Moldy Peaches

The USA today probes an issue that has been the topic of some debate amongst music lovers around the globe - when to release the all important greatest hits collection.

The greatest-hits album once stood as an important career milestone chronicling a collection of top-rated hits, culturally significant songs or the end of a stellar career. But in recent years, a flood of "best of" titles from acts with only few songs (I refuse to label them hits) in the business and performers who are still wet behind the ears have hit stores.

For example, last fall, Britney Spears released Greatest Hits: My Prerogative, a retrospective of her chart-topping, multiplatinum recording career — all six years of it. The Backstreet Boys put out The Hits: Chapter One in 2001 — just four years after releasing their first album. Is it not even more insulting that they had the nerve to label it Chapter 1? Are they expecting to be around for another couple of chapters?

In fairness to Spears and the Backstreet Boys they had a steady collection of hits or at least they can say more than just one. Among the more questionable greatest-hits collections that have popped up in recent years: Toy Soldiers: The Best of Martika (with one hit from the 1980s); The Best of Mandy Moore, from an entertainer who had more success as an actress than she ever did as a singer; and The Best of O.D.B., from the late rapper who will best be remembered for his wild behaviour and legal troubles than his chart-topping hits (or lack thereof).

Now enter the latest no talent hack. Teen queen Hilary Duff, who has sold millions of albums to screaming 10 year old girls and released a grand total of two discs (the first one in 2003 and neither spawned a top 10 hit) has a best of collection out.

Meanwhile, Tragically Hip fans must wait until November 1 for a real greatest hits collection from a band that has paid their dues.

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