Idolize Yourself – The Very Best Of Billy Idol
Reviewer: Tom Leins
Issue 106 August 2008
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The original Pop Idol?
Review: Sneering peroxide punk Billy Idol was one of the 1980s most recognisable pop stars. After achieving cult success as the singer of punk heroes Generation X, Idol moved to New York and hooked up with guitarist Steve Stevens. Idol vowed to make “punk music sexier” and kicked off an enviable trail of hit singles, many of which (e.g. ‘Rebel Yell’, ‘White Wedding’) became cultural touchstones and remain popular to this day. Idol was arguably one of the first artists to fully appreciate the possibilities of the embryonic MTV and his embrace of music television made him a genuine household name. With radio play drying up, Idol capitalised on his screen-friendly image even appearing in MTV’s ‘I Want My MTV’ commercials!
The video collection bursts into life with ‘Dancing With Myself’, a video that was bizarrely enough directed by notorious Texas Chainsaw Massacre helmer Tobe Hooper (and is credited with opening the floodgates for feature film directors to try their luck with the music video). Hooper wasn’t the only movie director to helm a Idol promo, however, David Fincher directed the video for later single, ‘Cradle Of Love’. Whilst most of the videos are badly dated, they successfully blend Idol’s preoccupations with cyberpunk and horror movies to eye-catching effect. Billy Idol may be yesterday’s man when it comes to chart success, but Idolize Yourself is an enjoyable romp through his pop-tastic back catalogue. Recommended for fans of retro punk-pop confections.
FILM: 6
EXTRAS: 1
DVD Info:
Certificate: E
Directed By: Various, 1982-1990
Distributor: EMI
Audio: Dolby Digital 2.0
Visuals: 4:3 Fullscreen
Running Time: 61 mins
Price: £19.49
Special Features:
Track Selection
Tracklisting:
Dancing With Myself
Hot In The City (Uncensored Version)
White Wedding (Part One)
Rebel Yell
Eyes Without A Face
Flesh For Fantasy
Catch My Fall
To Be A Lover
Don’t Need A Gun
Sweet Sixteen
Mony, Mony (Live)
Cradle Of Love (Extended Version)
L.A. Woman
