Recording information: Sound Of Music, Richmond, VA (12/2005).

Photographers: David Lowery; Trudy Giordano.

As the chief creative force behind Camper Van Beethoven, one of the most fun and inventive indie rock bands of the 1980s, David Lowry had plenty of cred under his belt when he formed Cracker in 1990. Lowry focused the punk-folk-country-rock sound of Camper into a more mainstream-friendly package, and the mainstream responded in kind by making hits of Cracker songs like "Low," "Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now)," and "Euro-Trash Girl" (all of which are included here).

Fans looking for a Cracker hits compilation may be confused by the appearance of two sets on two different labels. While Virgin's GET ON WITH IT: THE BEST OF CRACKER features the original studio versions of the band's singles and favorites, REDUX, on the Cooking Vinyl label, features versions of many of the same songs re-recorded specifically for this set. The different versions should be of interest to Cracker devotees, while either set should satisfy the casual listener.