This collection of David Bowie's best songs glitters, shakes, and rocks.  For starters, the "title cut" is one of the British legend's most superb compositions and the lone entry from the eccentric Hunky Dory album.  There is a lot of variety, which would have been still greater if not for a palpable decision to include many big disco numbers.  While "Fame" is not David's greatest moment and "Fashion" escapes mediocrity just barely through sarcastic lyrics and a few good beats, "Young Americans" and "Let's Dance" are gems, both punctuated by fine sax work (and fabulous singing, in the former).  "Modern Love" and "China Girl" are also somewhat disco-infused, but are more in the character of basic rock with a dramatic flavor.  Indeed, I love David when he is dramatic, and of course "Heroes" was a guaranteed inclusion.  On this score, however, a noteworthy omission from Scary Monsters is "Teenage Wildlife" with David's great singing.  Still, in addition to "Fashion," that album contributes "Ashes to Ashes" and its sentimentality.  "Ziggy Stardust" of course is here, as well as the stronger entry from that album, the hard-driving "Suffragette City."  David's greatest song is "Rebel Rebel" and therefore shines brightly even in a Hits collection. Credit is due for "Space Oddity" too.  A lot had to be left off here, because David has had so many Golden Years, but overall the song selection turns the trick.