Sixpence None the Richer made their mark with 1997's "Kiss Me," which thrust them into the alt-pop spotlight alongside such acts as
the Cranberries and
10,000 Maniacs, thanks in part to a well-placed inclusion in the WB's phenomenally popular teen series Dawson's Creek. And while most people are only familiar with this song and their cover of the classic "There She Goes" by
the La's, this solid 18-song compilation is a thorough survey of their career thus far. Other minor hits such as "Breathe Your Name" and "Eyes Wide Open" are also included. Much like
UB40, the band made a habit of finding success by covering other groups, and there's a plethora of such tracks included here as well. Their covers of
ABBA's "Dancing Queen,"
Crowded House's "Don't Dream It's Over," their butchering of
Brian Wilson's genius "I Just Wasn't Made for These Times," and the
Sam Phillips-penned "I Need Love" are featured during the middle third of the record. Included as a bonus track is a rendition of "Kiss Me" sung in Japanese. You can't get much more preciously quaint than that. While fanatics will be pleased to have their more obscure as well as their finest moments on one disc, chances are that diehards will already own most of these songs in some fashion. However, casual listeners who simply want the hits and then some will find this an excellent place to start. [An 11-track edition was issued in 2004.] ~ Rob Theakston