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If the morning after a hard night of drinking could have a soundtrack, din's Greatest Hits Volume One is a serious contender. From the opening power ballad "A Modest Proposal" to the sparse, acoustic of Out the Window, to the maniacal, self-destructing punk closer "I am the Cheese, the album takes the listener on a journey of anger, humor, regret, hope and longing... much like a well-earned hangover. The champ (vocals, guitar, bass) is a clever, almost slippery, lyricist (forked tongue in cheek?). How else could he quote both Alfred E. Newman (A Modest Proposal) and make Fat Albert the fifth Beatle (Fat Five) without undercutting the sweetness of the music? If Elvis Costello and the Violent Femmes Gordon Gano had a love child, the champ would surely kick his ass and steal his guitar. Vocally, the champ is capable of sweet melodies and blood-curdling yowls, even within the same song (Two for Tea). He is a busker whose dues are paid in full. While nodding to strong influences from R&B, soul, punk and new wave, he manages to incorporate a modern guitar sound without overwhelming the bass and drums. Indeed, vocals, guitar and bass come together very easily, bobbing and weaving, sparring with each other. And they seem to enjoy each other's company. A personal favorite is the dark "Long Slow Burn. Dense with pathos, I would challenge scientists at MIT to devise a more efficient container for bitterness. Need an antidote for gutless, uninspiring music? Take a hearty dose of din Greatest Hits Volume One. Its got a bit of a kick but it feels good once youve got it in you! - Sebastian Jones, man of letters