After
Jackopierce broke up, the bandmembers decided to release a greatest-hits album with rarities and live treats for their die-hard fans. The resulting Decade 1988-1998 is a two-CD collection of 39 album tracks, live performances, and unreleased songs from over the band's ten-year career. Decade 1988-1998 strikes a nice balance between being an introduction for the uninitiated and a reward for the completist. In fact,
Cary Pierce and Jack O'Neill actively courted their fans' participation in making this final album.
Jackopierce included a live cover of Bryan Adams' "Summer of '69," which is a treat for older fans, especially those outside the area where the band toured frequently. The first disc is largely acoustic, much like the band's early years. The collection starts with "Rain," the first song from the first CD. By the end, through the later-era live tracks, the listener is left with a feeling that
Jackopierce did in fact evolve in creative ways through the group's ten years. That may be the best legacy for a band. Decade 1988-1998 also includes a guest appearance by
Vertical Horizon's Matt Scannell. Because it came after the band's demise, Decade 1988-1998 is tinged with sadness, but does a good job of celebrating this small and largely unnoticed band's great music. Standout tracks include "Mexican Tune," "Vineyard [Remix]," and "Finest Hour." Sadly missing is fan favorite "Please Come to Boston" from
Jackopierce's debut. ~ JT Griffith