Itโ€™s a shame the four singles from Dโ€™Arbyโ€™s 1987 debut Introducing The Hardline were his most successful as they were his worst?that unlovely real ale rasp pretending that screaming signified passion. Neither Fish Nor Flesh (1989) was far more interesting, and the three inclusions here indicate the tip of a bizarre iceberg. Symphony Or Damn (1993) was knobs-on commercialism, although songs like โ€œDelicateโ€ and โ€œDo You Love Me Like You Sayโ€ have worn well. On Vibrator (1995) he simply tried too hard.

Howโ€™s his muse these days? See Uncutโ€™s assessment of new album Wildcard! on page 91. Meanwhile, the versions here of โ€œHeartbreak Hotelโ€ and โ€œA Change Is Gonna Comeโ€ suggest Dโ€™Arby may be too chained to the past to chart new territory.