In Smash Hits parlance, the EP (Extended Play) certainly offered record buyers more tune for their bob. Introduced in the US in the early 50s, the format – which typically included four tracks on a 7” record – was popularised by the likes of The Beatles, Elvis and Cliff Richard, who were either showcasing new material or rounding up their hit songs. Its popularity was eventually dwarfed by the more expansive LP (Long Player), but it made a significant comeback in both the punk and post-punk eras.
And so, with a rule of only one EP per artist, we pick out 20 of the very best, covering the period 1977 to 1994.