The 1986 Ry Cooder Best of just might be the Best collection for this unique and talented guitarist, songwriter and performer. The tracks are more or less a progressive time-period summary from the first album to the Borderline album in 1980. Sadly there are no inclusions from the Jazz album from 1978 but what we have is all the gems from a glittering crown of achievement from Cooder's opening decade. The classic selection from 1979's Bop Till You Drop album clearly shows how Ry Cooder's talent for breathing new life into old songs had by then reached a new peak. Marvel at the magic of Down in Hollywood or share the shine of Little Sister. Originally released by Elvis but here in a totally new way. Earlier tracks come from 1972's Into the Purple Valley and Chicken Skin Music from 1976. This collection is a fine introduction to Ry Cooder's classic cuts.