The Very Best Of Fleetwood Mac ()

Due to the remastering, the appearance of unexpected songs, and the inclusion of edited versions, this double best-of CD sounds fresh. Songs that were never released as singles ("World Turning" and "Storms", for example) are present, and live material from 1997's "The Dance" (such as "I'm So Afraid" and "Big Love") are included. "Silver Springs", which appeared as the B-side to "Go Your Own Way" but did not make it to the final cut of 1977's "Rumours", is a welcome addition. "Go Insane (Live)", taken from but not included on "The Dance", allows Lindsay Buckingham a shining moment.

Missing from this collection are great songs that were released as singles ("Warm Ways", "Not That Funny") and incredible tunes that were not released as singles ("Crystal", "Beautiful Child"). Absent with glaring omission are tracks from 1980's "Live" album, which features Stevie Nicks' best renditions of such classic songs as "Rhiannon" and "Landslide" and which also contains the highly underrated "Fireflies".

Also overlooked, in the liner notes, is mention of certain albums. David Wild does not once refer to "Live" or to 1995's "Time" (the latter of which allows Christine McVie to shine like never before). And album cover photos do not include all the albums from which the songs on this 2-CD collection originate.

Nonetheless, any Fleetwood Mac collection that starts with "Monday Morning" and ends with "Paper Doll" indicates a pretty thorough compilation. One that sounds remarkably fresh, despite the fact that this is the fifth greatest hits-type release from the "classic" Fleetwood Mac lineup (alongside "Live", 1988's "Greatest Hits", 1992's "25 Years - The Chain" and "The Dance").

This album also marks the greatest distance in several recordings between the tracks "Don't Stop" and "Go Your Own Way", and the interesting order of songs that compose this collection adds yet another dynamic aspect to this latest offering from the five fireflies.