Best Of Tracey Ullman CD

Metro's The Best Of showcases Tracey Ullman's new wave and girl group-inspired music, including her brilliant, Kirsty MacColl-penned single and Top Ten hit "They Don't Know About Us." Though her covers of songs like the Waitresses' "I Know What Boys Like" and Blondie's "(I'm Always Touched By Your) Presence, Dear" aren't quite up to par with the originals -- or as distinctive as her own songs -- Ullman still brings enough sassy flair to them to make them entertaining in their own right. Other highlights include her version of Doris Day's "Move Over Darling," "You Broke My Heart in 17 Places" -- another track written by MacColl -- "Breakaway," and "Sunglasses." With its mix of highlights from Ullman's albums You Broke My Heart in 17 Places and You Caught Me Out and several B-sides, The Best Of is nearly as good a retrospective of Ullman's all too brief recording career as Rhino's enduring The Best of Tracey Ullman. Even though she didn't pursue music after she had success as a comedienne and actress, the knowing innocence and clever, versatile wit she displays in those arenas is also what makes her music so enjoyable as well. ~ Heather Phares

Long before the variety show, HBO specials, or successful standup career, there was Tracey Ullman, the singer. And while her releases were scarce and garnered little attention in the U.S., she was met with moderate success elsewhere. This Rhino collection compiles every last notable thing she committed to tape, including the hit "They Don't Know," which propelled her into the U.S./MTV spotlight, if only for a moment. Laced with a solid retro-girl group sound, this will delight new as well as die-hard fans of Ullman's accomplished oeuvre. ~ Rob Theakston

Latest in the series of Stiff reissues. UK budget-price compilation culled from the TV comedienne's long out-of-print 80's albums, 'You Broke My Heart in 17 Places' (1983) & 'You Caught Me Out' (1984). 21 tracks including her hit cover of Kirsty MacColl's 'They Don't Know', 'Breakaway', 'I Know What Boys Like' & 'You Broke My Heart In 17 Places'.

This collection contains the complete YOU BROKE MY HEART IN 17 PLACES album and 9 additional songs.

Liner Note Author: Joe Cushley.

Producers: Peter Collins, Steve O'Donnell, Kirsty McColl, G. Povey and D. Robinson.