Interesting post. Generation X (or at least the Billy and Tony half of the group) separated themselves from many other 1st generation UK punk bands by not apologizing for wanting stardom. They got a lot of flak for having Ian Hunter produce their 2nd album and for admitting that they wanted to go on Top of the Pops, for starters. Nevertheless, their 1st album is great and while the next two were inconsistent, both contain lots of gems (including songs Billy would use for his solo career like “Dancing with Myself”, which was his first solo single).

With all that said, I enjoy parts of Billy’s 1st, s/t album and I think Rebel Yell is one of the finest mainstream rock albums of the early ‘80s, combining the catchiest elements of hard rock and synth pop with ease, but to me he SERIOUSLY lost the plot after that record. Sure there was some decent stuff after that (most notably “Sweet Sixteen”, though I much prefer Graham Parker’s incredible cover of that song to Idol’s croaky-voiced original), but to me any cool and credibility he had were eviscerated by two things:
1) The re-release of his version of “Mony Mony” in 1987 and its subsequent popularity at frat parties all over the land.
2) The entire Charmed Life album or at least its singles. He’s right about “Cradle of Love” being cheesy (and not in a good way; I always thought it was a mediocre song) and the less said about his version of “L.A. Woman”, the better.

This may sound harsh, but to be totally honest, I totally lost track of him after that and I haven’t even heard Cyberpunk, though I’m curious to hear the holiday album as I’m sure it’s unintentionally hilarious. And you’re right. He never did take himself too seriously, so why should his fans?

I prefer Empire’s great s/t album from 1981 (which was a MAJOR influence on some of my favorite music of the mid ‘80s, the Dischord/DC Revolution Summer/early emo scene) to any Billy Idol solo record save for Rebel Yell. I hope that gives me back some credibility after admitting that I own and like Billy Idol’s 1st 2 solo records. :-)

— Matt Berlyant    2006-12-15 14:19    #

Have you heard Billy’s a capella cover of “Crazy”? (The Gnarls Barkley song, not Patsy Cline’s golden oldie.) That he can sing that somewhat quirky song without accompaniment is noteworthy, but that he sings only the melody of a song that has merit only for its production arrangement makes it largely pointless, sort of a stupid joke – and yet, one that he has seen fit to immortalize on his MySpace page.

— Steve Holtje    2006-12-15 23:26    #

Sadly I have to agree, as a loyal and long time fan of Billy since the early 80s I´m having difficulties not feel almost offended by the low quality and lack of inspiration of this CD. I read a lot of posts like the one above of disenchanted Billy Idol fans, who loved the rockin´Billy of the good old days. It´s hard to fathom what triggered Billy to release such kinda karokee album.

— Ulli    2006-12-16 21:17    #

Thanks for the engaging commentary as usual Matt! I have no claim to credibility after this post, since I do own ALL of Billy’s allbums (save for the new one). I quite agree about Rebel Yell being one of the “finest mainstream rock albums of the early 80’s” and his first solo release is one of my favorites as well. Don’t waste your time on Cyberpunk, however, unless you just want a good laugh.

Steve – THANK YOU for pointing me toward Billy’s version of “Crazy.” Its so ridiculous, but at points his voice does sound divine. Wow.

Ulli – Glad to know I’m not the only hardcore Billy supporter disappointed by the new release! Thanks for posting…

— Kristen Sollee    2006-12-17 20:11    #

Something I enjoy about your postings is how you love what you love so unabashedly—very refreshing. I would definitely fall into the Gen X camp you describe above; I actually thought even their final work was somewhat lacking (for reasons probably known to many here). Still, it was surprising to watch Billy jump into the mainstream so seemlessly if not shamelessly. I actually find ‘A Very Special Christmas Album’ pretty much in perfect keeping with the direction he chose. It isn’t the desire for commercial success that bothers me, it is the doing it at the expense of one’s craft, especially when you were as talented as this guy once seemed to be. What’s next for Billy? Guns n’ Roses maybe?

— Jamie    2006-12-23 18:36    #

I was extremely disappointed by the release of Idol’s Christmas album as well, because although Idol may not have always taken himself seriously he has always been sincere about the music he produced. Thus, fans like myself who have always given credence to his body of work have every right to be disappointed in such a folly. However, I’m confused by those who perceive themselves as being somewhat less credible now after admitting to having an affection for Idol’s music. If that is the case, why have any disappointment in this Christmas album at all when it seems apparent that the consensus is that Idol besmirched his reputation prior to its release anyway?

Be that as it may, I applaud some of the support given to this artist who is generally regarded as an afterthought in indie circles although it would be more preferable if he received such support without all the qualifications, excuses or misgivings.

This Christmas album notwithstanding, Idol has never compromised on any of his “real” albums and never produced anything at the expense of his craft. Until that happens I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt.

With respect to the credibility issue, Idol’s is no less credible than the throng of less significant and less talented 80’s contemporaries who are commonly exalted by jaded critics these days as though they are somehow more high-minded and sophisticated than Idol. Quite frankly, what gives most of those artists the indie-cred that Idol apparently lacks is that they never sold any records.

I own all of Billy Idol’s albums and feel no guilt for it unless the synthesis of what goes into making brilliant and varied rock n’ roll is something to be ashamed of.

— Steep    2007-01-04 14:35    #

I’m back.

Did you happen to catch Billy’s rendition of “In The Summertime” on the recent Derek Sherinian Album? I’m not even kidding.

I’ll be at Dir En Grey @ Nokia in Feb. Not exactly the same as The Cult, but maybe that girl without eyebrows and with a yellow Batman shirt will also be there.

— Jason    2007-01-04 15:08    #

I have never liked Billy Idols music, but when I read about the Christmas album I thought ’ I’m having some of that ’. I only bought it for a laugh, but found it was a lot better than I expected. I don’t see why all you guys can’t just see it as a bit of fun, it’s not like this is a new direction or anything. It sure ain’t the end of the world. As for all the people I have read on various websites saying ‘what could have prompted Billy to do this album?’, well read the liner notes and you will see. It’s just a harmless bit of fun that I think is not intended to be taken too seriously. Please don’t think I’m attacking anybody here, I just think maybe the die-hards need to lighten up a bit. Plenty of bands that I love have done Christmas albums that have been dire, but they just get put away and forgotten about because it’s not a problem. just go put on your favourite album and forget about it. Any how, I can’t wait til next Christmas so I can listen to Mr Idol again. Maybe next he could do an album of Bluegrass or Country standards. What do you all think about that ?

— Woody    2007-01-09 17:23    #

I like what you say here

— Chris Stroffolino    2007-01-23 17:40    #