Appearing three years after 's comprehensive collection , 's 2004 release edges out that previous collection for the title of the best compilation yet assembled. Why? Because the song selection and sequencing are sharper, developing a real momentum over its 18 songs, and it's also better presented, with strong liner notes and muscular remastering. Where the collection sometimes felt padded toward its end, as it emphasized some latter-day material, this focuses on the group's '80s heyday so much that it includes the original version of a song leader and his songwriting partner, , gave to , and their version is every bit as good as that group of wild-eyed Southern boys. Little touches like these make live up to its title. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine