s first compilation takes its title from a lyric sings on a line about how "you can never quarantine the past" -- which, of course, is precisely what a retrospective like this intends to do, to present a nice, tidy overview to accompany the group's 2010 reunion. Of course, it's always difficult to assemble a best-of package for a band that never had any hits, and only had one -- 1994's alt rock puncturing -- which means it's possible to endlessly quibble about the other 22 tracks on , especially since the compilers decided to leave the singles ," and behind, and fan favorite is represented by just two tracks, the same number culled from the 1992 EP . That might seem an idiosyncratic choice, but there's no arguing that and should be here alongside the songs that provide the foundation of any strong overview. And while it's possible to make strong arguments that some of the surrounding tracks should have been replaced by other songs -- not just the aforementioned singles, but anything from to -- everything here is excellent, everything illustrates the range and depth of the best indie rock band of the '90s. So, think of as a cousin to or the : it doesn't tell you everything you need to know, but as a primer, it's hard to beat. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine