Greatest Hits '93-'03

by

311

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311 have had quite a career so far. When they came out in the 90's, they definitely clashed with the more gloomy grunge scene: positive lyrics and catchy, upbeat music with a reggae and hip-hop twist. They still found success while simultaneously paving the way for a variety of popular bands like No Doubt and Incubus. They are one of the few bands from that era to have survived and continue touring and putting out new music -- the band are in the studio working on their eighth album as we speak. Their first best-of, "Greatest Hits: 93-03" is a celebration of some of 311's best known work, along with some newer, previously unreleased material. True, not all of 311 "Greatest" songs are here, such is the flaw with any best-of collection, but as far as hits and singles, this has got them all. Along with predictable entries like "Down," "All Mixed Up" and "Amber," there are a few surprises thrown in. "Beyond The Grey Sky" (from 2003's "Evolver") is a song I didn't expect to be here, and other songs that didn't quite break-out like they should have like "Flowing" and "Transistor" are good to hear again (even though I own all of their other stuff). While there is an abundance of newer material, including their cover of The Cure's "Love Song" (from the "50 First Dates" soundtrack) and two new songs, "How Do You Feel?" and "First Straw," the lack of older material is rather disappointing. "Homebrew" and "Do You Right" are included, but their older albums had other great moments too (they should have, at least, put "Feels So Good" on). But complaints aside, it's a great collection, seventeen excellent songs. You definitely get your money's worth, and if you're a hardcore 311 fan, the two new studio tracks are incentive enough. And if you are new to the band, what better way to start?