Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
How we measure Time is one of artificial construct, and yet like other species, we can find ourselves not thinking of it in ways of the seconds and hours, of the days taken from us as we wrestle with nostalgia and hope of finer times, but in terms of how sculpture evolves for the artist.
To measure a period in a country we look for example at the reigns of kings and queens and give it a name of definition, we label a government’s time in power with a certain degree of designation, and not always one in which terms are complimentary; but with artists we can outline their moment in the pubic eye by what they produce, how they evolve, from the moment when they take their first faltering steps to the hopeful world domination…for it is not about the simulated seconds between, but it is Always the generations caught in the gaze of beauty and appreciation.
If you think that Erasure’s Always (The Very Best Of Erasure) has defined one of Britian’s much loved pairings, then in a way you would be correct, but time in its guise of change has seen fit to offer a different perspective on the 2015 original release, by taking it to the purist who prefer to hear the music in a physical format that survived calls for its passing, that of the vinyl re-release, that of the expanded edition.
To hear Vince Clarke and Andy Bell together is always a treat, but there is something remarkable in being there with the adaption of the album in its vinyl form, the strength of music seems to truly take hold of the listener, and as the singles power through the era of Erasure’s place as one of Britian’s much loved pop acts, so the memories merge and the smile on the face is widened, the heart is grateful for the music, and the sense of always is heightened.
Originally released on cd to mark the 30th anniversary of the formation of the band, the expanded addition is faithful to the tracks that captured and enticed a nation, such as Oh L’Amour, Sometimes, the tremendous The Circus, A Little Respect, Love To Hate You, and their superb reading of Abba’s Take A Chance On Me, but also enhances with two of the pair’s later single releases, Love You To The Sky, from 2017’s World Be Gone, and the compelling Hey Now (Think I Got A Feeling) from the outrageously cool The Neon. With these additions, the greatest hits becomes more complete, it is placed in the forever of vinyl, and becomes by Time’s definition an era at play, giving its all-in return for a dance and a feeling of groove.
A terrific re-release, a defining era made clearer, more inclusive, detailed and Always in tune with the feelings of the listener.
Erasure’s Always (The Very Best Of Erasure) is released on vinyl on 18th August.
Ian D. Hall