SO COOL: THE VERY BEST OF

Bands emerging from the late Seventies Mod revival can be divided into two camps u the aePunks in ParkasAE, who would grow their fringes out, buy a synthesizer and hop aboard the next bandwagon twelve months later, and those who wanted to emulate the soulful craft and passion of the trailblazers from the previous decade. Secret Affair were definitely in the second category. In 1978 singer Ian Page and guitarist Dave Cairns crawled from the wreckage of the New Hearts (their only singles aeJust Another Teenage AnthemAE and aePlain JaneAE now collectable and desirable 45s), channelled their rejection and cynicism into something more positive and set about writing the songs that would later become Secret Affair standards. Released in August AE79, their debut single aeTime For ActionAE (the first of three UK Top 40 hits) was a statement of intent and a call to arms for a passionate following they called The Glory Boys. Each subsequent release was a mini-manifesto u titles like aeLet Your Heart DanceAE, aeMy WorldAE, aeSound Of ConfusionAE, aeSoho DreamsAE and aeAll The RageAE were full of energy and excitement. The bandAEs finest moments have been collected together on vinyl with this fourteen track oall killer, no fillero LP collection that showcases Secret AffairAEs consistent ability to match heartfelt lyrics with well-crafted tunes. Curated by founding member, guitarist and songwriter Dave Cairns and feature rare and previously unseen photographs by Paul Calvert along with sleeve notes from original fan, Acid Jazz RecordsAE founder Eddie Piller, who has the scars (and the tattoo) to show for his long term loyalty. The band are still a going concern, their live gigs attracting an enthusiastic crowd of fans old and new. There is no going through the motions, their commitment, conviction and style are still obvious. So cool, indeed.'