Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Just What You Always Wanted

I was checking out some clips of Soft Cell's "Say Hello Wave Goodbye" 40th anniversary farewell show from September and was tickled to see Mari Wilson performing a duet of "Last Chance" with Marc Almond. I haven't followed Wilson's career with the same passion of uber fan Post-Punk Monk, but I do adore her early work, particularly during the Compact Organization era. Here's the extended mix of her smash (well, not here in America, but you folks across the Atlantic will know it), as well as one of my favorite B-sides. Please excuse the scratchiness of my 12", but this is among the first dozen or so pieces of vinyl from my collection. As for the B-side of the 1980 single "Love Man," I'm opting for a cleaner sound from the highly recommended 2016 double-disc comp of female indie pioneers titled 'Sharon Signs to Cherry Red.'

Mari Wilson - Just What I Always Wanted (12")
Mari Wilson With the Imaginations - If That's What You Want

10 comments:

George said...

I saw Mari Wilson in concert ca. 1984, The Smiths were also playing, as were The Three Johns. Mari Wilson's show was the best, great act, great stage presence. (The Smiths, not great, Morissey in his waving daffodils phase.)

George said...

...my whistling along to Just What I Always Wanted has upset our kitten

George said...

...poor little thing, I'm now singing along.......

drew said...

I always liked what I heard by Mari Wilson but only ever bought Cry Me A River and Baby It's True for some strange reason.

Brian said...

Wow, George, what a triple bill! Would love to have that show on my résumé.

Drew, Cry Me a River has gone on to become her signature song. I give the nod to Julie London but only by a whisker.

Echorich said...

Ms. Wilson's 2016 album, Pop Deluxe is just remarkable Pop! Her reading of 24 Hours From Tulsa turns the the Bacharach/David classic into something unbelievably special. It's atmospheric, orchestral, and haunting.

Brian said...

I keep hearing good things, Echorich. I really need the jump on that. Happy Thanksgiving to you, my friend.

Alyson said...

Fond memories of Ms Wilson and her music - She was quite a stage presence as George says. Still singing by the sound of it. Good for her.

C said...

She was different and kitsch and often thought of as a bit of novelty I seem to remember, but a great singer - I'm glad she's still doing it.

Brian said...

Hi Alyson and C. Some kitsch, to be sure, but I do like her voice. I have dug in on the more recent releases this week and like what I hear.