We all knew this was coming. We just wondered if they'd get it right.

Honestly, one CD could not have captured the many facets of this band. The diverse and emotional music is difficult to describe, let alone contain in one disc. Instead of arranging things chronologically, which would have weighted the first disc with most of the classic songs, the band puts the rock songs on disc one ("Up" side) and the slower songs on the second disc ("Down"). By doing this and then putting the songs chronologically, the compilation gives rightly equal weight to the band's entire career up through 2003, even if it isn't the ideal way to listen to them.

The up side is, as expected, more exciting, not just because of the tempo but the tracks themselves. "Even Flow," "Alive," "Jeremy" and "Go" are rock classics (not classic rock) that only get better with age. "State of Love and Trust" and "Corduroy" are two of the band's best songs, while the bracing "Spin the Black Circle," the amazing title track and "I Got ID" round out the story. Tellingly, only three songs are past 1995 (including the bracing "Save You"), as that was the point the band began to mellow out as a rule, rather than an exception.

The down side is just as strong, although tough to listen to all in one sitting. The rock classics of "Daughter," "Black" and "Yellow Ledbetter" are here, as are lesser tracks like "Wishlist" and "Who You Are," which are neither exciting nor really worthy of being in a hits collection. "Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town" is here, as is the awful "Last Kiss" cover and the soundtrack-only "Man of the Hour." It's good to have all these oddities and soundtrack songs in one place for fans too.

As for nitpicks, only two. First, a few too many slow songs clog this second disc. Second, remixes of three classic Ten tracks ("Once," "Alive," "Black") are present; while they are not noticeably different from the studio versions, one wonders why there was a need to remix them in the first place.

Still, for an introduction to one of America's greatest rock bands or reference for casual fans showcasing the cream of the cream, you can't do much better than Rearviewmirror.

Rating: A-

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