Dreams Come True: Jon Savage Presents Classic First Wave Electro 1982-1987

I would love to be mix-tape buddies with Jon Savage. Though considered primarily a journalist and author of some reputation, Savage also does a decent side-line in compiling interesting and eclectic compilation albums. His 2005 release ‘Meridian 1970’ was a fantastic snapshot of music from the forgotten decade, compiling what he felt was the best to be found post Beatles. Somewhat ironically for such a spearhead of the punk movement, he put forward the case that 1970 was the year for the best music, augmenting his argument with the likes of Nick Drake, The Move, and Loudon Wainwright III.

This time, he turns his attention to the electro sounds of the mid 1980’s. Treasured in my childhood collection are the Electro vinyl compilations that showcased the best of this genre. Now sadly somewhat forgotten, these anthologies were essential purchases back in the day. Here though, Savage is leaning more on the funk and dance of the period, rather than the harsher sound of hip-hop, which does make the selection a rather one note affair. Also, it starts rather uncomfortably ”“ though “Situation” by Yazoo is a compelling track, it does not necessarily sit well with the other songs on offer here.

There is also little you may be familiar with ”“ Yazoo aside Savage has elected to lean to more obscure offerings. Not that this is a bad thing (who wants to hear Freeez again anyway), rather it’s refreshing to have a collection from this period with long forgotten gems. ‘When I Hear Music’ by Debbie Deb is great, with its clipped drumbeats and burbling keyboards. ‘Dirty Talk’ by Klein & MBO is full of Chic style guitars and tinging drums and toms. There are a couple of clunkers (‘Lisa’s Coming’ in particular), but on the whole this is an interesting release to anyone else who fondly remembers those old Electro albums.
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