Billy Hasn't Been Idol
The prospect of a Billy Idol ‘Best Of’ may not be the seen as the music event of the year. It may not even be seen as the music event of the week or even the day. But to overlook what is in all actuality a cracking collection would be to do one of the UK’s most underrated stars a huge disservice.
Yes that’s right this really is a brilliant selection of songs ranging in scope from punk to rock to erm ballad. Kicking off with ‘Dancing With Myself’, one of the greatest musical experiences of the last forty years, might in some respects set the rest of the album up for a fall; but it really doesn’t. Track after track Idol’s back catalogue looks more and more impressive. Despite all their theatrical pomp more well known songs like ‘Rebel Yell’ and ‘White Wedding’ are impervious to criticism, largely due to their sheer vivacity, adrenaline and gratuitously pleasurable choruses. Even the lesser known songs like the irrationally fun ‘Speed’ and criminally catchy ‘Catch My Fall’ are pretty much fantastic.
Where the album does slip up is the inclusion of a live rendition of ‘Mony, Mony’ (when the studio version is so obviously superior) and two lethargic and overproduced new tracks. Slower efforts like ‘Hot In The City’ and ‘To Be A Lover’ still divide the staunchest of Idol fans so may not thrill newcomers, however they add balance to what could have been an extremely rowdy compilation.
What we mustn’t forget about Idol is that he is much more than a well cultivated image. He is one of the UK’s most long lasting punk icons, possesses a much better voice than more celebrated peers and has been genuinely missed by many during the gaps between releases. He may play up to his larger than life almost comedic image and bumbling acting cameo’s but please don’t let all this nonsense ruin it for you. This could be one of the most surprisingly fun compilations of the last few years and as such deserves to heard and purchased by as many people as possible. Go on it might not be quite the shock to the system you think it will be.