Music : Hindsight Is 20/20, My Friend

Rating: - The best of the late, great pop-punk pioneers
Most people probably didn't hear about the Ergs breaking up- probably because their appeal has been limited to a scattered group of pop-punk fanatics. Sadly, this compilation, pulling in a healthy collection of their best material, will do little to redress this depressing fact. But for the few who will buy this, a veritable treasure trove of catchy, hummable pop-punk awaits!

The Ergs may not be revolutionising the music industry, but they're sure as hell having fun. The mammoth 33 songs here encapsulate everything from falling in love with unattainable women, to quirky songs about musical predecessors- and back to falling in love. Think a more guitar-heavy and romantically introspective Atom and His Package, and you won't be far off.

The Ergs are funny, charming and dorky all at the same time. They've been a staple of a certain branch of the American Underground for years, and with good reason- they create a landscape centered around their native New Jersey, yet remain distinct from fellow Jersey rising stars Gaslight Anthem and pop-punk contemporaries such as the Copyrights or the Steinways. They're not as anthemic as the former or as comedically motivated as the latter, but merge the two styles to create something utterly unique; and utterly beguiling.

Of course, a fan like me will never be wholly satisfied, with classics like "Radio K" not making the cut. But with this wealth of choice, it seems spurious to moan about the missing pieces.

If you haven't heard the Ergs before, this is well worth a buy- start off with tracks like "Books About Miles Davis" to get a grasp on how well the band blends comic dorkiness, failed romance and sheer musicianship. For those who've already heard the band, it's a fitting swansong. The Ergs are dead. Long live the Ergs!