This album is the perfect collection to hook you if you aren't already a fan. There are 19 songs, with two of them being new and one a re-recording of the classic hit "Punk Rawk Show." The CD booklet has a whopping 32 pages of (mostly) new pictures and a rather humorous timeline put together by lead singer and bassist Mike Hererra. If you're an MXPX fan this will bring back great memories, and if you're just curious this could be the start of something great.

The opener "Punk Rawk Show" is, for the most part, a good version of the song. It's easy to sing along to and has been a favorite ever since it was released on their second album Teenage Politics. The only complaint I have about the new recording is the guitar is too subtle for my tastes, especially when you're listening with headphones, oddly. Nearly all of the other songs have been remixed, but sound identical for the most part except for the vocals, which sound somewhat "distant" but are still clear.

The two new songs "My Mistake" and "Running Away" are the highlight of this release. These songs are extremely catchy and somewhat resemble those found on The Ever Passing Moment. Mike's vocals sound great and the guitar drives the songs along perfectly.

Hits and the occasional not-so-famous classic make up the rest of the album. There's some lighter stuff such as "Chick Magnet," "Teenage Politics," "Move to Bremerton," and "Let it Happen" for those that aren't big fans of punk. "PxPx" is a heavier track, and seems like an odd addition as it was never a real big hit on their first album. Hearing it again though I've developed a new liking for it. "Lonesome Town" is also a great addition and another highlight, from the Renaissance EP released last year.

Overall, this album is not only a great chance to check out the band, but the cheapest way to get all the hits in one package. I kind of wish they would have included "What's Mine is Yours" from Slowly Going The Way of The Buffalo, but sadly you'll have to purchase that album to hear the song. Still, this collection is the best way to hear other great tracks you might have missed such as "The Broken Bones" and "Lonesome Town" which were both released on EPs. Try it, you just might love it.

- Review date: 6/12/02, written by "invin"