The continuing marketing of Wu-Tang Clan product hit a new low with the release of Wu-Chronicles.
Though the concept of a Wu-Tang compilation -- in effect, spanning the dozen or so albums released by members and cutting away the dross -- is perfect for the legion of fans who haven't been able to keep up with the collective's hectic release schedule, this disc stretches everything a bit thin, including tracks by fringe-of-the-fringe groups like Heltah Skeltah, Ras Kass, Killarmy, and some artist known as Wu-Syndicate.
Yes, it's hard to argue with any album that features some great productions by RZA, and Wu-Chronicles does include some good collaborations -- notably Ol' Dirty Bastard with tha Alkaholiks on "Hip Hop Drunkies" and Cocoa Brovaz (formerly Smif-N-Wessun) with Raekwon on "Black Trump" -- but for the most part it's a wasted attempt at releasing an excellent collection.