How can I tell what version of an LP is best ?

First , thank you for your opinions and info .
I did not mean to diss or run down CD's . I have some that are better than the LP's of the same album . Mainly what I am refering to is what I call 'compressed and lifeless' . This is what I was refering to above when I mentioned the three CD's of the Doors . I also have some vinyl that has the same characteristics . It tends to take the enjoyment out of listening to the music as it does not
have any life to it .
I will not say that LP's are better than CD's . They are different and more to my and my wifes liking . We could tell this right off when we fired up our new turntable !
Much in the same way that we prefer tubes to SS .

I started this thread to alleviate the purchase of undesirable LP's.
While I can appreciate the excitement of the hunt for some of you , it is not always fun , exciting or even possible for others . Most of my hunting , these days , is done on line . Thanks again .

Happy Tunes

Just wanted to report back...
I took the suggestions and went to the links as well as subsequent ones listed there . They did do exactly what I was looking for . They listed the best , and often 2nd and 3rd best , copies of popular LP's . They also went so far as to list the bad copies !
Unfortunatly , I am not the only one seeking this info ! Trying to locate one of these primo copies is quite difficult if not impossible . And when one is available , it can be priced into the stratosphere !
So I guess the best deal is to just try to find a disk that is in as good of shape as possible .

Thank you for all of your help .

Onhwy61 ;
The record grading thing is a good question .
I have been purchasing some albums from Amazon who uses a rating system for the quality of the LP and jacket . So far I have received 4 albums all rated at vg(very good).
The first two albums were what I would call average for somebody who takes good care of their stuff .The 2nd two were quite good for the disk itself but not for the cover or sleeve . One cover was worn more than some that I have obtained from thrift stores and another had what looks like coffee stains ! Both of these had torn sleeves too . While the first disc is very clean the other is loaded with finger prints !
I beleive that the grading system is highly subjective and is only an estimation . Sort of like the grading system used here but maybe not as contientious .

Happy Tunes