Album Review: Erasure Always - The Very Best Of Erasure

Reliably still releasing reasonably fruity synth-pop albums, this umpteenth single disc compilation seems wan in comparison to the abundant pickings of 2009's Total Pop! set.

Andy Bell and Vince Clarke's impeccable '80s to early '90s run could effortlessly pack a double disc alone. Yet later songs Be With You and Elevation show increasing lyrical flimsiness and strains in Bell's vocals, while Clarke autopilots the float through yet another Mardi Gras. A second almost identical 'remix' of the otherwise perfect Sometimes is a complete waste of space confirming Always as a shonky tribute to a dynamic duo. They deserve better.