Digitally remastered by Erick Labson (MCA Music Media Studios, North Hollywood, California).

This is part of MCA's 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection series.

Liner Note Author: Joseph F. Laredo.

Recording information: 02/25/1957-10/21/1958.

Buddy Holly's achievements and influence are immeasurable. He is a seminal singer-songwriter, a father of rock and roll, a brilliant pop innovator, and the first alt-geek-rock icon. Though squeezed out in a mere three years before Holly's death at the age of 22, nearly the entire output of Holly and his backing trio, The Crickets, is worthwhile. It is therefore no surprise that this BEST OF collection is wonderful from beginning to end.

Every one of these twelve songs is hit single material, including "That'll Be The Day," "Words of Love," "Peggy Sue," "Oh Boy!," and "It's So Easy." Holly's stupendous melodic hooks are only half of the music's appeal. His band's unique, minimal style--marked by such delightful touches as the click-track and bells that back "Everyday" and the punctuating backup vocals of the driving "Maybe Baby"--sounds as fresh today as it did in the late '50s. These are perfect pop masterpieces made even better by the intervening years. THE BEST OF BUDDY HOLLY is an essential addition to any pop music library.