The story of Travis is pretty much one of musical progression with just one major album calamity (albeit with a couple of good songs). For the band’s fans this comprehensive 17 song collection of singles will be more than welcome.

The more I listen to this album, the more I think that Travis has created a commercial and artistic niche in the genre of pop/rock music here in the UK. And rather like buying property where location, location, location rules, in this musical genre it’s melody, melody, melody. But the band also has to be able to put together a harmonious and skilled performance. On both counts Travis cut the mustard, and always will. The band’s last album I thought was its best because it took a serious subject concept and turned it into music that I could relate to. It didn’t sell in the numbers that the previous two albums did and frankly that came as no big surprise to me.

Opening track Sing is right in the slot that the British public seems to like so much – romantic, illusionary, syrupy, and with tunes that sticks like glue. No band or solo artist does it better, and I’m talking in global terms. Driftwood follows and was one of several massive hits (in the days when singles still used to sell by the truckload) from the band’s multi-million selling breakthrough album. The next track, Writing To Reach You, offers a prime example of another major reason why Travis has succeeded so damn well - Fran’s vocal is entirely believable and is central to the band’s trademark sound.

Other tracks include Why Does It Always Rain On Me? Re-Offender, Walking In The Sun, Tied to The 90’s, Coming Around, Flowers In The Window, Love Will Come Through, More Than Us, Side, U16 Girls, Happy, All I Want To Do Is Rock, The Beautiful Occupation, and Turn.

With an avalanche of ‘best of’ albums due out between now and Christmas, including the recently PR-ed-to-death Robbie Williams collection, this has to be one of the best.

4/5