Deep beneath the rabbit hole, Lewis Carroll must be foolishly grinning like a Cheshire Cat.

The British band Massive Attack recently released its greatest-hits compilation, aptly entitled Collected, amassing 14 psychedelic tracks and collectively generating a soothing sound of bluesy-electronic bliss. Innocently hallucinogenic, Collected cleverly captures a mood fitted for an "Alice in Wonderland" soundtrack — chaotic yet poetic, magical yet approachable and, overall, strangely addictive.

Most notably known for its accidental creation of the trip-hop genre, Massive Attack dominated the alternative-music scene of the ’90s, abstaining from the rising popularity of funky hip-hop layering and instead pioneering a musical revolution with its textured, ghostly whispers, blues-inspired undertones and temperamental electronics.

And despite the oxymoronic blending of their polished British accents with their churlish nicknames of Daddy G, 3D and Mushroom, the almost middle-aged men of Massive Attack have yet to weaken their professionalism. And with the celebration of their 15th anniversary and the release of their "Best of … " album, it looks like Massive Attack has managed to survive the ages and achieve the status of massive successes.

But with only four previous albums under its belt — the most recent of which, 100th Window, severely and embarrassingly faltered — even the most loyal of fans cannot help but wonder if the release of Collected is a bit premature. Especially when knowing that the band isn't famous for producing hit singles, it seems even more arrogant and presumptuous for the group to compile a greatest-hits collection without actually having any greatest hits.

But even the most cynical of listeners are likely to dispose their doubts after just a quick peek into Collected. Both devoted fans and musically sheltered Americans are sure to find some form of musical bliss vested in the album. One can't help but be pleasantly surprised at just how accomplished the group has been, as their music, which relies mainly on a relentless rhythm, has laced the background for movies like "Blade II," "Snatch" and "The Matrix" and serves as the theme song to the increasingly popular show "House." So whether searching for stillness, yearning for a dance floor or simply settling down after a night of lethal injections, Collected offers something for everyone — or at least for anyone not afraid to take a journey to an alternative state of mind.

Not saying that drugs are a needed prescription to most effectively enjoy this album, but they will make the transition easier for first time listeners attempting to move away from mainstream hip-hop. Although Massive Attack's material has definitely progressed over the years, it remains true to the ghostly-blues and electronically raw style that has come to be labeled as the trip-hop genre they single-handedly pioneered.

The album opens with "Safe From Harm," a track stemming from the group's debut album, Blues Line. With the help of Shara Nelson's haunting vocals, it's the perfect kick-off to an emotionally driven album. "Angel" continues the trend, a completely tripped-out number that uses a driving bass-line to generate a brooding, moody tone.

The band's most recognizable number, "Teardrops," follows, switching the mood's pretentious bitterness to one of delicate innocence. The dub reggae/hip-hop fusion melts seamlessly with former Cocteau Twin Liz Fraser's unearthly vocals, generating an almost Middle Eastern vibe.

The release and subsequent success of Collected serves not only as concrete evidence proofing the legacy of Massive Attack, but also gives virgin listeners an opportunity to witness the band at its pinnacle. With only 14 tracks, Collected chose its inventory selectively, and the album works as a concise résumé for the band's accomplishments. So for those looking to expand their musical selection, Collected is the perfect place to start.

Unfortunately for solidified fans, however, the album doesn't offer too many unwrapped surprises. The only previously unreleased track is "Live With Me," another somber number that's left almost unnoticed by the album's end.

It's impossible to praise Massive Attack without recognizing the variety of artists with whom the band has collaborated. The featuring list on the album's lining reads out like a who's who of both the underground British and mainstream U.S. musical scene. Soul prodigy Terry Callier, legendary rapper Tricky and the Queen Bee herself, Lady Madonna, are just a few of the sprinkles on a very extensive and diverse list.

With a rumor of a brand-new album release pending in the near future, make no mistake that Massive Attack plans on generating plenty more massive hits. And if the band follows its fellow British rockers, it will take more than a massive heart attack to stop these striving musicians from doing their ominous thing.

Rating: 4 out of 5