Illustrator: Michael S. Wertz.

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the revered college-rock act Camper Van Beethoven issued this 18-track collection, which presents many of the band's finest tunes from its 1980s heyday. In addition to the proudly eclectic group's mid-`80s material, STRENGTH AND BEAUTY also includes five tracks from its late-`80s era (OUR BELOVED REVOLUTION SWEETHEART and KEY LIME PIE), albeit in defiantly re-recorded form, thanks to a dispute with its former label, Virgin. The quirky charm of David Lowery and company is fully evident on classic alt-rock tracks such as "Take the Skinheads Bowling," "Pictures of Matchstick Men," and "Eye of Fatima (Parts 1 & 2)." For those seeking a concise, well-selected introduction to CVB, this is it.