AMG Review of Smash Hits, Vol. 1

Andrew Leahey
All Music Guide

Although released just before the band’s 20th anniversary, Smash Hits, Vol. 1 focuses on moe.’s early days, taking most of its material from the band’s first three albums. Latter-day records like Dither, Wormwood, and The Conch all get one song apiece, and some albums are left out altogether, including Tin Cans & Car Tires and the band’s 2002 holiday record. This is only the first volume in what will be presumably become an ongoing series, however, and it provides an adequate snapshot of moe.’s strength as a studio band -- something that often gets overlooked, given the group’s preference for live albums, festival appearances, and frequent touring.