REVIEW
August 25, 2001
"Ego, Opinion, Art & Commerce" is a recapitulation of the Goo Goo
Dolls' less-than-overnight success story. While more obvious big hits
such as "Name," and "Black Balloon" are not included, the disc is
arranged in reverse chronological order, so that the listener can hear
the band from the height of its fame (1998's "Dizzy Up The Girl") back
to its humble beginnings (1987's self-titled debut). The most notable
insight that this 22-song collection's sequence offers is how little the
Dolls' essential attack has changed over the years. Even on the tracks
from the group's '89 effort, "Jed," leader John Rzeznik was splitting
his time between mid-tempo, Replacements-influenced rockers and
bittersweet acoustic balladry, while bassist Robbie Takac supplied
faster, harder change-ups. Whether you buy into the Goo Goo Dolls'
commercialization of old-school indie-guitar rock or not, "Ego, Opinion,
Art & Commerce" reveals a band that stuck it out while sticking to
its guns.
