Christmas is coming and so are a wide range of new releases and reissues. Andy Howells this week checks out several new releases and possible stocking fillers for music fans who still enjoy the music of the 1980s.
Margaret Thatcher, the birth of Breakfast television, shoulder pads. Yes, I spent ten years living through the 1980s and have spent the last 26 years trying to forget all the above, however when it comes to the music there are some pleasant reminders as several new CD releases have proven to me.
Fans of 1980s music will no doubt remember the impact of Alison Moyet’s early solo releases. Her first four albums Alf, Raindancing, Hoodoo and Essex (BMG) have each recently been given deluxe reissues with additional remixes and live recordings making up an extra CD’s worth of material in each instance. Alison quickly tired of the demands of record companies and went on to produce greater albums after these releases, but these reissues are also an important document of her early career allowing fans to enjoy some of the best vocal performances from the 80s including All Cried Out, Is This Love? and Love Resurrection.
Phil Collins is another artist who recently undertook a revamp of his back catalogue of albums, before announcing a return to live performance next year. Phil Collins – The Singles (Atlantic) is a handy reminder of his greatest musical moments outside of Genesis including his number one with Philip Bailey Easy Lover, and radio favourites In The Air Tonight and Another day In Paradise.
As well as reissues, it’s good to see live albums make a welcome return after been nudged aside for so many years by DVD equivalents. American rockers ZZ Top have released Live Greatest Hits From Around The World (Suretone) featuring no less than 15 rousing renditions of their greatest hits including Legs, Sharp Dressed Man, Rough Boy and Gimme All Your Lovin’.
If tastes are more intimate and acoustic then Me Myself I by Joan Armatrading (429 Records) may carry more appeal. The album documents Joan’s 2014/15 tour capturing classic hits Steppin’ Out, Love and Affection and Drop The Pilot along the way. An enjoyable and intimate release.