You can almost see
Ministry straining against releasing a compilation, not just because it's called
Greatest Fits but because they're not featured on the front and obscured on the back cover. And it's also true that the selection isn't quite as lean as it could have been, and it's hurt by non-chronological sequencing, opening with the AI soundtrack contribution "What About Us?" (ignored by listeners -- sadly reminiscent of the film itself -- yet one of their best singles in years), and careening through their history without any real roadmap. That does result in some unwelcome, unexpected detours, but the basic journey isn't just good, it proves that
Ministry's stature as industrial giants isn't just warranted, but that few other bands could be as powerful as they were at their peak. And, in a way, the inclusion of such missteps as "Lay Lady Lay" (which really would have been better suited for a
Revolting Cocks album) illustrates just how terrific "Stigmata," "The Land of Rape and Honey," "N.W.O.," "Just One Fix," and "Jesus Built My Hot Rod" are. And, for those that just want a concentrated blast of prime
Ministry, this is as good as you'll get. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine