Exile on Mainstream by Matchbox 20 (CD, Oct-2007, 2 Discs, Atlantic USA)

Greatest Hits collections are a mixed blessing: some people love 'em and some people hate 'em. When being introduced to a band for the first time, listeners could do worse than a greatest hits CD. But die-hard fans know that best-of compilations (1) delay further albums and (2) are usually a marketing plot.

Matchbox Twenty takes an interesting twist with their new double album, "Exile on Mainstream." The first disc features seven new tracks from the band while the second comprises their greatest hits. The new stuff, including the single "How Far We've Come," is surprisingly strong material while the hits compilation is a great collection of the band's many singles. My only complaint? The first disc clocks in at under 30 minutes.

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