The
Associates –
Double
Hipness
2 x CD Compilation
V2
Even material that was left on
the bottom of the barrow that was left for the dead turns out to be a
good Associates album. Billy, Alan and others never fail. Even
throw-a-way tunes & recordings are gold nuggets among the
landscape of trash. Billy Mackenzie just had the 'it' quality in
spades. He could write, make superb recordings, and god of course
what a voice. Some compare him to Bowie or Russell Mael, and for
sure those two are a major influence on him. But Billy was also a
great admirer of various pop and jazz girl singers. Everytime he
opened his mouth to sing, it comes out as blues with a strong
European tinge added to it. One can imagine that there are singers
like Mackenzie out there, but he was really one of a kind. Like
Bowie and Mael, they can be imitated but can't surpass the masters.
And Billy is up there with those two geniuses.
There are a lot of collectable
recordings in this package, including The Associates' take on Bowie's
“Boys Keep Swinging” which was unique because it was recorded
hours after Bowie released the single. It was put out on their own
label, and rushed to indie stores around the U.K. Almost
Situationist like type of action, that was subversive but as well as
honoring the artist that's Bowie. I believe that was their first
record.
The package covers all eras of
The Associates, and what is of interest is that there are recordings
that he did with Alan, a come-back for the original two. Sadly it
didn't last long. But Billy Mackenzie is not about lasting forever,
but just making those moments special and memorable.
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