Pink Floyd - Echoes-Best Of Pink Floyd 
Label: Capitol
Rating: 
 

Just the idea of putting together a packaged greatest hits collection of Pink Floyd songs borders on heresy, if there is one band's work that should be listened to in album format from beginning to end, it's Pink Floyd. So I was skeptical when I heard about this "greatest hits" collection. That being said, I was pleasantly surprised at just how cohesive this collection is. It appears that a lot of thought did go into which songs to feature, sequencing and an attempt to have this album sound as fluid as a traditional Pink Floyd album. 

While Pink Floyd is not often thought of as "hit" single maker, their strength lies in full albums, over the years a few songs did manage to sneak onto the charts; namely "Money" and "Another Brick in the Wall, (Part 2)".  When culling their archives of songs, Pink Floyd found a little bit from every era of the group, even the Syd Barrett version of the band is well represented to give the listener a glimpse at the foundation upon which Pink Floyd was built. (Barrett left the group soon after their debut album was released) You will find most of the group's more popular songs featured here as well as some lesser-known album tracks. 

With Pink Floyd more than any other artist the listener is encouraged to purchase the full length album to get the full experience of the music. However, "Echoes" is a seamless compilation of "Highlights" rather than the best of Pink Floyd. Die-hard fans will purchase it regardless, especially for the accompanying color booklet that features the complete lyrics. 

This is a great primer for budding Pink Floyd fans and a cohesive compilation for the group's faithful followers.  It's Pink Floyd--that should be enough to encourage serious music fans to flock to the stores to pick up this collection.