It looks like our buddy Ben Weasel figured out how to use his computer and burn a mix CD. Fortunately for us he picked some really good songs. Weasel Mania isn't your run-of-the-mill greatest hits compilation; it's a "pick the best songs off of each album" compilation, as all of them are good. Personally I would have liked to see "Veronica Hates Me" and "Kamala's Too Nice," but then the album would have been called My Brain Hurts instead of Weasel Mania. Mr. Weasel scores points with adding my all-time SW favorite, "What We Hate."

The album plays as a timeline through Screeching Weasel's 15-year career. As the CD proceeds, you can easily notice the different styles present within each release. The way the track listing is arranged is obviously a "figure out your favorite album and go buy the newly re-mastered and re-released record" marketing ploy. Smart, if you ask me. Album highlights are the entire My Brain Hurts section, "I Wanna Be a Homosexual," and the entire Anthem for a New Tomorrow section. Who am I kidding? Every song is worth listening to.

The CD booklet starts off with the usual 2-page band commentary written by Ben Weasel and the rest of the band, and it's an interesting read for SW career followers. The rest of the booklet has concert photos and show fliers coinciding with each album's era. The best part of the written commentary is Ben stating he "wouldn't be surprised if [we] see the band rise from the dead one more time like some horrible low-budget midnight-movie sequel." Something to look forward to, even though SW's music has gone somewhat downhill the past couple releases.

In conclusion, you can't go wrong with 34 classic songs on one disc for $10.99. Long-time Screeching Weasel fans will appreciate the collection of hits, while new listeners will find this album an amazing timeline-like introduction to the SW catalog.

The CD only gets 4 stars because it isn't really new material.