Ego, Opinion, Art & Commerce

Performer: The Goo Goo Dolls
Distributor: WEA (Distributor)

Notes: This is an Enhanced CD, which contains regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files. Goo Goo Dolls: Johnny Rzeznik (vocals, guitar); Robbie Takac (vocals, bass); Mike Malinin (drums). Producers: Armand John Petri, Rob Cavallo, Gavin MacKillop, Lou Giordano, Goo Goo Dolls. Engineers include: Mike Sak, Allen Sides, A.J. Petri. This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files. Personnel: Melora Creager, Rasputina (cello); Tal Herzberg (programming). Audio Mixers: Chris Lord-Alge; Gavin MacKillop; Lou Giordano; Armand John Petri. Audio Remixer: Chris Lord-Alge. Recording information: Beartracks Studio, Suffern, NY; Metal Works, Mississuaga, Canada; Ocean Way Recording, Hollywood, CA; Record One; Track Master Audio, Buffalo, NY; Track record. Photographer: Chris Eselgroth. It's hard to discern what exactly the purpose of Ego, Opinion, Art & Commerce is. It's a compilation, boasting remixes and remastered tracks, but it misses all of the Goo Goo Dolls' biggest hits. So, the best guess for its reason to be is to provide latter-day fans with a basic idea of what the Goos were about before "Iris" and "Name" -- and, if that's the case, its release in 2001 is a little puzzling, since it's been years since they've broken through into the mainstream. In any case, this isn't a bad disc at all, since it does cherry-pick the Goos' albums rather gracefully, balancing almost-hits like "We Are the Normal" with a good selection of album tracks. Still, the audience for this must be pretty small -- not the hardcore fans, since they already have all this, but fans of the early stuff won't need it, nor will the really casual fans, who just want the hits, since they're not here. So, it's for the listener that either wants an overview of the early years -- and it's good at that -- or for the listener that has "Name" and "Iris" and wants to dig deeper, without getting the actual albums. Small audiences in both respects, but for those that belong to that audience, it's a good bet. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine Its musical merits notwithstanding, this best-of compilation may just be the first of its kind in that the songs are arranged in reverse chronological order, beginning with the most recent (in this case "Bulletproof," from 1998's DIZZY UP THE GIRL). In any case, this aural document of the Doll's 15-year recording career (interesting historical perspective: that's twice as long as the Beatles) is an all but perfect snapshot of their ability to combine pop hooks, punk guitars, and blue-collar angst into one passionate, accessible package. The collection itself is impeccably crafted. The song selection is just about ideal (although fans may bemoan the absence of "Long Way Down," from A BOY NAMED GOO). Nearly everything has been remixed (which means the older songs have more or less the same aural sheen as the more expensively produced recent material) and there's a particularly nice bonus in a way-overdue studio version of long-time concert favorite "Two Days in February." If you're just discovering these guys, this is a great place to start.

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