Reviews

THE BEST OF READY: 20TH CENTURY MASTERS - THE MILLENNIUM COLLECTION VOLUMES ONE & TWO
The budget Millennium CD line can often be counted on for surprisingly decent compilations, and these are two of the more lovingly assembled ones. They also contain a wealth of local history - Ready Records was the hippest label in Toronto (via London, Ont.) during the late-‘70s/early-‘80s punk/new wave uprising, and a number of notable area acts are represented here. Volume One kicks off with The Demics' famously hard-to-find anthem "New York City," and Blue Peter's surprisingly raw punk side is showcased on "Same Old Place." As well, The Extras' hilarious ode to condoms, "Circular Impression," will bring back memories of listening to Dr. Demento's radio show, while The Spoons' "Nova Heart" demonstrates Canadian new wave at its peak. More trad-rockers like Colin Linden, Santers and jazz-funksters Manteca showcase the label's diversity, though they make less memorable appearances.
Volume Two continues with more tracks by the same bands, though it soon becomes clear who were the moneymakers (and whose discographies should be explored further). "Don't Walk On Past" sees Blue Peter successfully move into Spandau Ballet territory, while most ‘80s children will shed a tear to The Spoons' "Old Emotions" and "Romantic Traffic." A guilty yet affordably priced pleasure.
CHRIS ROLFE - EYE Weekly | November 30, 2006 | Volume 16, Issue 9


THE BEST OF READY RECORDS VOLUMES 1 & 2 (Universal) Rating: NNN

Considering that Ready existed only for six years (79-85), it made a significant impact on local new wave and power pop in the early 80s. The local label deserves this two-disc retrospective if for no other reason than to showcase founders Andy Crosbie and Angus MacKay's prescient signing of the Spoons. Not to dismiss acts like Blue Peter, the Extras and Steve Blimkie, all of whom add some innovatively starchy new wave rock of their own, but it's the Burlington new romantics who hold up well after two decades. There's also an interesting snapshot of a young Colin Linden going through his Elvis Costello phase, but too much wading through groups like cheese metal specialists Santers and the incongruously good-natured Latin fusion outfit Manteca, who sound like the end credits to a Michael J. Fox vehicle.
NOW Magazine| NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 6, 2006 | VOL. 26, NO. 13