This came out in 2001 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
Like countless others, I have often thought of Johnny Rzeznik and The Goo Goo Dolls as a poor imitation of Paul Westerberg and The Replacements. But since The ’Mats are gone, I should learn to make do. And I have to admit, Johnny’s a reasonably talented clone.
Most of his finest moments are collected on this overtitled set, which culls 22 slices of ragged romanticism and post-punk pop from the band’s first six albums. Not surprisingly, this is heavy on newer, poppier records (Dizzy Up the Girl, Boy Named Goo and Superstar Car Wash) and light on older, thrashier fare from their first three discs. What is surprising is that it doesn’t include Iris, their breakthrough hit from City Of Angels. Maybe they’re as sick of that song as I am — along with countless others.
