Marc Almond - 12 Years Of Tears: Live At The Albert Hall

Glitter, glitz and all of the hits

Recorded in 1992 at the time of Tenement Symphony, arguably Almond’s most satisfying solo album, 12 Years Of Tears is your populist Almond: just dark enough, just poppy enough. Striding and flouncing, his fragile, baroque character can be enchanting. There’s plenty of middle-distance staring, leather, Anthony Price suits, costume changes, dancing girls and variable pitches. As it is the early 90s, there’s also strutting backing vocalists and one of those breath-controlled synths that we think was called a lyricon.

It’s a fine overview: Tears Run Rings was a great pop record, and Torch remains one of the stunning numbers that litter pop’s murkier byways. The gold jumpsuited versions of Tainted Love and Say Hello, Wave Goodbye finish off the event with élan. And doing, her best Rita Webb (ask your grandad) at the end: Cleo Rocos and over a thousand balloons. Could anyone ask for more?

3 stars 3 stars 3 stars

Warner Music Vision | 4509-91255-2

Reviewed by Daryl Easlea
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