80s Frolics A-Plenty
The 80's phenomenon that just wouldn't be forgotten, Adam & The Ants' retro glamour has lived on in the seditious glam clubs of the world, and now it threatens to return to the mainstream with this new best of.
Starting with the delirious howls of 'Prince Charming', we're off to a good start and urged "don't you ever stop being dandy"; well if only courtship was so simply these days!
There's jazz two-step in the form of 'Goody Two Shoes', a blues dancefloor romp with an infectious rhythm and brass riffs, 'Stand And Deliver' is a tongue in cheek, chivalrous number with galloping drums, it inspires images of men in tights leaping from trees, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. A perfect playful pop song.
We scream through the singles with UK chart number two's 'Antmusic' and darker 'Kings Of The Wild Frontier' with its theatrical percussive arsenal. Electro-disco 'Dog Eat Dog' is 80's cheese at its best with drum samples smashing through kitsch keyboard sounds; frankly it sounds a little too much like it's taking itself seriously. 'Apollo 9' is space age pop with a curious alien language, "yaba yaba ding ding", while 'Wonderful' is a supercute love song.
'Friends' and 'Kick!' demonstrate a change in style with far more reliance on guitars and brash vocals; an almost punk influence so different from the lush synth chintz! Then there's the retro charms of 'Vive Le Rock' which recalls big hairdos and plenty of sunglasses its cheery slick pop. The spoken word intro of, 'Strip' makes it instantly endearing and an amusing chorus, "Will you strip for me, if I strip for you?" follows, while 'Deutscher Girls', is still as cheeky and fresh as ever with its strutting bassline, a fine comparison to early single, 'Young Parisians', which sports a quirky, spasmodic rhythm and twinkling keys.
With the cry of "I want those who get to know me to become my friends or my enemies", Adam is probably spot on; Adam & The Ants will either drive you potty or make you giggle and strut your stuff in glitter boots. 'The Very Best Of Adam & The Adams' takes you on a colourful journey from highwaymen to space and back via plenty of chirpy tunes.