Retrospective

The Kennedys have been recording and performing together since the '90s, organically building a loyal following charmed by their harmonies, their introspective lyrics, and their tasteful arrangements, which bounce from folk to power pop with little concern for fitting in an appropriate style box. This Retrospective features material from their entire career to date—10 albums of inspired goodness—along with two tracks from Maura Kennedy's solo album Parade of Echoes and a rendition of the English folk ballad "Matty Groves." Sixteen tunes isn't nearly enough to catch all of the duo's highlights, but it's a start. Curiously, they've chosen live versions of several fan favorites, including "River of Fallen Stars" and "Life Is Large." Naturally, they lean toward the later material, pushing the note-perfect "Half a Million Miles" to the front of the line, with "Breathe" and "I Found a Road" (from 2008's Better Dreams) also in prime positions. Still not convinced of The Kennedys' talents? Try the cover of The Byrds' "Eight Miles High," where they find an intriguing way inside the psychedelic classic.