duo and definitely didn't fit everybody's notions of cool. is a quintessential slice of cheese that could only have scored during the '70s. But it's unfair to judge them by something they didn't write and isn't representative of their career. (However, 's bare-chested poses on the original gatefold sleeve definitely fell into the "what were they thinking?" file.) Otherwise, there aren't any blemishes on this roundup of their first three albums -- a commercial coup accorded to few acts so early in their careers. The buoyant is the natural opener -- and set the template for a style centered around 's lush, baroque keyboards and 's breathy, intimate vocals. The song also showed the duo's good taste in material; it's one of three hits written by , whose is also included. is exceptional form, especially on and an evocative version of by former vocalist . He also gave them which naturally differs from the hit version; the massed vocal choir at the intro shows the tricks that presumably rubbed off from 's early-'70s touring days with . 1990s-era compilations have supplanted this album's relevance, but the track listing shows how smart cherry-picking of a back catalog can serve casual and committed fans alike. Most of the tunes stand up, so why apologize for picking up this guilty pleasure? ~ Ralph Heibutzki