RETROSPECTACLE - THE SUPERTRAMP ANTHOLOGY

People are always afraid to give compilations 5 stars; usually because they're fans, they disagree with the track choices, they think that yet another compilation from *insert band name* isn't neccesary, they hate commercialism, or most commonly, all of the above!

I try to just rate the content, and how suitable it is to a newcomer or casual fan. This comprehensive package holds up well. We have a large selection, with at least one track from every Supertramp album, and several more from the better ones, plus they're all in chronological order. They couldn't have made things any easier for you!

If you're looking for a meaty double album full of great songs both familiar and unknown, but for whatever reason you don't want to buy a few studio albums, then this is kind of ideal. All the recognisable mega- hits from 'Breakfast in America' are present, the cream of 'Crime...', a surprising number from lesser peaks 'Crisis..' and 'Even in the Quietist Moments', some unreleased gems, and a load of mediocre pap from the later albums nobody ever buys (but hey, without them this thing would be incomplete). Possibly worrying omissions: Hide in your Shell, A Soapbox Opera, Fool's Overture, Brother Where You Bound........ but only a fan would care, and a fan wouldn't buy a compilation (I only have it from a family member, who praised it endlessly).

This is the mother of all chrono-comps, with correct ratios and other boring features that worry us reviewers. Just stop hesitating and buy it!