De La Soul Album: “Timeless: The Singles Collection [Australia Bonus Tracks]”

Whether you're just discovering De La Soul or you're already a fan, "Timeless" is a welcome addition to the cd collection. Not only does it include five tracks from one of the greatest hip-hop albums ever ("3 Feet High And Rising"), but these are the cool 7" and 12" versions of the songs.

Highlights include "Me Myself & I" (the radio mix which is pretty close to the album version but has a cool "breakdown" in the middle) "Ring Ring Ring" (also the radio mix which adds a few samples to the original album version) and a very cool 12" remix of "Buddy" (completely different but just as good).

For newcomers wanting to explore more than just the De La "hits," also buy "3 Feet High And Rising."

This is a good introduction to the world of De La Soul. For my money, the first half of this disc is some of the best hip-hop made in the late 80's early 90's. When I first heard 3 Feet High (and Rising), I ran out and purchased the LP. This best-of has a few key tracks from that record and also De La Soul is Dead. The latter tracks here are not nearly as good, but no band can keep up the quality and freshness that De La gave us early on. For the whole story, buy the individual receords I mention.

DelaSoul is an important band in Hip Hop and deserving of a greatest hits compilation. I was a big fan of their first two records and I lost track of them after that. Naturally, I'm biased towards the early songs in their career. Songs like "Me, Myself, and I", "Ring Ring Ring," "Saturdays," and "Buddy" are my favorite songs. I have a tougher time with the songs from their later period. Part of it is due to my unfamiliarity with the songs, and part of it is due to all the guest rappers on their biggest hits. The beats are fine, but I want to hear DelaSoul, not a bunch of guest rappers. So many hip hop groups fall into the trap of guest rappers to help boost sales, and I guess I'm a little disappointed DelaSoul did the same. A fan of hip hop, and especially recent hip hop music, will enjoy all of this compilation. I'm satisfied only listening to their early tunes.