The Essential
From the time of their full-throttled1977 debut(whose shredded, punky demeanor often foreshadowed grunge rock by nearly a decade-and-a-half), Cheap Trick has arguably been one of most resilient and influential (Billy Corganand Steve Albini have variously sung their praises one side side of the generation gap,John LennonandJeff Beckon the other), if critically underappreciated bands of the last three decades. While the Budokan-mania and "Yardbirds play Abba" (in bassist Tom Petersson's estimation) pop of  "I Want You to Want Me" will be instantly familiar thanks to their classic rock warhorse status, those unfamiliar with the band's true range and enduring live power (paid ample tribute by stage versions of "Gonna Raise Hell" and a Billy Corgan-guesting "Mandocello" from '98, and the dramatic "Hard to Tell" from their 25th anniversary live show of '99) will find this collection a revelation. Spanning the decidedly mixed blessing of their sole #1 hit "The Flame" and the latter day indie-label exile that's nonetheless produced two of their strongest collections (Cheap TrickandSpecial One) and featuring a salting of rarities (including the long version of "If You Want My Love" and an outtake of "Walk Away" featuring more upfront vocals by guest Chrissie Hynde), this is the best single introduction to a rock band that defiantly remains one of America's greatest.--Jerry McCulley