Capitol's 2002 Best of the Proclaimers did a fine job compiling the spotty -- but occasionally brilliant -- Scottish duo's most memorable tracks, so when something like EMI's
Finest arrives, it can only be met with the kind of skepticism reserved for insurance salesmen and snake-oil peddlers. The decision to omit absolutely essential tracks like "Over and Done With," "Letter from America," "Oh Jean," and "Throw the 'R' Away" -- the latter is represented by its decidedly less impressive B-side, "A Train Went Past My Window" -- must have something to do with licensing, because with only "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" to do the barking, this collection has little to offer even the most casual of
Proclaimers fans. ~ James Christopher Monger