This came out in 2000 — or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
Like most critically beloved outfits, twisted roots-rockers Cracker probably have more four-star reviews than album sales. Maybe this top-notch, two-CD retrospective anchored by tunes from their four albums can help tip the scales in the right direction.
Former Cracker / Camper van Beethoven leader David Lowery’s seamless quilt of Rolling Stonesy country-honk, alt-rock surliness, Little Feat quirkiness and white-boy soul are the engine that drives shoulda-been-Top 40-hits like Low, their version of The Flamin’ Groovies Shake Some Action, and the ticked-off jangle of Teen Angst, with it’s brilliantly snarky chorus of, “What the world needs now is another folk singer / Like I need a hole in my head.” Along with three dark and demented new tracks, the second disc offers the expected collection of live tracks, oddities and B-sides, from the guitar twang of Surfbilly to the beautifully bleak balladry of The Carpenters’ Rainy Days and Mondays. If you want to treat yourself to some of the best and most underappreciatd music of the decade, here it is. If not, oh well; at least Lowery and co. have another press clipping.
