Is THE UNNECESSARY HISTORY OF DOCTOR ROCKIT really unnecessary? Well, if you're a crazed fan and collector of Matthew Herbert's work, it might be. There's only one exclusive track, "Nicotine," a quiet, liquid track. But for the rest of the world who don't necessarily feel like tracking down rare double packs and 7"s, it's a delightful introduction to Doctor Rockit's mellow soundsculpting. From the delicate "Cameras and Rocks" (and its kissing cousin, "Phoos and Pebbles") -- sampled from the real things -- to the electro funk of "Hi-Speed Rockit," there's no lack of musical fun to be had. Except for the heartfelt and depressing break-up song, "I Wish I Was," that is. But the most necessary tracks here are restuarant-related, the Slavic-sounding "Veselka's Diner," with its accordion and woodwind accompaniment, is ethnic and jazzy without being contrived. The French-flavored "Cafe De Flore" puts the other Gauloise-smoking poseurs to shame. For those alone, this album is very necessary.