If you're in the spirit of checking out all the best-of projects this year, you'll want to catch the latest album with the Plumb name stamped on, The Best of Plumb. With Plumb's departure from Essential Records (along with All Star United's), a best-of project was released despite only two albums existing for the group (same as with ASU). So with that said, how great (or I should ask "necessary") is The Best of Plumb? If you're a Plumb fan, it's a good collector's item, but not worth the full price. Bonus features do include three remixes-- two being brand new and one that was previously released on the Essential compilation Propska One from 1998. If you're looking for a sample of some good Plumb cuts, The Best of Plumb actually has a pretty good assortment. From hits off their self-titled debut album like "Sobering (Don't Turn Around)," "Who Am I?," and "Crazy," to hits from Candycoatedwaterdrops like "Here With Me," "Stranded," and "Late Great Planet Earth," the listener is in for some of the best tracks from both albums.

An entirely unnecessary release, but more-than-likely made just to fulfill contract agreements, The Best of Plumb is a decent collection from an extraordinary band that hopefully has many years ahead of them to make follow-ups to these songs.

- Review date: 11/28/00, written by John DiBiase