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The Monty Python Instant Record Collection
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Professional ratings<table><tbody><tr><th scope="col" colspan="2">Review scores</th></tr><tr><th scope="col">Source</th><th scope="col">Rating</th></tr><tr><td><a href="/facts/AllMusic/Hb8cU8Fb">AllMusic</a></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table> <p><i>The Monty Python Instant Record Collection</i> is the title of two compilation albums by the <a href="/facts/Monty_Python/tNPcRLty">Monty Python</a> troupe. The first was released in the UK and Canada in 1977 and drew from the group's first three studio albums, first live album, and first soundtrack album on the <a href="/facts/Charisma_Records/PombPRyn">Charisma</a> label, while the second was released in the US in 1981 and comprised tracks from their four albums released on the <a href="/facts/Arista_Records/2dREcUfC">Arista</a> label. Billed as "the pick of the best of some recently repeated Python hits again, Vol. II", the record sleeve was designed by <a href="/facts/Terry_Gilliam/oHY9a7FS">Terry Gilliam</a>. The UK/Canadian version originally featured packaging that folded out into a cardboard box resembling a large stack of record albums (all containing spoofs of popular album names). An inner sleeve featured a spoof "Where Are They Now?" update on the members of the Python team. </p><p>As ever, the original vinyl release of the UK version had messages from <a href="/facts/George_Peckham/sUByGv1P">George Peckham</a> on the runout grooves. The first side read: "DEAR MUM, CUTTING ANOTHER PYTHON RECORD. I'LL BE HOME LATE TONIGHT, LUV PORKY", while the second side read: "SPECIAL RECORD NO. 471. RING CHARISMA FOR YOUR PRIZE NOW!". </p><p>The only new sketch (on the UK/Canadian versions) is "Summarise Proust Competition" which was originally performed on the television series <i><a href="/facts/Monty_Python%2527s_Flying_Circus/9HlYg0er">Monty Python's Flying Circus</a></i> and was re-recorded for <i><a href="/facts/Monty_Python%2527s_Previous_Record/hC6odj46">Monty Python's Previous Record</a></i> but never used, while the Alistair Cooke sketch is preceded by a brief, newly recorded introduction by <a href="/facts/Michael_Palin/fWgDKcc0">Michael Palin</a>. Many of the sketches are edited from their original versions. </p>