Following the promo clip for ‘Hope Street’ with Billy Bragg, the Levellers present another new video in the run up to the release of their expansive ‘Greatest Hits’ anthology.
Taking one of their best known hits, the band give ‘What a Beautiful Day’ a makeover with Imelda May. The official promo clip can be seen in full below.
In the 1970s greatest hits collections were a quick way for record companies to bundle together previously released material under the pretence that it was a celebration of a band’s career up to a particular point. These were not usually so much a celebration as a way to make a quick buck, but whatever the justification, such releases rarely troubled the more serious record buyer. In the late 80s, the game changed when record companies began to pad such collections out with two or three unreleased tracks, not only ensuring the collection of singles would sell to a more casual listener, but also hoping it would tempt the long term fan into that extra purchase. Such practice became common.
Some twenty five years after achieving cult success with their folk-rock driven debut, the Levellers are set to celebrate their entire career. Marking years of hit singles and almost relentless touring, they present a 31 song Greatest Hits package this September. For the first time, all of the band’s singles will be available on one release, alongside newly recorded collaborations with Billy Bragg, Frank Turner, Bellowhead & Imelda May.
The release is promoted with a UK tour on which the band will be joined by The Selecter playing their classic album ‘Too Much Pressure’ in full.
The full press statement can be read below.