The compilation focuses on original material written (or co-written) by Costello, and therefore omits such well-known Costello performances such as "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding", "I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down" or "Good Year for the Roses", all of which were cover songs. As personally selected by Costello as a "best-of" compilation (rather than a "greatest hits" collection), it also omits some significant Costello-penned chart singles, including his only US charted singles to that time ("Everyday I Write The Book" and "The Only Flame In Town") and the UK #29 hit "Radio, Radio".
