Essential Nik Kershaw

This triple CD set, which focuses on material from Kershaw's pop star heyday, consists of two disks of the hit singles, choice B-sides, a few select album tracks and a couple of live tracks. The third disk is a collection of extended mixes, some of which are new to CD and others relatively rare.The singles need little introduction, though those from the final MCA album, The Works, are less well known. These are:Wouldn't It Be GoodI Won't Let The Sun Go Down On MeDon QuixoteRadio MusicolaWide BoyNobody KnowsOne Step AheadElisabeth's EyesJames CagneyDancing GirlsThe RiddleHuman RacingWhen A Heart BeatsThe included album tracks might be less familiar to the casual listener, but might encourage them to seek out the original albums. These are:Bogart (from Human Racing)Cloak and Dagger (from Human Racing)Save The Whale (from The Riddle)Wounded Knee (from The Works)Roses (from The Riddle)Cowboys and Indians (from The Works)Know How (from The Riddle)Burning at Both Ends (from The Works)Life Goes On (from Radio Musicola)Take My Place (from The Works)The non-album B-Sides are something for the fan who might have the original albums but only has the singles on 7" vinyl. These are:When I Grow Up (B-side of One Step Ahead, making its CD debut here)Monkey Business (B-side of Wouldn't It Be Good)One of Our Fruit Machines Is Missing (B side of Radio Musicola)My Friend John (B-side of Elisabeth's Eyes)Dark Glasses (B-side of I Won't Let The Sun Go Down On Me)Finally there are the two live tracks. These were both recorded at the Hammersmith Odeon in London in 1984. They originally appeared on the deluxe edition of The Riddle. There was a minor controversy when they were released, because Kershaw had re-recorded his vocals, thirty years after the concert, citing the poor quality of the radio microphone that he had been using that night. These re-recorded versions are what is included here, though as Kershaw pointed out, the originals are on YouTube for all and sundry to watch.Wild HorsesCity of AngelsAs for the extended mixes, there are a few surprises. Wouldn't It Be Good is the rare Simon Boswell mix, which drops into an entertaining but undanceable sample from The Twilight Zone. Drum Talk is a different mix from the one which appeared on the Human Racing Deluxe Edition (first time on CD, and this is the only one of the remixes which does not appear in it's standard form elsewhere on the album). The extended versions of Radio Musicola and One Step Ahead also make their CD debut here, and while the extended Elisabeth's Eyes was available on a long out of print CD single, it appears on a compilation album for the first time.So what's missing? I would have liked to have seen the Wide Boy B-side So Quiet make the track list. While it is available on The Riddle Deluxe Edition, it is one of Kershaw's best songs - one of those occasions when the B-side was better than the A-side - and it is a shame that it was omitted.As hinted above, there are a few extended mixes which have not yet had a digital release - both When A Heart Beats and its B-side Wild Horses were released in extended form on the 12" single of When A Heart Beats. Unfortunately, Kershaw has reserved particular disdain for the remix of Wild Horses, saying that it was remixed without his permission while he was out of the country on tour and lacks anything new. Although he is absolutely correct in his artistic assessment, it is still sought after by collectors. It might have to wait until a complete box set of his 80s work is released.

Nik Kershaw is one of the best British singer-songwriters ever. He produces too and is a gifted multi-instrumentalist. Very underrated and underappreciated.This album collects tracks from his hugely successful 1980s era. Spanning from 1983, his debut solo single "I Won't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" (later re-released in 1984) to the beautiful "Elisabeth's Eyes" in 1989. All the classic hits are here and most of these also appear here in extended mix form.This album is such a bargain and is definitely recommended for anyone who loves great music.Hopefully the record label will now re-release and remaster his albums "Radio Musicola" (1986) and "The Works" (1989) on CD. And his first four albums on vinyl. It's the least this great artist deserves.

Whether you are looking for a greatest hits album or a Kershaw aficionado, there is something her for you. Not only does this contain all the 1980's singles in remastered form, but it also contains many album track, live cuts and remixes from the 4 albums released in the 80's. If you are after 'classic Kershaw' this has to be the one, especially at this price. For those looking for his more up-to-date work, seek out Oxymoron, 15 minutes, To Be Frank, You've got to laugh and Ei8ht. There is also an acoustic album entitled No Frills which contains most of the hits which is well worth a listen!

Of the available Nik Kershaw compilations this has the best selection of his songs when he was at his most popular. It is sadly let down by the quality of sound which reminds me of those MFP budget vinyls you used to be able to buy... fuzzy and distant like its a copy of a copy of a copy...

Do you remember Nik Kershaw? Well this Best Of is a good reminder of who this talented musician, lyricist and vocalist was back in the 80's. Not sure if he was ever taken seriously but he had some awesome tunes back then. This cd is a decent mix of his works. Faves for me are Dancing Girls, When A Heart Beats, I Won't Let The Sun Go Down, Wide Boy, Wouldn't It Be Good, Don Quixote, Radio Musicola etc

All of my favs on one disc. Perfect for when driving in my car I can sing as loudly as I want without upsetting anyone as I'm totally 'tone deaf'.Me thinks that if Nik heard me singing his songs he'd literally run for the hills but not before gagging me then grabbing the CD so he never nor anybody else should ever heard his songs sung like that ever again!! 🤣🤣But Heh, I'm happy & I love it!! 🤣🤣Enjoy.

Got this for my birthday 66 years old and when listen to this I feel 30 again. I forgot how many brilliant songs he made. A thoroughly enjoyable cd.

I bought this CD having bought tickets to see Nik in concert. I wanted to remind myself of his music - and wasn't disappointed! It's not a CD I'd listen to all the time but it was a lovely trip down memory lane to the first concert I ever went to at age 11yrs. I now can't wait until tomorrow when I will relive that night nearly 30 years ago!!!!