This 1980 live album was originally recorded as part of an ATV documentary on the highly visual and inventive new wave pop singer / actress. This CD is expanded to include the entire Wolverhampton show, with 2 tracks originally omitted for use as single b-sides, and there are 6 more previously unreleased tracks recorded in London and Glasgow.

Elements of punk and goth show through in both the music and Toyah’s vocals, the shrieks sometimes piercing. “Vision” starts off slower before picking up, with a driving bass and an occasional off beat guitar.

The keyboards work in well, and aren’t overbearing or tacky like the emerging New Romantic of the time.

Off the wall, original, eclectic, it’s either a lot of fun or not valid depending on your point of view but this is a lot better than most of the period. And on top of the extra tracks you get some comprehensive notes, including some from Toyah herself.

***½

Review by Joe Geesin

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly