Who decided this was the 'best' of the early years for TMBG? Alright BMG did, rhetorical question I agree. But this CD is missing some key songs among the Johns' greatest hits. Let's Start with the fact the it's missing She's An Angel. I've played this song so many times on my CD that the song started skipping, forcing my to my tape version of the album until I could replace it. And what happened to Pencil Rain, Where Your Eyes Don't Go, Kiss Me Son Of God, and I can't list anymore with further upsetting myself. I understand I'm basically listing enough songs to make up the entire album, but that's really what you need to buy, not the rip off which contains songs the publisher deemed worthy. Who is this person that decided these were the 'best?' Ask any loyal TMBG fan and they'll tell you the same thing I am; GET THE FULL ALBUMS! If you are reading this, then you've heard of TMBG enough to look into it. If you are considering your first TMBG CD, then get your money's worth and buy both CDs. If you're willing to buy this online, then you might as well take the initiative and get both CDs. It's worth it.

These songs, like all of TMBG's material, are great. They're stunningly original, musically adept, and quite possibly the greatest group ever. If you don't have the CD's these songs came from (They Might Be Giants and Lincoln) get these instead and save some money. If you already have them don't buy this.

A must for any TMBG fan and a good starter album for anyone wanting to explore something fun and different. They Might Be Giants is a blend of college rock, a smidgeon of the best sing along bar band you've ever heard, with a dash of polka....not your average blend but it works !! The song writing approach resembles the Ramones in that they rarely extend beyond 3 minutes each !! The songs are unabashed and not afraid to make fun of themselves !! The lyrics are zany and fun and the melodies are catchy and have an interesting "hook" to them !!

All the songs are "best of" but my favorites are:

1)Ana Ng (great bass and guitar)and the classic line "I don't want the world....I just want YOUR half !!"

2)Cowtown (fun harmonies and great accordian...yes I said it...accordian!!)

3)Youth Culture Killed my Dog....classic lyrics, neat-o avengers spy thriller guitar licks !!

4)Puppethead....Classic commentary on politics and people who think they are in charge !!

5)Don't Let's Start....catchy tune...fun to sing with !!

Ahhh..let's face it, they're all fun !! TMBG is not for everyone but those of us that grew up on them in the 80's will love this compilation !!

Unlike many of the mainstream pop bands like Britney Spears and *NSYNC, these guys' songs grow on you. Most songs fade after a year, but you'll like these songs more and more every time you listen! You will like all the songs and will hopefully be inclined to buy another album!