Good sampler of early Toyah
Lauren | Buffalo, NY USA | 12/06/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I was introduced to Toyah about 15 years ago by an Anglophile housemate at college. Though not a real fan at that time, I was intrigued by a handful of her songs that spoke to my infatuations with Kate Bush, Laurie Anderson, and other progressive female artists of the day. I was only recently moved to purchase one of her greatest hits compilation on the basis of a couple of her more melodic songs (she has a punkish side that I'm not as fond of) that really stuck with me over those years...and am I ever glad I didn't forget her.This disc focuses on her recordings from 1979 to 1983, which are generally considered her best years. It contains an excellent selection of hits and near-hits and seems a good bet for a curious buyer who likes the above artists or the progressive British rock of the early 80s. My only complaint is that is skimps on material from her "Changeling" album, a moodier work that I still consider her best. (Most fans claim that "Anthem" is her high point, so I guess I'm in the minority.) If your tastes do run to the darker and edgier stuff, you might do better to seek out her Best Of compilation on Connoisseur Records if you can still find it. The latter CD includes a couple of overlooked gems from "The Changeling", such as "The Angel and Me" and the joyous "Dawn Chorus". Otherwise this batch of soaring melodies and quirkily assertive vocals is a fine introduction to prime Toyah."
