The sleevenotes to this compilation of early singles and B-sides by Scritti Politti certainly make a change to the usual hyperbolic sales pitch. "Frail stuff", "A bit winceworthy" and "Technically unaccomplished" are the descriptions offered by none other than Green Gartside himself but even though this music is a far cry from his mid-80s peak of sublime pop-soul, the passion, energy and politically-fuelled ire remains undiminished. 'Skank Rock Bologna' sets the scene for throbbing basslines, spindly guitars and Green's always appealing vocals whilst the arrangements on these initial forays resemble experimental anarchists This Heat more than the precise Motown-inspired melodies of his later material. By the time the crisp and intense 'Doubt Beat' arrives it's clear that Green was taking a more structured approach to songwriting. This then leads into the restrained 'Confidence' and 'P.A.S.' and then to 'The Sweetest Girl' in which the rough edges had been virtually smoothed over. Yet, contrary to the sleevenotes, the timing of this release is impeccable given the current demand for all things punk and funk.