The Strawbs began things as a British folk and bluegrass ensemble, and that roots approach remained at the center of their sound when the group added keyboards, bass, and electric guitars in 1970 and became a full-fledged rock band, a sort of bridge between the progressive rock and the folk-rock bands of the era, straddling both with just a touch of pop. This set collects the Strawbs' signature hits and tracks, including "Lay Down," "Part of the Union," and "Down by the Sea," from the group's peak commercial period in the early '70s, making it a nice introduction to a unique and singular ensemble.