For a Friend: The Best of Bronski Beat, The Communards & Jimmy Somerville

This is probably the best of the three Bronski Beat/Communards/Jimmy Somerville compilations, spread over 2 CDs in nice presentation box with good sleeve notes too. These were radical songs in the 80s/90s pop charts, mainly because of the bold gay lyrics, sometimes political but more often love songs addressed to same-sex partners; still rare today and therefore of equal importance for the modern gay community. I bought this collection because of the more recent material included, such as the wonderful US Dance Chart topper "Heartbeat", the delicious "By Your Side" and the ultra-camp "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of you", plus the extended versions of major hits such as Don't Leave Me This Way and especially the excellent San Paulo mix of "Never Can Say Goodbye". Its a shame that Bronski Beat's terrific post-Jimmy song "Hit That Perfect Beat" (a big hit) and Jimmy's minor hit "Hurts So Good" aren't included, but this is the most comprehensive collection available to date. Even the less familar songs are very catchy, but the best material remains the early Bronski Beat songs, which have a darker and more soulful feel than the Communards and Jimmy's solo material. Very pleased by the inclusion of the Doors cover "People Are Strange" in which Jimmy loses his falsetto as he did in the early Bronski Beat song "Junk"; however I think his voice remains strong and possibly richer in the later recordings, although these are less well known.

This 2CD "Small Town Boy" collection shows Jimmy's own input especially in the selection and arrangement of the tracks. Every song on every one of his albums has been at least good - many are great, and quite a few - at least an album's worth - are all time classics performed with impeccable original style in his vocals and with consistently equally impressive musicianship and production.Too many retrospective collections suffer from the volume of tracks being mismatched or some older tracks being compressed carelessly in order to compete with more modern ones (the unfortunate fallout from the loudness wars). However every track on this collection is pristine and both CDs are a pure joyous listening experience from start to finish.I believe that Jimmy's voice and his songwriting are continuing to improve with age. I'm very happy with his 2009 "Suddenly Last Summer" laid back collection of acoustic cover versions, which provides the closing two tracks here.I've interviewed Jimmy twice (in 1998 and 2005 - google my name and Jimmy's to hear them). His gentle manner, unflinching honesty and his passion for life convince me that he's one of the nicest, most vital and talented artists on the planet.Even if you already own everything he's ever released on CD, you still could not possibly arrange and produce as perfect and representative a collection of the works of Jimmy Somerville. Superb value.

I remember first hearing Smalltown Boy, recorded live in a Radio 1 session with the first verse sung in haunting a cappella falsetto by Jimmy Somerville, then later the Bronski Beat version of Ain't Necessarily So. There was no doubt I was hooked on that voice from the start - and BB were certainly not the same force without it.The diminutive Glaswegian went on to score many hits in a splendid career, certainly worthy of a major retrospective, and you can hardly argue about the completeness of this collection. It covers the best of Somerville's Bronski Beat and Communards years, as well as his subsequent solo career. Sound quality is consistently good without being superlative. The accompanying booklet provides some background and song listings (but not lyrics), so only real omission is more information about Somerville, the man - though arguably his inspirations and issues are voiced in his songs, notably the revival of soul classics.Some of the material caught me by surprise. I had forgotten just how brilliant Breadline Britain was - it sent a shiver down my spine. Also the deliciously witty duet with Sarah Jane Morris (who I recently saw performing with guitar virtuoso Antonio Forcione) on Harold Melvin's Don't Leave Me This Way - witty since Morris sang the male part in contralto and Somerville the female part in falsetto.Not all songs reach the highlights, but you would not expect every track on a two-CD collection to be utterly sparkling. Still worth the money though!

What a wonderful thing - to have the awesome voice and music of the wonderful Jimmy Somerville back in my life again....how i've missed you, Jimmy!This double disk set is just superb; sublime! Classic tracks from Bronski Beat, The Communards, and Jimmy Somerville. A very worthwhile purchase. The feisty little Glaswegian with a wonderfully angelic voice, really packs a punch. A nice range of musical styles and genres. A comprehensive look at the work of this very impressive, gay artist.In short: bl**dy fantastic - just buy it! ...lots of really great feel-good tunes. ;)

An excellent collection of tracks covering the full range of Somerville's career - and including all of my favourites from the Bronski and Communards eras. There is a rawness about the earlier songs, and that adds a gritty edge to the distinctive Somerville vocal. Whether you are looking to examine the career of this incredible singer, or whether you are looking for a varied collection of Somerville's work, this is certainly a set you should consider.

I already had this CD and it brought back so many memories of the disco's/ clubing and parties I used to go to in my youth. So, when I found out it provoked the same memories from my girlfriend I could not resist getting her a copy, so now we can play it at each others home. If you want to experience the genius and uniqueness of Mr Somerville then this is the CD to do it by.

Very pleased with purchase. Just what I was looking for. Great quality and sound.Everyone was pleased with their giftArrived in good time well packaged and great conditionWould definitely recommend buying this product and seller

è quello che volevo

I bought a Concept2 rower and tried to find online workout music to go with, which has become way too much monotonous robotic hip hop these days that actually demotivates me. Turned on this CD instead and got the best workout ever. It's the right beat and it's uplifting. Love it!

Good music Good times.

Diese CD gibt einem perfekt dieses 80er Jahre Feeling zurück, aber auch die Stücke aus den 2000ern zeigen, was Jimmy Somerville so alles drauf hat! Auch diese stimmliche Bandbreite, er kann nämlich nicht nur Falsett Gesang, er hat auch eine tiefe warme Stimme!

Un recopilatorio imprescindible para los que nos gusta the communards y diferentes grupos de jimmy somerville