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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
When little Jimmy quit Glasgow for the alleged bright lights of London back in the early 1980s, little did he or the rest of the country know the huge impact he would have on British life. His debut work with Bronski Beat ("Smalltown Boy" and "Why") accomplished the previously unthinkable: mixing overtly gay lyrics with catchy melodies, while at the same time becoming substantive Top Ten hits. Quitting the band at their peak (following their smash re-working of "I Feel Love" with Marc Almond), Somerville hooked up with Richard Coles to form The Communards. Although success wasn't immediate for the new pairing, Somerville and Coles achieved their first UK No. 1 in 1986 with their cover of another disco classic "Don't Leave Me This Way". The Communards rise also coincided with HIV/Aids entering popular consciousness, resulting in a unique mix of socialism, disco and torch songs ("For a Friend", "You Are My World" and "So Cold the Night"). By the end of the 80s Jimmy had decided to go it alone and his solo work continued the musical styles he had previously helped establish ("Comment Te Dire Adieu", "Read My Lips (Enough is Enough)" and "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)"). As is demonstrated by this collection, the cover versions may have provided Somerville with his biggest hits, but the original material is still truly unique and powerful. An accessible, popular musical account of 80s lifestyle politics, and the radical potential music has for social and cultural change. --John Galilee
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Danceable, defiant and never knowingly understated; this collection of hits from the diminutive Scottish disco queen is a real treat from start to finish. What I love about Somerville's music is that he always gives his all and never worries about his vocal shortcomings. Smalltown Boy; that autobiographical tale of a gay man in a strange world remains as haunting as it did in 1984, whilst tracks such as Why and Run from Love burn the disco torch with verve and passion. The Communards' back catalogue is also fine, and they at least made their cover versions of old songs different from the originals. A must have album and a great testament to a unique talent.
38 of 42 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This album is excellent. It is a slightly updated version of the Singles Collection which is my favourite cd. So many recognisable tunes. Songs that I don't think have dated. A good one for the car to sing along to. A good one for the gym to get exercising to. From the Bronski Beat days thru' the Communards, then as a solo artist, an excellent collection - for so many people this will be their introduction to this music ...and they get all the best songs on one cd!
20 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
God, I love this CD! This music was always in the background of my childhood, and I have vivid memories of Jimmy's numerous hits right through the 80's and early 90's. I don't know why I waited whole *months* after this compilation came out to buy it! I listen to it as I walk into work, and it's the best antidote to grey, dismal days and pouring rain: I just walk along encased in my very own private disco! Just get it: you know you need it.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Not bad
All the songs you remember from their later days of the1980 and the 1990 well worth the money will use again
Published 1 month ago by Darvi
Completely and Utterly Brilliant!
I've had this in the car for just over a week now and can't bear to change it (or listen to the radio)! Read more
Published 3 months ago by Running Cat
Memories
What can you say about this CD. BRILLIANT COLLECTION. Well worth adding to any fan of the 80's music collection.
Published 7 months ago by A. Mellows
Fantastic album!
Another fantastic album! Jimmy Sommerville at his best. My personal fave is The Harold Melvin cover "Don't Leave Me This Way", awesome track, and the rest of the album doesn't... Read more
Published 12 months ago by "Bookworm"
Not the best
A bit of a let down. I didn't know quite a few of the tracks. I won't be listening to it that often
Published 14 months ago by S. Terrett
RELIVE THE 80'S
Fantastic CD.
Good choice of tracks, you can really relive the 80's, in great fashion.
Good choice of tracks, you can really relive the 80's, in great fashion.
Published 19 months ago by DENISE
Party album extraordinaire
For someone who was so ubiquitous in the pop charts throughout the 80s, it's mystifying how quickly Jimmy Somerville fell out of favour. Read more
Published 19 months ago by R. A. Mansfield
The Very Best of... Review
Bought for my Father who listens to it with fond admiration of a style of music that gets listened to less and less it seems. Read more
Published 23 months ago by A. WILLIAMS
Jimmy Somerville CD
A real blast from the past, tunes that I had forgotton. A real bargain
Published on 30 Dec 2009 by Wendylou
Classic CD and good value
There are some albums that get played again and again. Buying this in 2009 reminded me just how talented Jimmy is. I play it most weeks and it's good for the car too. Read more
Published on 5 Sep 2009 by CN
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