Billy Idol - Vital Idol (Japan)

Vital Idol, a compilation of Billy Idol's remixes, is generally well-received for its high-energy, dance-oriented versions of his classic hits. While some reviewers feel the remixes are great and add to the originals, others find the original versions superior and criticize the album as a "money grab". It is especially praised for featuring extended mixes of fan-favorite songs. 

Mid-way through the tour for Whiplash Smile, there was a new head at Chrysalis Records named Mike Bone.  He wanted to immediately make his mark with Billy and suggested putting a compilation together of Remixed songs along with a live version of “Mony Mony”.  Billy was on board and while on tour, they recorded the live version, slapped a bunch of remixes together and bam…you had an album.

All this above was from Billy’s book, ‘Dancing With Myself’, but doesn’t make sense to me.  As the time in the book was around 86/87 and this compilation had already been released in 1985 in the UK.  In September 1987, ‘Vital Idol’ was released in the US.  Plus, my version doesn’t have a “Live” version of “Mony Mony”.  At least it doesn’t sound live.  Not sure Billy’s memory was correct in the order of things as the book doesn’t mention the UK version and the live take of “Mony, Mony” was on the greatest hits collection that came out in 1988 not the 1987 version of Vital Idol.  Sorry, not completely true as a 1988 Japanese version of Vital Idol does have the live version.  Confusing.

As a compilation album, it isn’t really a greatest hits album as it is missing a few key classic Idol songs, but it does make for a fun dance album and it gives you some interesting take on some already great songs.

The album kicks off with “White Wedding” (Parts I & II). Part I was on the debut album, Billy Idol, but up until this point you haven’t heard Part II. Part I is mostly the same version of the original, but Part II is quite different. It is a little long and drawn out and doesn’t really add much to the song, but time as the song is over 8 minutes. The song still kicks ass, just too long.

“Mony Mony” (Hung Like A Pony Mix) really beefs up the song and adds more color and production and really gives the song a boost that was missing on the ‘Don’t Stop’ E.P. This is one of the few on the album that might be better than the original. However, it is not a LIVE VERSION or the Downtown Mix.

“Hot in the City” (Exterminator Mix) is a fun, remix. For me, it isn’t as good as the original as it leaves a couple things out, most notably the “New York” scream by Billy. However, it is still worth having and fits nicely in this context. One of the better ones on the album.

“Dancing With Myself” (Uptown Mix). This is one of my favorite Idol songs to begin with and this mix finally takes the song to a level where the public takes notice and the song finally becomes a hit for Billy.

“Flesh For Fantasy” (Below the Belt Mix) kicks off Side B and kicks it off with a bang. I truly love this version of the song. I don’t know if I like it better or equally as much. It really emphasizes the guitar and definitely makes the bass line notable. A solid all around remix.

“To Be A Lover” (Mother of Mercy Mix) is up next and this should be called the Sex Mix with the woman practically orgasming with her sultry, seductive voice throughout. Damn!! I dig this mix as well. A total blast.

Then you get to “Love Calling” (Rub a Dub Dub Mix) and you don’t get much on the vocals, but a lot of Rub a Dub Dub’s. Where the other versions enhanced the original, this one didn’t add anything for me. This one has its moments, but is lacking a lot for me.

“Catch My Fall” (Remix Fix). This one really changes up the original and not in a bad way. Very techno and a lot of fun. I swear part of sounded like Tiffany’s “I Think We’re Alone Now” towards the beginning when the electronic drum beats come in. To completely change up a song and still make it good and the original song noticeable is a hard thing to do, but they nailed it.

And there you have it. Not all the songs are perfect, but the album is a lot of fun, very creative and I still enjoy it today as much as I did when I had this on CD back in 1987.  Definitely worth having since it is not your typical compilation album.

Ripped to MP3

1. White Wedding (Parts I & II) - Shotgun Mix

2. Mony Mony - Hung Like A Pony Mix

3. Hot in the City - Exterminator Mix

4. Dancing With Myself - Uptown Mix

5. Flesh for Fantasy - Below the Belt Mix

6. To Be A Love - Mother of Mercy Mix

7. Love Calling - Rub A Dub Dub Mix

8. Catch My Fall - Remix Fix

9. Shakin' All Over (Live)

10. Mony Mony (Live)