Album reviews: Wham!, Lloyds, General Public

A singles collection, retrospective of a California band and long out-of-print vinyl reissues are all in the spotlight.

Wham!
The Singles: Echoes from the Edge of Heaven (Sony Music/Legacy)

With a popular new Netflix documentary and ubiquitous Volkswagen SUV ad featuring one of its biggest hits, there’s been heightened interest in Wham! lately. The Singles: Echoes from the Edge of Heaven, a solid new collection, contains all the frothy, infectious pop hits by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley which helped usher in the second British Invasion during the early-to-mid 1980s. Standouts include the Motown-esque stomper “I’m Your Man,” a breezy “The Edge of Heaven,” holiday perennial “Last Christmas,” the tension-filled “Everything She Wants,” effervescent “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Freedom.” There are some B-sides and remixes too. The liner notes have archival group and single cover photos, plus sales and chart positions. Available in 7” vinyl box set, color or black 2LP, 1CD and digital formats. Information: wham-official.com

Lloyds
Attitude Check (Liberation Hall)

Fronted by firebrand singer Lulu Lewis, Lloyds were a fixture at various Bay Area night clubs from 1979-84. The new wave quintet shared stages with R.E.M., Journey and Ramones and appeared in the Robbie Benson film “Die Laughing,” yet surprisingly never landed a major record deal. Now making their first appearance on CD and digital are all the songs that should’ve comprised the band’s debut album, plus a sizzling, punk-fueled ‘80 live set recorded at San Francisco’s Old Waldorf. Among the highlights: catchy kiss off “And That’s Why (I Don’t Like You),” the ‘60s girl group vibe of “Nothing in Return (When the Party’s Over),” a feisty “Lovesick” with Lewis’ wailing vocals, the mysterious vibe of “Curiosity,” gang vocals in “Rock and Roll What Me What I Am Today” (later covered by Lita Ford), and a terrific remake of The Exciters-popularized “Tell Him.” There are detailed song credits, rare photos, and a historical overview. Attitude Check is definitely a pleasant surprise and a must have for new wave music enthusiasts. Information: thelloydsband.com or liberationhall.com

General Public

All the Rage; Hand to Mouth (BMG)

After 2-Tone/ska band The (English) Beat had a successful U.K. chart run, Dave Wakeling and Ranking Roger started General Public and put out All the Rage in 1984. Recruiting Mick Jones of The Clash and former members of The Specials and Dexy’s Midnight Runners, they crafted a fun, enticing new wave sound that ended up being quite successful in America. The band’s initial two albums have just been pressed on vinyl again for the first time since the ‘80s. Sprightly signature song “Tenderness” (featured in films “Sixteen Candles” and “Weird Science”) went top 20 on the U.S. dance charts, as did the snazzy “Hot You’re Cool” and jaunty “Never You Done That.” All became mainstays on college/modern rock radio. Two years later, the sleeker follow-up Hand to Mouth added prominent female backing vocals to the mix and was highlighted by the politically minded “Come Again,” a cheery, horn laden “Too Much of Nothing” and “Murder,” about an unattainable love interest. Information: amazon.com

A version of this article originally appeared in Desert Star Weekly.