Pekka
There are two perspectives from which compilation albums can be looked at. Firstly, does it give a good picture of the band for the newcomer and secondly, does it give anything to those who already own all the albums. As this CD compiles the arguable best of the singles, album tracks and rarities box set Music Bank while adding a couple of tracks it didn't feature, it's quite safe assume that everybody is given at least something. All of the band's albums and major EPs are included exluding the Sap EP or Unplugged live album depending on the way one looks at it, since the only Sap track Got Me Wrong is presented as the Unplugged version, the only one from that album.
The album includes a good selection of hits and album tracks throughout the band's career, some favourites obviously missing, but the real meat for me is the three rare tracks, or two as I do own the Last Action Hero soundtrack from where we get What the Hell Have I, a heavy sitar flavored track which finds Alice at their very catchiest and according to this listener also their best. One of my favourite AIC tracks as is the other Last Action Hero track A Little Bitter which is not featured here. Get Born Again is one of the two new recordings made for the Music Bank box and the better of the two. A heavy track of classic AIC, a worthy opener to any collection. The biggest gem is yet to come and that's We Die Young as recorded before the Facelift sessions. For one used to the final album version this somewhat faster version sounds spirited and passionate, band playing with great energy and Layne Staley giving one of his finest vocal performances ever. One of my absolute Alice favourites, Top 2 stuff with the Unplugged Down in a Hole.
A good starting point for new listeners and for those already familiar with most of their work there are some treats as well. That makes up an excellent compilation.