Not So Fun With The 12 Inches (Extended 80's)

Member Name: benlepensive

Product:	Extended 80's
Date:	04/09/09 (15 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: a few good choices

Disadvantages: many dubious ones

Unfortunately this CD smacks of bagain basements. There are a mere 15 tracks and the cover artwork looks like it has been knocked up in a few seconds on Microsoft Paint. The CD boasts that it has classic pop singles in twelve inch form. Some of the choices are a little bizarre though.

The late Ian Dury was a bright fellow and his 'Reasons To Be Cheerful Part 3' is an amusing and engaging track, though I cannot help feeling 'Rhythm Stick' might have been a better choice for this album.

Big Audio Dynamite had a few small hits in the eighties and their 'E=MC?' is a fuse of rock and pop, but does not really lend itself to being extended. Head to the Blow Monkeys, where the melodic 'Digging Your Scene' will captivate, with some cool vocals and sensual mood swings. The vocals by Dr Robert are handled with care and a slight feminine allure.

'Life In A Northern Town' by Dream Academy is a glorious and atmospheric piece of music, with tribal chants and a sense of stepping into a wilderness. For many, it will be known as the song Dario G did for 'Sunchyme.' The extended mix works well and brings out the spirit of the song.

Paul Hardcastle's '19' has dated badly but paints a harsh picture of the brutality of war. Poor old Rick Astley has also dated badly, but his song would at least get you onto the dancefloor. 'Never Gonna Give You Up' is a pleasing pop explosion benefiting from some rich smooth vocals from Rick.

Towards the end of the album, the bleak 'Harvest For The World' by The Christians pops up. An odd choice again for an extended remix and I find it rather depressing and not one to play over and over.

Only buy this if you're looking to seek out specific tracks.

Summary: hmm