As to this release, it is yet another compilation (the second from Capitol and fourth overall) that the diehard fan really does not need. That being said, the content here is different from previous retrospectives as the bulk of these tracks have been remastered and remixed (read: rerecorded). FYI, "Kill the King" (in its ~original version) is now only available here because the previous Capitol Records compilation is out of print.

Further, according to the liner notes, and not unlike Anthrax's track selection for "The Greater of Two Evils", you, the fan, voted on these tracks (exclusively from the Capitol Records back catalog, of course). I find this hard to believe for so many reasons. Only 2 from "Rust in Peace" while anything from "Risk" appeared? No way did the fans vote that way. Where's Al Gore to demand a recount? Probably inventing the Internet.

So should you rush out and get this record because of one song? No. Should you get the CD/DVD version of this release? Maybe, but only if you must have the DVD that adds ~40 minutes of live footage, including 7 unreleased live tracks from the Risk tour, as well as a new video for the aforementioned rare track. For my money, I'll wait for the 2-DVD set entitled "The Arsenals of Megadeth" instead. Still, Megadeth classics are just that.

See 'em on Gigantour this summer (2005).

written by Tony Belcher

Playing time: 78.13