A double-disc collection released to cash in on Pulp's massive success with Different Class, Countdown might be a rip-off compilation, but it does offer an effective introduction to Pulp's '80s catalog. Since their recordings on Fire were decidedly uneven, Countdown does distill all the highlights a casual fan could want to hear. Beginning with ...

A double-disc collection released to cash in on Pulp's massive success with Different Class, Countdown might be a rip-off compilation, but it does offer an effective introduction to Pulp's '80s catalog. Since their recordings on Fire were decidedly uneven, Countdown does distill all the highlights a casual fan could want to hear. Beginning with the latest track, the 1990 single "Countdown," and working its way backwards, the compilation's sequencing eases newer fans into both the band's more experimental and folkier work. Even though all of Pulp's best material from this era is included, they lacked the pop sense that they developed in the early '90s, which could make this rough sailing for some recent fans. For those that want to dig deeper, there is plenty of fascinating material here. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi