Though named like of all Sarah's singles compilations, after a Bristol bus route, Engine Common is nevertheless a cut above similar entries in the beloved label's catalog -- simply put, the 16 songs collected here cull together highlights from the most consistent and creatively fertile period in Sarah's evolution, neatly encapsulating the full scope of its catalog. While new signings like the Sugargliders ("Letter From a Lifeboat") and Blueboy ("Popkiss"), proudly crafted wispy guitar pop cut from the classic Sarah cloth, flagship acts like the Field Mice were now exploring electronic beats and textures (the magnificent "Missing the Moon"); the result was a series of releases with the rare distinction of pleasing both hard-line indie pop fans and more restless listeners, effectively cementing Sarah's standing among the most beloved and genre-defining labels of its era. Out of print as of this writing, Engine Common is well worth the probable eBay investment -- for anyone curious about what the Sarah aesthetic was truly about, this is as good a place to start as any. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide