Collection

Photographers: Perou; Jeff Metal.
This one-disc run through Underworld's 20-year career serves a purpose, yet newcomers should know this prime techno act already has a couple of necessary albums (Dubnobasswithmyheadman and Second Toughest in the Infants), plus there's a companion release to this set (1992-2012) that features the "real" full-length versions of most of these cuts, although you do have to shell out for a second disc. On top of this all, folks intrigued by Underworld generally fall in love with them, so this gateway drug will likely become redundant. All that being said, the strength of this material is undeniable, and when you put "King of Snake," "Born Slippy NUXX," and "Pearls Girl" all on the same set -- even in their single edits -- you'd have to be the king or queen of nitpicky to not award that set gold status. Even if A Collection is by the numbers, they are great numbers and rounded out by some intriguing collaborations (with Brian Eno, High Contrast, and such) along with powerful live cuts. ~ David Jeffries