Sleeve: Front cover is any old picture of the band; not very original. Reverse is another band portrait, in black and white.

Sleeve notes: Steve Pafford gives excellent, in-depth view of Debbie Harry and the band.

Content: All the major hits but the 19 tracks aren't in chronological order.

High point: X Offender and Rip Her To Shreds; Blondie were at their best in the very early days.

Low point: (I'm Always Touched By Your) Presence Dear, the one poor song that let them down.

Glaring omissions? None.

Anything new?: No, although 1999 comeback hit Maria features on Blondie compilation for first time.

Excuse for release?: With nothing new or remixed, feeble. The Best Of Blondie has all but a few of the tracks featured here.

Ideal Christmas present for: Old punk rockers who remember the halcyon days.

Updated: 10:11 Thursday, December 19, 2002