One record at a time: 116. Erasure - Wild!

Here we have a copy of the original UK pressing and the 2016 re-issue of Erasure's fourth album "Wild!". 

Personally I think the title of this album is rubbish. I also think the sleeve is pretty poor. Why go to the expense of commissioning Pierre et Gilles to build sets and take beautiful photographs to just use an out of focus shot of some leaves? It doesn't make sense.

The lead single "Drama!" in 1989 was the first time I remember a remix CD single being released along with the more conventional formats - strangely, this was not something they would repeat with the other singles taken from the album. Erasure had such strong material at this stage of their career that they could casually consign tracks such as "Sweet, Sweet Baby" to b-side status; despite it offering irrefutable proof that Vince Clarke was a genius.

The album itself kicks off with a short instrumental version of "Piano Song". The Korg M1 piano may sound 'plastic' to modern ears, but at least it has character. Today, piano patches are so realistic they are all indistinguishable from each other. Personally I am a big fan of the piano sound they used and I can't imagine this song being any other way

"Blue Savannah" is one of Erasure's finest tracks as it has the perfect pop melody, accessible lyrics and pulsating electronics. Strangely I never really liked the Kraftwerk 'influenced' "Der Deutsche Mix I" included on the remix 12", but the more traditional extended mix by Mark Saunders is well worth seeking out. "How many times?" offers a nice change of pace with its laid back TR-808 beat and washes of Korg M1 presets.

I was never convinced of the merits of "Star" and releasing it as a single felt like a mistake to me. "Brother and Sister" and "2,000 Miles" seemed like much more radio friendly tracks to promote the album and they remain some of my favourites on the album. "La Gloria" is just trying too hard to be 'different' and ends up sounding trite and forced. "You Surround Me" is a good track that finds a perfect balance between electronics and Andy's soaring vocal. "Crown of Thorns" is a nonsensical folk influenced dirge that I cannot recommend, but the vocal version of "Piano Song" that follows is rather brilliant. 4/5