Proceedings don't get off to the most auspicious start when the dodgy saxophone presets of "Being Boiled" emerge from the speakers. Yes, Martyn may have heard this song as a funk odyssey when he wrote it, but the Human League recording we all know and love is an electronic tour de force. This is just poor.
There is some improvement with "Geisha Boys and Temple Girls" which is given a contemporary workout that sounds pretty good. Thankfully "Temptation" leans on the original rather than the Brothers In Rhythm version, but I'm not sure it does enough different to justify its existence.
The ubiquitous "Penthouse and Pavement" finally gets the funky synth bass it always deserved but those block piano chords of the chorus annoy me intensely. Next up is a cover of The Associates song "Party Fears Two" which is quite mesmerising. I am guessing the piano performance is by programmer Keith Lowndes as it is quite accomplished; but this is just a guess. "Don't Fall" is a new track that continues the slower and more reflective style without impressing much. We get another unnecessary rendition of the terrible breakbeat version of "Fascist Groove Thing" before a more successful rendition of "We Live So Fast".
Things finish with a new version of another Human League track "Empire State Human" which is competent without being impressive. Today was the first time I noticed that Vince Clarke is credited with programming on this track.
This is a perfectly adequate album but I'm confused what is it supposed to be. It's not a remix album, its not a covers album and it only has one new track. I still have no idea what the album title is all about either. Another thing that disappoints me with this album is backing vocals. As good as Billie Godfrey is as a singer, her contribution sits too high in the mix and dominates Glenn at every turn. It's a shame this album isn't more focussed as there are flashes of inspiration here. 2/5
