John Doe is much more likely to look ahead to what's next, rather than fixate on the past — even a past as storied and influential as his own. Part scrapbook, part roadmap, The Best of John Doe: This Far guides listeners through Doe's solo catalog. Compiled by Doe himself, the generous track listing (24 songs on download and double vinyl, 21 on CD) encompasses nearly a quarter century, highlighting songs from from nine records on six different labels. Sequenced non-chronologically, The Best of John Doe: This Far was compiled with four vinyl sides in mind. There was no formula: These are simply Doe's favorite moments, including in-concert staples, pivotal collaborations, personal milestones, and even a pair of unreleased reexaminations of songs from his past.