Absolute Radio: Discover real music

Having just (23rd December to be precise) been to see the Human League Dare Tour, I was delighted by the support "One Two" who were made up of one of the blokes from OMD and the lead singer from Propaganda (look them up, they were great) they (One Two) brought to my attention that Billy McKenzie would have been 50 in 2007 and that they had been involved in a benefit gig for him. They then went on to do a fabulous cover of "Country Club", which is why I've just bought this item.

Halcyon Days!

Goodbye Mr McKenzie, you are not forgotten!

Rating: 5 out of 5

My only prior knowledge of the Associates was of 'Party Fears Two' from a compilation and the knowledge that they appeared on Top of the Pops with a chocolate guitar (made by Thorntons for £600). Oh, and something about loving whippets.
ANYWAY, I've just got a job and was celebrating (TODAY actually) by trying to find a cheap CD and couldn't resist this double-set -I have to admit, my chief reason for buying it was the fact that i had no idea what to expect. I like a risk (discovered Cabaret Voltaire/Suicide/Depeche Mode that way!) Happily, its a bit of a wacky blast. Weird noises, lovely layer-upon-layer of gorgeous synth funk and the occasional nagging squall of guitar noise. 'Fourth Drawer Down' is the darker 'evil' twin, a coiled but luscious affair while 'Sulk' is more jaunty, at times veering close to OMD territory (though the production isn't quite as stark) but also in possession of a certain twisted streak.
Basically, here's the sales pitch: you're getting 2 albums for the price of one, both are genuinely good and skillfully constructed. And if you love your pop splattered with weird juice, the Associates are as nutty as they come.

Rating: 5 out of 5

I always loved the Associates so this album on CD was a gift for me - Billy McKenzie was an inspired songwriter and a lamented loss to pop and rock music. This album, whilst being somewhat off the wall, gave an alternative view of 80's music and reflected much of the decade, without over egging synthesizers and drum machines. The Associates were trying to bring some originality to an increasingly dull scene, but were barely acknowledged. This is not an easy album, but with perseverence is one the most memerable of the 80's and features many songs you will remember when you hear them - noteably Party Fears Two, Club Country and 18 Carat Love Affair. The cover of Diana Ross's Love Hangover is "the dog's bollocks". I love it and so should you

Rating: 5 out of 5

Having just (23rd December to be precise) been to see the Human League Dare Tour, I was delighted by the support "One Two" who were made up of one of the blokes from OMD and the lead singer from Propaganda (look them up, they were great) they (One Two) brought to my attention that Billy McKenzie would have been 50 in 2007 and that they had been involved in a benefit gig for him. They then went on to do a fabulous cover of "Country Club", which is why I've just bought this item.

Halcyon Days!

Goodbye Mr McKenzie, you are not forgotten!

Rating: 5 out of 5