Meaning: The quote you provided seems to be a bit unclear and fragmented, but it appears to be discussing a British pressing of a compilation album featuring the best songs by a particular artist or group, with a focus on tracks that were popular but not necessarily chart-topping hits in America. The quote is attributed to Eric Clapton, a highly influential and respected musician known for his contributions to rock and blues music.

Eric Clapton is a legendary figure in the music industry, having made significant contributions as a guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He has been a member of several influential bands, including The Yardbirds, Cream, and Derek and the Dominos, and has also achieved great success as a solo artist. Clapton's impact on the world of music is undeniable, and his words about a compilation of music are likely to carry weight and meaning within the industry.

The mention of a "British pressing" in the quote suggests that the compilation album being discussed was originally released in the UK. In the context of music, the term "pressing" typically refers to the process of manufacturing vinyl records or CDs. British pressings of albums are often highly regarded by collectors and audiophiles due to differences in mastering, manufacturing techniques, and regional variations in cover art and track listings. The fact that the quote emphasizes the British origin of the pressing could indicate that Clapton is drawing attention to the quality and significance of this particular release.

The quote also highlights the notion that the compilation album features the "best stuff" from the artist or group. This suggests that the album is a carefully curated selection of tracks, possibly spanning a certain period of the artist's career or focusing on a specific theme. The idea of compiling the "best stuff" reflects the enduring popularity and significance of the music included on the album, indicating that these songs have left a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike.

Furthermore, Clapton's statement about the songs being "semi hits" in America suggests that the compilation album features tracks that achieved moderate success on the US music charts. While they may not have been chart-topping hits, these songs evidently resonated with American audiences and contributed to the artist's overall impact and influence in the country. This insight into the commercial performance of the featured songs provides valuable context for understanding the compilation's significance within the artist's discography and their broader impact on the music industry.

In conclusion, the quote attributed to Eric Clapton offers intriguing insights into the nature and significance of a British pressing of a compilation album. By emphasizing the quality and curation of the album's content, as well as the commercial reception of the featured songs in America, Clapton's words shed light on the enduring impact and appeal of the music being celebrated. As a revered musician with a storied career, Clapton's perspective on the compilation album carries weight and offers valuable context for understanding the cultural and artistic significance of the music it contains.