Idolize Yourself: The Very Best of Billy Idol Review
by Dan MacIntosh
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Revisiting Billy Idol's hits is a pleasure, simply because this rock singer isn't stigmatized as a stale '80s remnant. Granted, Idol made his biggest mark during that era, receiving more than his share of MTV primetime. But he was by no means a mere pretty boy; instead, he was – and still is, to some extent – a tough guy. Therefore, this 18-song CD, and 13-video DVD is a welcome, fist-pumping walk down memory lane.
The CD portion opens with "Dancing with Myself", which is the collection's lone example of Idol's so called "punk" days with Generation X. But while Idol talked a tough talk, he was never cut out to be a socially active punk rocker, like, say, The Clash or The Sex Pistols. He just happened to be at the right place, at the right time, with the right look. This left him a perfectly harmless bad boy for teenage girls to gawk at while he pumped his fist for the "Rebel Yell" video, or railed against the misuse of a familiar social institution while he sang about a marriage gone awry during "White Wedding (pt 1)". (By the way, how did that song ever become a popular wedding reception song? Just because it has the word "wedding" in it? Come on! It goes to show what researchers have said all along; people don't really listen to song lyrics. If it's got a good beat and it's easy to dance to, most folks don't really care what words a singer is singing).
Idol was also a highly sexualized performer; not a subtle one, either, as a song title like "Flesh for Fantasy" makes abundantly clear. He chose to cover Tommy James' "Mony, Mony", in fact, because he said it was the song he first had sex to. And while he may not have a subtle bone in his body, he sure knows how to play the tender lover with gentle songs like "Catch My Fall", which even features a soulful saxophone part.
Another big key to Idol's success is the guitar work of Steve Stevens. Stevens had an amazing way with putting just the right blistering solo onto tracks like "White Wedding". Although Idol was and is a solo artist, he also had an essential guitarist sidekick, just like other great bands from the past, such as The Who and The Rolling Stones.
Wisely, Idol is paired up once again with Stevens for this set's two new tracks. One is titled "John Wayne", where Idol lets himself fantasize he's that famous Western movie hero. The talented Stevens adds both pretty and harsh textures to "New Future Weapon", this release's other newie. In both cases, Idol sounds beautifully gritty as always.
As far as the video half of this 'best of' package, let's just say a little sneering Idol goes a long way. Nevertheless, it's still fun to remember those days when MTV still showed videos. And let's not forget, Idol was a big part of that cable network's early success.
Billy Idol was recently asked to travel as part of the Warped Tour, and with good reason. He may not have ever been a true punk rocker, but his music has always been good, loud fun. So if you're in the mood for a little good, loud – albeit nostalgic – fun, this greatest hits compilation is a real fine place to let loose with a hearty rebel yell.
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Idolize Yourself: The Very Best of Billy Idol
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