The Greatest Hit

The Teardrop Explodes was one of the great bands to emerge after the punk and new wave explosion. The group had an unusual feel for pretty melodies and arrangements that blurred the lines between guitars and keyboards (and even horns) until it was one grand sound. Leader Julian Cope would go on to a remarkable solo career that headed into the deep wilds of psychedelia, but here he's reigned in just enough to make the songs pop. The Teardrop Explodes put out just two albums while together—Kilimanjaro and Wilder—with Everybody Wants to Shag released post-breakup. Though Cope has never entertained a reunion, he did approve a series of reissues that rescued obscure b-sides and featured superior sound. This compilation is part of that campaign and serves as the band's highlight reel, with the rare "Passionate Friend" b-side "Christ Versus Warhol" being the one reason hardcore fans should look here. As an introduction it's excellent, and for some it may be all they need.