Twenty tracks recorded for the BBC between 1979-1981, representing most of what the group performed on British radio. (Four other tracks from a 1983 session appear as bonus cuts on RPM's CD reissue of the
Sense & Sensuality album.) It leans most heavily on the first LP and singles (in fact, versions of every single one of the debut album's tracks are here), though there are also a half-dozen songs from
Sense & Sensuality. No big surprises, with the exception of a couple of otherwise unavailable items, "Ideal Woman" and "Monogamy." The latter tune is the set's clear highlight, as it represents the band's only foray (and quite a good one) into all-out, straightforward, guitar-heavy punk rock. Much of the rest is too monochromatic for the unconverted, but fans should like this. It's a better representation of their live prime than the Live in Berlin album, and with 79 minutes running time and meticulous liner notes, it offers terrific value.
–
Richie Unterberger, Rovi