The Best of Sixpence None the Richer (CD - 2004)

Personnel: Leigh Nash (vocals); Matt Slocum (guitar).

Audio Mixers: Tom Lord-Alge; Bob Clearmountain.

Liner Note Authors: Mark Joseph; Mark Joseph ; Rachel Williams.

Illustrator: Jonathan Richter.

Photographer: Matthew Welch .

This 18-track collection presents the finest songs performed by Sixpence None the Richer, a Texas-based alternative-pop group with Christian leanings that rose to prominence in the late 1990s when its light, airy single "Kiss Me" appeared in the teen movie SHE'S ALL THAT. Although the band, fronted by honey-voiced singer Leigh Nash, never matched the success of that hit, it did record several popular cover tunes, including a faithful rendition of Crowded House's "Don't Dream It's Over" and a breezy take on the La's "There She Goes," which are both featured on this well-selected compilation.

Sixpence None the Richer made their mark with 1997's "Kiss Me," which thrust them into the alterna-pop spotlight alongside such acts as the Cranberries and 10,000 Maniacs, thanks in part to a well-placed inclusion in the WB's phenomenally popular teen series Dawson's Creek. And while most people are only familiar with this song and their cover of the classic "There She Goes" by the La's, this solid 18-song compilation is a thorough survey of their career thus far. Other minor hits such as "Breathe Your Name" and "Eyes Wide Open" are also included. Much like UB40, the band made a habit of finding success by covering other groups, and there's a plethora of such tracks included here as well. Their covers of ABBA's "Dancing Queen," Crowded House's "Don't Dream It's Over," their butchering of Brian Wilson's genius "I Just Wasn't Made for These Times," and the Sam Phillips-penned "I Need Love" are featured during the middle third of the record. Included as a bonus track is a rendition of "Kiss Me" sung in Japanese. You can't get much more preciously quaint than that. While fanatics will be pleased to have their more obscure as well as their finest moments on one disc, chances are that diehards will already own most of these songs in some fashion. However, casual listeners who simply want the hits and then some will find this an excellent place to start. ~ Rob Theakston minimize