A great compilation but NOT a masterpiece. Because, like all compliations, it feels like a compilation of great songs, rather than a cohesive entity in its own right. Also, it could have been better. It got mixed reviews (naturally) on its release and even I saw it as a missed opportunity at the time. I never really liked Suedehead and Sunday being on there right after Viva Hate and they interupt the flow of the album. And great b-sides like I Know Very Well, Sister I'm A Poet, Girl Least Likely To, even Michael's Bones and East West should have been included instead. I think the following would have been much better -
Piccadilly Palare
The Last of the Famous International Playboys
Interesting Drug
November Spawned A Monster
Michael's Bones
Ouija Board, Ouija Board
East West
Will Never Marry
Hairdresser On Fire
Sister I'm A Poet
Yes, I Am Blind
He Knows I'd Love To See Him
Such A Little Thing Makes Such A Big Difference
I Know Very Well How I Got My Name
Girl Least Likely To
Disappointed
I do wonder why Morrissey have never included I Know Very Well How I Got My Name on any compilation. Any theories?