Singles

Disc jockey, game show host, actor, author, and songwriter, Mike Read has worn a lot of hats throughout his career, but it's hard to shake the belief that the one career that he most desperately craved — of successful pop star — is the one that always evaded him. Yes, he has scored hits in the U.K., but his appeal remains that of the all-rounder, rather than the specialist — a point that is made by the bewildering lineup of "artists" included here. The Trainspotters, the Ghosts, the Rock-Olas, the Grasshoppers, and Micky Manchester; not since the heyday of Jonathan King has one man released so many records under so many names and, ultimately, to such little reward. Nevertheless, this 24-track collection of the best of his output does stand as one of the smartest pop compilations of its ilk, with a handful of songs that will sound familiar whether or not you knew that he was involved. "High Rise" was even a minor mod hit during the early-'80s revival; "Mrs Jones" was recorded with Cliff Richard's band, and "London Town" was written in John Lennon's old house. Forget the music, read the liner notes!