The Rembrandts

Greatest-hits records should include the versions of songs that the public expects. With that said, the Rembrandts have done little to change the 14 tracks that make up Choice Picks, a re-recorded -- except for one new song, "Don't Give Me Up" -- collection of tunes drawn from their four releases since 1989. While the Los Angeles pop duo have never been accused of being exceedingly clever -- Choice Picks' cover art boasts two guitar picks with the duo's names on them -- Danny Wilde and Phil Solem did provide the world with one of the most excruciatingly catchy theme songs in the history of television ("I'll Be There for You (Theme from Friends)"). Choice Picks is as pure a collection of safe, studio jangle pop as you are likely to find, and you can't blame the boys for wanting to reinvent even their most recognizable hit, but if you're just going to offer a near facsimile of the original (unless it has to do with copyright issues), then why not just release the original? ~ James Christopher Monger, All Music Guide