CD: “Greatest Hits” by The Levellers

Where do you start with a review for a band that have become an established institution within the UK music scene? With their political commentary, and easily accessible sound, not to mention energetic and tremendous live performances – a band that most people, irrespective of their staple style of music; still know these guys and their hits?

It was their third single that weaved its way into most peoples consciousness, “One Way”; and securely put them on the music map. And that was back in 1991! Since then they have had continued success, and play to a loyal fan base when touring. Having been a constant throughout their own highs and lows, The Levellers have never split up, they formed their own record label, and host their own annual festival and continue to have sell out shows and new material. Quite a career that anyone would be envious of.

This Greatest Hits might be considered long overdue (okay, there was “See Nothing, Hear Nothing, Do Something”, but that was 1992, and “One Way Of Life” which was 1998!), and no doubt will be bought by die hard fans ensuring their collection is complete. But it is also a great starting point for anyone wanting to hear a choice selection of their hits. From the early material you can see the growth and evolution of the band, their sound and attitudes and yet there is a certain something, a signature hook, a sound, that just states “The Levellers”.

From watching the early videos, all the way up to the recent material, it made this listener age – watching the band perform “One Way”, all the way through to “The Recruiting Sergeant”. There was a range of emotions bubbling up for that careless youth, though to the more adult individual (might need to check that!) who can afford to go to gigs, CDs, DVDs. But we all have to move on and evolve, and this collection captures that perfectly.

While the double CD documents their legacy, it’s one that should get everybody’s feet tapping and singling along. It certainly makes anticipation for the up and coming tour almost too much to bare! With the tracks chosen this album is in itself a great playlist, and one that if already released for the summer would be heard up and down the country on the hot days we are currently experiencing. This reviewer has always liked the Levellers, but it has taken this compilation to make me realise I am a fan!

Not wanting to cover tracks that probably everyone knows about, there are 4 tracks that warrant singling out, and they are collaborations with other musicians. Each of these tracks are and always will be Levellers. But these versions put a special spin on things, whilst keeping that heart and soul. These are “Julie” (feat. Frank Turner), “Hope Street” (feat. Billy Bragg), “Just The One” (feat. Bellowhead), and “Beautiful Day” (feat. Imelda May). From the pained, powerful and possibly disdainful interpretation from Frank Turner. While “Hope Street” seemed like a complete re-working, simply because it was Billy Bragg singing. While “Just The One” takes on a whole new feel.

For this reviewer Imelda May belting out her rendition of “Beautiful Day” was the cherry on the top for this compilation.

“Greatest Hits” will be available in a number of formats digitally on September 28th, with physical formats from their own ‘On The Fiddle’ label from the 29th.

Digital sets will contain bonus material, with the same running order as the double CD but will include;

A Lifeless Ordinary
We Are All Gunmen
After The Hurricane
One Way (original version)

There will be an iTunes Box set comprising of;

Vol.1 Greatest Hits (digital version)
Vol.2 B-Sides
Vol.3 Covers, remixes & Live versions
Vol.4 Rarities
Vol.5 Static On The Airwaves (Video album) + bonus videos (Imelda, Frank Turner, Bellowhead & Billy Bragg)

As Reviewed…
DVD
One Way
Fifteen Years
Far From Home
Julie
Belarus
This Garden
Hope Street
Fantasy
Just The One
Exodus (Live)
What A Beautiful Day
Celebrate
Dog Train
Too Real
Bozos
One Way (1998)
Happy Birthday Revolution
Come On
Wild As Angels
Liberty (live)
Burn America Burn
Before The End
Truth Is
The Recruiting Sergeant
Julie (feat. Frank Turner)
Hope Street (feat. Billy Bragg)
Just The One (feat. bellowhead)
Beautiful Day (feat. Imelda May)

CD 1
Fifteen Years
Hope Street
What A Beautiful Day
Dog Train
Belarus
The Cholera Well
Last Man Alive
Truth Is
Fantasy
Just The One
Burn America Burn
Before The End
Celebrate
Bozos
Too Real
Liberty
Beautiful Day (feat. Imelda May)
Julie (feat. Frank Turner)

CD2
One Way
Make You Happy
This Garden
Julie
Wild As Angels
Come On
The Devil Went Down To Georgia
Far From Home
Together All The Way
Exodus (live)
Happy Birthday Revolution
Carry Me
Outside/Inside
World Freakshow
The Recruiting Sergeant (War Child explicit)
Just The One (feat. Bellowhead)
Hope St. (feat Billy Bragg)

Link
http://www.levellers.co.uk/

Words by Jon.