The Best Of 1990-2000 (2CD+DVD) [Limited Edition]

They've done it again. U2's first best of (1980-90) seemed to contain their best ('Pride', 'With or Without You', etc), and to many it was only 1991's Achtung Baby that offered much more before U2 somewhat lost the plot in the mid-90s. Well, 'The Best of 1990-2000' combines a rather eclectic mix of material to reveal that, despite Bono going somewhat off-track (which he always was) U2 continued to put out a steady stream of high quality material.

The big hits from Achtung Baby are mostly present ('Even Better...', 'Mysterious Ways', 'One') though 'Who's Going to Ride Your Wild Horses' is strangely absent. Their recent 'return to form' is borne out by the presence of 'Stuck in a Moment...' and 'Beautiful Day'; the greatest classic U2 songs since Achtung. At first the new single 'Electrical Storm' sounds slightly out of place, but it's another that really grows on you, and augurs well for the future. Personally I'd have quite liked to see 'Elevation' included too, but it wasn't.

We do, however, get 'Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me' from the Batman movie soundtrack, and another new song 'The Hands That Built America' (theme from Gangs of New York). Unfortunately neither of these are particularly exciting, and the same can be said for a couple of others - one can't help wondering if 'Miss Sarajevo' was included more for its political message, or Luciano Pavarotti's warblings, but either way I'd have left it out.

Most interestingly, much of the material from the mid-90s albums appears in 'new mixes' by Mike Hedges. Perhaps an admission the band weren't fully happy with Pop themselves, or maybe a response to the fans' reaction. Whatever the reason, the edginess of 'Discotheque' and 'Numb' is thankfully retained, but 'Staring at the Sun' doesn't fare so well. Still, at least these new versions add something more for fans that already have the respective albums.

B-Sides

The trouble with b-sides is, there's generally a reason why they weren't album tracks, so it would be unfair to expect too much of this second disc. Apart from the original version of 'Electrical Storm' (strangely the first disc has the William Orbit mix) this CD is a mix of sometimes second-rate songs and dance remixes by the likes of Paul Oakenfold, Rollo and Rob D. Of the b-side songs, only 'Summer Rain' and the Lennon and McCartney cover 'Happiness is a Warm Gun' particularly stand out. Others while not terrible, are pretty much filler material (which is why they were left to b-sides).

The dance remixes will, no doubt, be more divisive. Anyone who didn't like the experimentation of Pop and prefers the classic rock may be better off avoiding them altogether. That said, the Zooromancer remix of 'Salome' and Perfecto mix of 'Even Better Than The Real Thing' are not only interesting re-workings, but pretty good in their own right. One can see how the 'take me higher' chorus could have been a house/rave anthem. Admittedly, not all work so well; 'Numb' being the biggest disappointment.

DVD

Limited edition versions include a bonus DVD as well as the two discs. This contains the 'history mix', essentially a trailer for the new U2 DVD and videos for 'Please' (absent from the main compilation) and 'Beautiful Day'. A nice bonus, but nothing to get excited by.

I'd give the whole package 4.5 stars. Whether it's worth buying this or just the 'best of' depends on how likely you are to enjoy the dance remixes.

Out went big hair, the vests and the waving of flags, in came slick leather gear, irony and of course the fly shades.

This is a great album for the U2 beginner but equally for the U2 fan. 17 tracks on the a side, 14 on the b side and a 4 track dvd extra represents value for money.

The mighty Actung Baby (surely U2's finest work) is represented at its peak with The Fly and One. Zooropa, Pop (all of whoms songs have been reworked), All That You Cant Leave Behind are all represented as is the Passangers song Miss Sajarevo, and the mighty Batman tune Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me.

New songs Electrical Storm and the beautiful The Hands That Built America point out the direction U2 are now heading.

A fine collection.