Here Comes Everybody + Singles

LTM’s 2002 reissue of Here Comes Everybody adds eight bonus songs and in doing so transforms a brittle, somber album into a near pitch-perfect release. The bonus songs are all derived from rare 7″ and 12″ singles released from 1984 to 1987 on Factory. Since the master tapes for most of the tracks on this reissue have been lost, LTM mastered a majority of the tracks from vinyl, and the sound is still impeccable. As with the eight album tracks, the singles and besides compiled show the Wake to be much more than the Joy Division/New Order clone the press had them pegged as in their day. Every bit as fragile and sweet as their contemporaries the Field Mice, the band sparkle on these singles. Three of the songs could easily qualify as career highlights. “Of the Matter” bristles with energy, as breathy vocals and a keyboard motif that wouldn’t seem out of place in an Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark joyride mingle politely. “Gruesome Castle” blends fluffy electronic notes with an irresistible chorus of “I was born in prison/Without a penny to my name.” “Furious Sea” might be the Wake’s finest hour, as acoustic guitars and haunted sound washes create waves of sad emotions. The only sour notes come from the final two tracks, which basically amount to dance mixes. Boring, repetitive beats strip the original songs of charm and purpose. Here Comes Everybody is the Wake’s finest album, and this LTM reissue is definitely the edition to seek out. – Tim DiGravina