Now I'm going to keep this review as fanboy free as possible, yes I am a huge STP fan but I never let my biases get in the way of a review, just to clear that up right now, the reasoning behind the score will be completely justified.
The Stone Temple Pilots began their troubled career in 1992 with the release of Core, which although brilliant, was branded as nothing more than a poor Pearl Jam imitation (did someone say Bush ahem), anyway this was to be quite honest b******t there may have been echoes of similar bands around at the time but no way was it a rip off. Afterwards despite constant critical loathing STP plowed through with such classic albums as Purple, Tiny Music etc, before finally we have this sweet little good bye gift from one of the most underrated bands on the planet.
01. Vasoline: The perfect opener, the song begins with this kinda buzzing effect which draws you into the album then the riff starts, just simple nothing to taxing, but dead good, and Scott starts singing and the sing breaks out, what can be said about this song apart from the fact its brilliantly catchy so lets move on. 5/5
02. Down: By far the heaviest song STP ever attempted again its absolutely astonishing with Dean chugging the strings and Scott singing in as low a voice as he ever got, unfortunately compared to the other tracks on the album it doesn't quite match up, its just not as melodic or catchy. 3/5
03. Wicked Garden: Pretty much the least impressive from the collection, but as anyone who's heard the song will attest to its still incredible, its kinda like an upbeat Alice In Chains but with all of STP's styles and nuances thrown in. 3/5
04. Big Empty: Quite possibly my favourite of all their songs, this was on Purple and was the defining point in the album. The song begins with some fret slides which sound more suited to jazz, but it still suits the dark mood of the song, but out of nowhere the chorus is broken into with big powerful chords being played to Scotts emotionally resonating singing, then when the interlude comes up you get these absolutely badass barre chords being struck at such an intensity your speakers might just explode with Scott in the background singing "Conversations Kiiiiill", as you can guess I like this song rather much. 5/5
05. Plush: Now come on, own up who hasn't heard this song somewhere, either from the radio, GTA San Andreas or somewhere, easily the most popular song by the Pilots and its easy to see why, with that distinctive intro riff played throughout the song, the beautiful chord progressions throughout the verses and chorus, spot on drumming and bass playing, and the dark lyrics being sung perfectly by Scott. What STP are all about. 5/5
06. Big Bang Baby: Although appearing slightly rubbish in comparison to the other more cleanly produced tracks on the album Big Bang Baby is actually quite irresistable after a few listens, it sounds like its just some kinda demo but its just so perfectly catchy you can't help but love it. 4/5
07. Creep: Nothing to do with the big Radiohead song of the same name, this Creep is actually a rather laid back depressing country style song, definitely for darker days. 4/5
08. Lady Picture Show: Very Beatles like track showing off Dean Deleo's guitar skills to no end, seriously this track is one of the most beautiful inspiring tracks to come out of modern rock, then the solo pops up and the song really can't get much better. 5/5
09. Trippin' On A Hole In A Paper Heart: Astounding little fast number, not punky as most alternative bands tend to make their fast songs, its more like a delightful guitar pop tune played at five times the speed, again features a strange but astounding solo from the man Dean. 5/5
10. Interstate Love Song: What more can be said about this song than wow. Really if you haven't heard this song pick up this album just for it, its like kick ass country song about catching someone out on a lie and telling them to get to f**k but with supreme rock playing thrown in, one of the best songs of all time. 5/5
11. All In The Suit That You Wear: The only new track on the album, the Pilots decided to record this specially for the greatest hits, and to be honest, it manages the impossible task of sitting alongside these countless gems and not look out of place, its just a straight forward rock song played at a supreme level of skill. 4/5
12. Sex Type Thing: Big crunching riff with lyrics about rape, hmm not the greatest choice for a title, but classic STP all the same. 4/5
13. Days Of The Week: Brilliant pop tune with such a delightfullness that regular pop acts only wish they could catch, definitely a high exit point for the kind of singles STP release. 5/5
14. Sour Girl: A kind of dreamy acoustic ballad, its definitely strange and takes a few listens to get into but once you do its impossible to let go of this little charmer. 5/5
15. Plush (Acoustic): Not much to say really apart from the fact that one of the bands best songs is played even better here. 5/5
Its also possible to pick up this set with an bonus DVD for a few extra quid, if you have the chance I suggest you get it, its no tiny little rip off DVD, it contains: every single video the band made, a LOT of live performances and even some bootleg footage.
So I hope that I've justified the high score throughout the review, these singles on the albums they were on seriously made you love the albums individually, but when they're all on one disc together its almost too much, buy if you have ears, like music, don't like music etc just buy it!
