Supergrass

Releasing a "Best of” record before the band’s extinction, or even before the band members turn 30, is always a questionable move. Supergrass have been together for a decade now, yet do they really need to question their existence by resorting to what most usually consider an ending? Given their last album’s poor performance, this compilation may be a desperate cry for rebirth, because in all honesty, they only have two great albums, which were released in 1995 and 1997. Regardless, for the most part, Supergrass Is 10 is an arousing good time. Classics like "Alright,” "Caught By The Fuzz” and "Lenny” haven’t aged a bit, maintaining the same level of adrenaline they did when I Should Coco was introduced nine years ago. The inclusion of non-singles "Wait For The Sun,” "It’s Not Me” and "Strange Ones” is debatable though, considering "Never Done Nothing Like That Before” (a seven-inch only release) and "Cheapskate” (a North American single) are absent. As with most of these premature hits packages, two new tracks are featured to make it interesting for everyone. Sadly, "Kiss Of Life” and "Bullet” don’t exactly rival the band’s best. Confirming reports that the band is heading in a funkier direction, the former is a poor attempt at reinvention, while the latter fares a little better, but without any real "pop” to it. This isn’t essential listening for fans with all four Supergrass albums, but for those unfamiliar with the band, this is a commendable collection that spotlights one of Britain’s best and beloved rock bands.