Best Of Whitesnake CD

As with any name band that has a sizable catalog on numerous labels, Whitesnake are no exception to the rule that "best-of" compilations are (a) usually incomplete, and (b) often fraught with representational problems due to licensing nonsense and laziness by the compilers. This 2003 collection, fine as it is, and chock-full of excellent tracks, is still rather incomplete because it begins with the band's tenure at Virgin, after three studio albums and a live set for Geffen -- a label they remained on in the United States while they were with Virgin in the U.K. (Confused? That would be understandable.) The Geffen best-of and this one are both woefully incomplete as single discs. Far better is Gold, the double-disc 33-song selection issued by Universal (which owns Geffen) in the United States. It covers the label span and overlap completely and more -- there are a few rarities tossed in. Given that Whitesnake were a real singles band -- especially during the 1980s -- the listener would seemingly want the one compilation that represents the band best. This isn't it. ~ Thom Jurek

Digitally remastered, 17 track collection celebrating the 25th anniversary of David Coverdale & his legacy. This Best Of covers all years of the Whitesnake catalog instead of just the "Slide It In" through "Slip Of The Tongue" eras of the band. Highlights include 'Fool For Your Loving' (Original Version), 'Long Way From Home', 'Still Of The Night' and 'Is This Love'. EMI.

Liner Note Author: Malcolm Dome.