EMI has done it! Perhaps one of the first "Best Of" compilations to live up to its title. Is every hit here? No, of course not-that would require four CDs and this is only a 2-disc release. I mean we're talking about Bowie here, the guy's been making music for over three decades and has recorded more than 20 studio albums. But, this is also more than just a "pop essentials" or "very best of" album. Some of the more minor, yet significant hits are also here. More impressive, EMI hand-tailored about a dozen versions of this release for each market it was released in. For instance, the US double disc version (on which this review is written) differs from the UK version by ten songs. EMI has done its homework and crafted a unique listening experience for each country according to record sales and chart success on a country by country basis. When have you ever seen such dedication from a record label? Again, this is not a definitive collection and everyone will find a few favorites missing, but this is as close as it gets without pushing the length into "box collection" proportions. Anyone who likes rock (classic, glam, pop, new wave, disco, etc.) should own this album, because Bowie pioneered ALL of these genres and more. He is a largely under-appreciated musical genius, especially in America.
