The Works

This triple-CD, 53-song collection is a European-only Rhino release that seems to come into the U.S. as either a very inexpensive or very pricey import (depending upon where one finds it). The set offers 23 songs more than the 2006 Definitive Collection double-CD package, but just three more than the 1996 double-CD Retrospective, yet doesn't have five of the late-era songs and solo hits that helped make that compilation so appealingly comprehensive. There are also no notes to speak of, in keeping with the budget packaging of this series (The Works), which also includes volumes on the Everly Brothers, the Monkees, Chris Rea, Bananarama, et al. On the plus side, however, the collection uses the latest remasterings of the Bread catalog, which are very impressive sonically -- and as a survey of the highlights of the group's history, it's difficult to beat, with eight or nine of the strongest tracks off of their original albums, which includes all of the hits and the most ear-catching of their album cuts. Fortunately, this includes some of the group's harder rocking songs as well, which may remind some listeners curious enough to pick this set up that Bread was more than David Gates' romantic ballads, appealing as those were on AM radio -- these guys could (and did) rock out. Otherwise, for the veteran fan there are no revelations apart from the state-of-the-art sound. It's no substitute for Retrospective, but The Works is handy survey of the group's best moments across two-and-a-half hours. ~ Bruce Eder|