Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

For those new to the wonderful world of Christian music genius Terry Taylor, Daniel Amos are a band not a person and the title for this album is ironic. A best of package that takes in the many faces of Daniel Amos from its roots in country rock (think Eagles) through new wave (think Talking Heads) and out into many faceted rootsy rock'n'roll. With a career stretching over 25 years and more DA albums out of print than currently available, this is a bit of a godsend! Still wildly underrated Daniel Amos always seemed to manage to be ahead of the game and create music that pushed back barriers without ever managing to receive the sales and acclaim they deserved. The problem with compiling a best of is that there will always be something missing that fans think is essential but this is a fair crack at things! So you get "Alarma" with its crunching critique of the state of soft, safe Christian music sadly still relevant 20 years later and the classics "Walls Of Doubt" and "Darn Floor/Big Bite" still sounding perky and impressive alongside the older "Father's Arms" from "Shotgun Angel". You also get later material from 'Bibleland' and the grungier rock of "If You Want To" from 'Kalhoun' to get a balance. The sheer wonderful weirdness of "Mall (All Over The World)" still impresses. The only thing missing is anything from the legendary 'Horrendous Disc' album produced for Larry Norman's Solid Rock label. Sadly, the great blonde Normanski doesn't seem in a hurry to release that album so instead you get inferior live versions of the brilliant "I Love You" and "Hound Of Heaven". That quibble aside, this album is a fabulous reminder of just what a great group Daniel Amos continue to be and with band leader Terry Taylor firmly ensconced as A&R director at KMG Records, perhaps there'll be more re-releases and some new material soon. Be good to have the whole back catalogue on CD but then even reviewers can dream! Listening to this, my appetite is well whetted for more! Daniel Amos? Sheer genius mate!

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