How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Outstanding
Value for Money
Advantages:
The definitive collection . . . all the best tracks included
Disadvantages:
Maybe a few too many at the end
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
The Eurythmics have had a long and chequered career. Formed by Dave Stewart and Annie Lennox when The Tourists broke up in 1980 they provided a string of inspired hit songs over that decade until they, too, went their separate ways. They recently got back together (1999) to record a new album (‘Peace’) and toured with a widely acclaimed live stage show. I managed to catch their performance at Wembley.
This review is of the video (Laserdisc in my case – hence the reference to side 1 and 2) version of ‘Greatest Hits’. There was a CD released at the same time which had 14 tracks on it - this was recently re-released in 2000. They all share a common cover. The video sports 21 tracks whereas the CD now has 18. I have indicated those appearing on both (*) in the list below. It is also available as a DVD. I have also indicated the year of release of each track.
The sound quality is excellent throughout. Many of the videos were made as promotions for the release of the relevant single and are excellent. They were extensively played on television (‘Top Of The Pops’, MTV). Some of the less well known tracks are of perhaps historical interest only. The video tracks are merged one into the next giving the impression of a continuous performance. The playing time is 95 minutes.
SIDE 1
1. Sweet Dreams * 1983
As with the other early tracks, this one features Annie with ultra short ginger hair. This features a curious mixture of Lennox and Stewart with cellos and cows in a damp pasture.
2. Love Is A Stranger * 1982
A song very reminiscent of the style of The Tourists. It shows Annie’s wide and pure vocal range very well.
3. Who’s That Girl * 1983
Annie dressed in a long blonde wig as a night club singer. Stewart keeps appearing with or sitting with a variety of girls. At the end Annie gets her man leaving Dave on his own.
4. Right By Your Side * 1983
This is a live stage performance with a calypso rhythm. Their costumes suggest they have come from the Russian steppes.
5. Here Comes The Rain Again * 1983
Stewart is the cameraman producing a solarised picture. Annie suggests a Bronte character walking about on a cliff top in a long white nightie!
6. Sex Crime (1984) * 1984
This is sung in a studio with a backdrop of shots from the movie.
7. Julia 1984
A simple head and shoulders shot of Annie singing this song with various superimpositions. The song is highly suggestive of the material she used on her solo albums.
8. Would I Lie To You * 1985
This is a strong rocker of a song. The video is a ‘biopic’ of the song photographed in what looks like a biker’s club. The backing has a solid bass section and a black girl group.
9. There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart) * 1985
Presented as a Regency masque, Dave is the ‘Sun King’ and Annie a virginal princess. They are surrounded by fauns, nymphs, satyrs and cherubs. Look out for the tubby falsetto angel.
10. Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves * (1985)
Annie teams up with Aretha Franklin for this duet. They are on stage in front of a screen showing images of feminism through the ages (the caveman, suffragettes, land girls, female politicians, punkette)
11. It’s Alright (Baby’s Coming Back) * 1985
Annie is superimposed on an animation of modes of transport, partings and reunions.
SIDE 2.
1. When Tomorrow Comes * 1986
The band plays the song in a warehouse.
2. Thorn In My Side * 1986
Another well remembered promotional video release this is my personal favourite track and video. The group is back singing and acting in the biker community again.
3. Miracle Of Love * 1986
Filmed almost entirely in monochrome this is a montage of images of war, violence and hate countering the intensity and sentiments of the lyrics.
4. Missionary Man * 1986
Dave Stewart is cast a mad scientist in a laboratory. Initially Annie is formed from a dripping wax candle. At times she is seen bound into various contraptions.
5. Beethoven 1987
This is another biopic of the song. Annie starts as an average ‘Mrs Housewife’ having problems with young daughter. As the song progresses she suffers an identity crisis and metamorphoses into or swaps places with the daughter.
6. I Need A Man * 1987
The video follows on from the theme of the previous track. Annie is dressed in the same costume – appearing as an aggressive Munroe or Harlowe.
7. You Have Placed A Chill In My Heart * 1987
Annie, looking distinctly unwell under her make up, is found wandering in the desert.
8. Don’t Ask Me Why * 1989
This release and video is from the latest period of the Eurythmics prior to the split. The songs do sound rather tired. This is performed as a cabaret singer.
9. The King And Queen Of America 1989
The video gives another mixture of Lennox and Stewart characterising American stereotypes (the President and the First Lady, Mickey and Minnie, Game Show Host and Hostess, Quarterback and Cheer Leader, Elvis and Marilyn)
10 Angel * 1989
A song of death and redemption. The video is photographed at a séance.
Overall this is a ‘must have’ compilation for Eurythmics fans. Whether you choose audio or video or both will depend upon your inclination and wallet. For the less dedicated it would still justify a ‘must see’ rating.
Eurythmics : Greatest Hits
One of the earliest things that we learned about Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart was that
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the duo had style. In their first few videos, including "Sweet Dreams" and "Love Is a Stranger," they were just as notable for their androgynous suits and rubber ut...
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