Hits

Pulp's 'Hits' collection is an almost chronological, almost exhaustive collection of their years with the label.

'Hits' takes in everything from 1992's 'Babies' (originally released on pre-Island Sheffield independent Gift) through to 'Bad Cover Version' from 2002. It also includes a brand new song in the shape of 'Last Day Of The Miners' Strike'.

'Hits' amounts to a fantastic record of one of our very best - and best- loved - bands; an unarguable reminder of just how consistently great they have always been.

For completists, the chronological and comprehensive anomalies are: 'Mis-shapes' is not on at all because the band can't stick it and feel this period is best represented by its double A-side 'Sorted For E's And Wizz'. Strictly speaking 'Sunrise' should come before 'Bad Cover Version', since it was the double A-side of 'Trees'.

Incidentally, isn't it tragic looking back that 'Common People' was kept off the No.1 spot by Robson & Jerome singing 'Unchained Melody'?