While Greatest Hits type compilations are usually not the best disc by a band, they do serve as an excellent first taste. That is especially true when the music presented on the CD covers a wide range of their career. This one does that, and therefore would serve as an excellent means of getting ready for their upcoming On The Waterfront performance.
With that said, this thing isn't without a few complaints. For starters, the length is a bit lacking. While a compact disc can hold up to 80 minutes (or so) of music, this one clocks in at around half of that - the length of an old LP record. They could have thrown a few more tracks in to bulk it up a bit (and still not have to resort to filler). Also, the three best-known pieces "What I Like About You," "Talking In Your Sleep" and "One In A Million" are right in sequence at the beginning of the disc. For those who have heard nothing other than those three tracks, this might drag a bit - at least during the learning curve.
Still, it is a true tribute to the strength of material that this band has produced that those are the only two complaints. There really should be no quibbling with the quality of the music here. Every track is a winner and truly represents this great band with style. Their particular brand of power pop laced with old school rock and roll and R & B stylings has always worked, and that makes this one a winner. If you are making the Waterfront show (and why wouldn't you be?) pick this one up and use it to get in the mood. |