Following hot on the heels of every self-respecting Über Röcker's must-have Christmas present, namely the 'Them XX' four CD box set, this one disc version bearing the same name has been released to coincide with the band's twentieth anniversary tour, that is underway right at this minute.

Bringing together twelve of the band's best (or most famous) tracks into one collection, this disc has exactly the same set of tunes as the first disc from the expansive (and not too expensive) four CD collectors edition. So, if you are reading this as someone who was pondering buying that set, stop reading this and read my review for that right here. If, on the other hand, you're a newbie to Backyard Babies then read on, as you are about to have your Rock 'n' Roll world changed.... forever.

Formed from the ashes of a school band called Tyrant, Backyard Babies today still boasts the same four members who came together out of a mutual love of Kiss, Sex Pistols and The Ramones. This feat in itself earns the band maximum kudos. So that in 2010 Nicke, Peder, Dregen and Johan have now come to their twentieth year in the music business, it seems so fitting to celebrate this with such a consummate collection of songs from each of the band's six studio albums to date.

Kicking off with the wham bam thank you slam of 'Brand New Hate' (co-written with Wildhearts frontman Ginger, of course), it's immediately obvious that this is a band that can pen an infectious tune. And not unlike the hysteria that follows a virus around the world so does the roar of appreciation that accompanies such rebel-rousing tracks such as 'Dysfunctional Professional' and 'Look At You' wherever on this Uber Rock planet they end up being played.

It's also great to see lesser know album tracks like 'Fill Up This Bad Machine' and 'Friends' here alongside the hits, something that by dipping its toe in each of the band's albums gives 'Them XX' the perfect blend of punk rock and sleaze. There really is something here for everyone, and those simply seeking out 'Minus Celsius', the track made famous on Guitar Hero II, well that's here too. So for once you can air guitar away to the max without your plastic controller strapped to your necks.

The only downside to this collection (other than everyone will have other track listings they'd like to have seen on here) is that it also marks the band's intention to take a much-published indefinite hiatus from music. So if you are thinking of catching the Backyard Babies live before they take their break, then you had better be quick about it, as the last dates on their current 'Them XX' tour are for March this year and they are also in Japan.

"Oyasuminasai" then Backyard Babies, at least for the time being.

http://www.myspace.com/backyardbabies