Ahh. the voice of my youth. Having mentioned in the past how I started to buy albums under my own steam as an 11 year old, Wah noted the time that I got out and about and as a 16 year old, Liverpool's second Merseybeat was so exciting. With venues such as Eric's and music that you felt belonged to you wrapped up in a buoyant Arts scene. You didn't have a much money, if any, but you has Music.
Pete Wylie signified the scene most because of his sheer love of the city. Not only did he celebrate the place, but he campaigned for it. The Anti Tory, Anti Thatcher venom was down to the devastation across Merseyside in the 80s. Some see the defence of Liverpool as victimhood, but you had to be there to understand how wrecked everything seemed.
I'm a Wylie completist, so there would not be a lot here for me bar the two re-recordings of Seven Minutes To Midnight and Better Scream and the original version of Imperfect List, but this compilation isn't about that and of course, I have to have the Double Vinyl LP. This is about gathering a new audience whilst gathering listeners who have maybe lost touch with the strength of these songs.
Wylie was always primarily about the Singles and what songs they are. From the urgency of those early days to his later material, the Pop shone through and became bigger and bigger. Wylie writes anthems with massive choruses and everything you could wish for is here.
The Story Of The Blues and Come Back sound as wonderful as ever. The solo success of Sinful and the criminally forgotten gem that is Diamond Girl. Free, Falling (In Love With You) and Is That What Love Is All About? from 2017's Pete Sounds shows the great man has still got it.
It is also great to see the Rap led B Side of The Story Of The Blues, Talking Blues included. Despite all the joy of those earlier singles, I have to mention the 2000 Mighty Wah album, Songs Of Strength And Heartbreak, an album that I still play regularly. Disneyland Forever and the magnificent Heart As Big As Liverpool are included from that album.
Heart As Big As Liverpool is a song that enchants most who hear it for the first time. A wonderful celebration of the city, but also a splendid example of the power of song. My only regret is that it is an edited version here, even at over 5 minutes. It ends before the Guitar twang and big solo of the full version.
The cover features the Pete Townshend portrait of Wylie and that looks particularly great in 12 Inch. Pete Wylie remains one of the great songwriters of modern times with a strength of character and dignity matched by an enchanting wit. It is great to see him out touring this Best Of that is something that befits any collection.
You can buy and listen to this collection everywhere.
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