AS THE sleeve notes point out cleverly, “thirty-three-and-a-third” years separate the first and last tracks of this two-CD anthology.

And what a compendium it is too, taking Nick Lowe from his early days with Brinsley Schwartz – and the career-defining anthem (What’s So Funny ’Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding – right up to the relaxed, wry crooning on his latest album, At My Age. This outstanding collection reminds us just how good Lowe has been – and how under-rated, although much loved by those in on the well-kept secret. The first disc takes in the earlier years and contains many happy surprises.

Lowe wrote classic, often forgotten, pop songs, such as Marie Provost, I Love The Sound Of Breaking Glass and So It Goes. Disc two contains mid-career delights such as Shting-Shtang and All Men Are Liars, then moves to the minimalist pleasures of later Lowe, such as The Beast In Me, Has She Got A Friend and Hope For Us All. A bonus DVD acts as a further reminder of what a great talent Lowe is and always has been. Quietly wonderful, as ever.