Beset by business misfortunes, illness, and long layoffs, Joe Cocker's career has been one of the most fitful in rock. Yet after each downturn, Cocker has rebounded to new heights. No mere pretty face he, Cocker's incomparable bluesy rasp and eccentric stage mannerisms (once described as a "bad case of muscular dystrophy exacerbated by Parkinson's disease") have made him a favorite of musical impressionists from John Belushi to Billy Joel. But Cocker's evocative voice and unique phrasing have no peer. The Anthology traces the singer from his first single (a surprisingly faithful 1964 cover of Lennon-McCartney's "I'll Cry Instead") to the heights of "Feelin' Alright" to the worldwide No. 1 Jennifer Warnes duet "Up Where We Belong." Add to the list manic collaborations with ringmaster Leon Russell and the legendary Mad Dogs and Englishman period, highlighted by Cocker's brilliant interpretation of "With A Little Help From My Friends" and covers of "The Letter," "Honky Tonk Women," and "Cry Me A River." Like most gifted jazz and blues singers, Cocker can take the most shopworn standard and make it his own. Though it sidesteps the singer's late '80's and 90's output, this 37-track collection offers up the gifted Cocker in his various permutations and makes a sound case that this is a singer for the ages. --Jerry McCulley