck Billy, drummer Gene Hoglan, and bassist Steve Di Giorgio. In the 34 years since its inception, Testament has had numerous lineup changes, and Peterson has been the only constant member…