To release a compilation was the easiest way to get rid of Virgin. There is nothing to be ashamed of most of our singles and when you put them altogether they sound even better, although I would have chosen different songs as singles. I would have liked to to release as singles the best songs, not the easiest ones. But I think the chosen songs give a good picture of what kind of band XTC has been. Apple Venus from last year presented XTC as a chamber pop group.
Most songs are full of tasteful orchestrations and carefully decided arrangements.
The album was recorded in the studio built in Colin Moulding's big garage. The drum players on the record are among others session drummer Chuck Sabo who has played in Natalie Imbruglia's band and Prairie Prince who used to bang on drums in the Tubes. Most songs were put into effect in a really simplified way. When we got started, these recording sessions were without any problems. Since the band's early recordings it hasn't been so uncomplicated.