I keep seeing albums titled "Alternative Times" pop-up everywhere on
the web (Alternative Times Vol. 73 is the latest), when I look for
info on albums from my favorite artists.  Seems Vol. 1 started in
2000, and there has been about 1 a month since.  I
want to buy these albums, but I only find info on them on "download"
sites, most of them don't seem legal.  I would like more info on these
misterious "alternative times" compilations, and where I can purchase
them?  Thank you.

These are compilations created from the most current releases by a
single individual according to his or her tastes.  The only way you
can buy this is to find each song on something like iTunes and
purchase them individually, then burn to a CD of your own.  That's
what I do.