Sleeve: Front cover features Young in brooding hippie pose; the back has details of the 16 songs with release dates in familiar Young scrawl.

Sleevenotes: Disappointing. Only bare background details are covered; no mention of their emotional context.

Content: A comprehensive, chronological career tour. From slow-burning fire Of Cowgirl In The Sand to the pastoral serenity of Harvest Moon. Track selection is based on record sales, airplay and download history.

High point: Like A Hurricane, an ecstatic, passionate love song.

Low point: None, although I would have preferred Four Strong Winds rather than Comes A Time.

Glaring omissions? Nothing from On The Beach, Young's postcard from the edge and his greatest album.

Anything new? No.

Justified or feeble excuse for release? Justified. A wonderful journey into Young's past.

Where might this end up at Christmas? My wife's stocking!

Updated: 08:59 Thursday, December 23, 2004