What's impressive about this set of tracks is that it spans his entire recording career and the choice of material from each phase is pretty much spot on, making it an ideal single-disc introduction to this bright sounding but haunted artist. All of 's commercial high points are here, including the classic singles and the striking a song which, while definitely pop material, cuts to the heart of American attitudes about outsiders, a theme, on one level or another, explored throughout his career. His later work with and is also represented, making this set just about perfect. ~ Steve Leggett