In 1982, even though the members of the British Electronic Foundation (B.E.F.) had successfully formed Heaven 17, the group produced this album of covers featuring guest vocalists. Although the differences were never strictly delineated, B.E.F. was focused on production whereas Heaven 17 was more focused on performance. I didn't hear of this album when it was released, but became a fan of Heaven 17 so I picked this CD up in the late '90s (I think it's currently out of print). I'm hoping the album was titled with tongue firmly planted in cheek. It's far from great, but there are a few good covers here. It's mainly H17's synths and LinnDrums with guest vocalists except for tracks 7 & 9 which feature H17 vocalist Glenn Gregory. I use the term "vocalist" rather loosely since some of the singers were minor UK television celebrities. I'd rather listen to original H17 music than these covers. No liner notes to speak of; not even songwriters are listed.
Press of the time:
- Record Mirror (★★): "the LP only makes you want to own the originals."
- Roadrunner: "works to a much greater extent than one might have imagined and there are moments...when it's positively inspired."
- Smash Hits (6½ out of 10): "Too much strategy; not enough substance"
Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: Did not chart
Tracks: Tina Turner's cover of Ball Of Confusion is my favorite Turner recording ever. Also worth hearing are Bernie Nolan singing You Keep Me Hanging On and Glenn Gregory's moody cover of Wichita Lineman. Skip the rest. You would think having Sandie Shaw sing a Burt Bacharach tune would be a great idea, but sadly, the production ruins a great performance of Anyone Who Had A Heart by Shaw.
Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None
Previously revisited for the blog:
Music for Listening To (1981)
Geisha Boys and Temple Girls (1981)
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