This excellent 1996 compilation presents various rare '80s/'90s gems by the popular Canadian artist Sarah McLachlan. Among the many highlights are a live rendition of "Gloomy Sunday" and an extended remix of "Into the Fire."

In the time it took her to release her first three proper albums, Sarah McLachlan put out nearly as much music as B-sides, singles, or stray tracks for compilations and soundtracks, leaving no easy job for fans wanting her entire output. Rarities, B-Sides & Other Stuff collects 13 of these non-album tracks, including "I Will Remember You" from the Brothers McMullen soundtrack, "Dear God," the song she contributed to an XTC tribute album, a cover of Joni Mitchell's "Blue," and several remixes. While this by no means empties the vaults or even collects all the necessary B-sides (her spot-on version of Peter Gabriel's "Solsbury Hill," for instance, is not included), Rarities' focus on remixes does, in the end, provide an interesting and highly listenable alternate view of the artist. ~ Chris Woodstra