Kim Wilde - Catch As Catch Can (Expanded & Remastered) (2020)

Kim Wilde became an overnight sensation back in 1981 courtesy of the worldwide success of her single ‘Kids In America’, which offered a very British twist on the new wave energy and glamour of Blondie. In due course, Kim would enjoy numerous hits throughout the 1980s, first on RAK Records (with help from father Marty and brother Ricky) and then later on MCA (when she took up songwriting herself and toured with Michael Jackson and David Bowie).

On the back of Kim’s acclaimed recent studio set Here Come The Aliens (and companion live collection), her first three albums, namely “Kim Wilde”, “Select” and “Catch As Catch Can” are being treated to deluxe 2CD+DVD and vinyl reissues. Collectively, this represents the entirety of her output for RAK.

Each album is being presented as a plush 2-CD plus DVD expanded gatefold wallet boasting a raft of previously unissued tracks and new remixes, as well as new coloured vinyl editions. All of the tracks have been remastered from fresh transfers of the original analogue tapes. All of the new and previously unheard material has been given the blessing of Kim herself. Additionally, each package includes lyrics, rare photos and memorabilia plus new sleeve notes written by Kim Wilde expert Marcel Rijs.

Kim’s third album, “Catch As Catch Can” was originally issued in autumn 1983 and includes the UK hit singles ‘Love Blonde’ (No. 23) and ‘Dancing In The Dark’ (No. 67).

Bonus tracks include ‘Rain On’ (a previously unreleased out-take from the album sessions), the previously unheard original RAK Mix of ‘Dancing In The Dark’, the B-side ‘Back Seat Driver’ and a Disconet DJ-only extended edit of ‘Sparks’ plus a host of unreleased session out-takes.

The two singles from “Catch As Catch Can” were Kim’s first to be released in extended 12” mix form. In addition to those mixes by Ricky Wilde and Nile Rodgers, this release features two new ‘19:83’ mixes created from the original multi track reels. These include a faithful but refreshed Special Re-Mix of ‘Love Blonde’ and a more radical reinterpretation of the album standout ‘Can You Hear It’.

The bonus DVD includes promo videos for ‘Love Blonde’ and ‘Dancing In The Dark’, plus two performances from Top Of The Pops and two more on the BBC shows Harty and Crackerjack, plus a 1984 TV commercial.

Kim Wilde remains a perennial icon of British pop with an adoring global fanbase. Next year, she will continue to enjoy a high profile as she embarks on her lengthy 2020 The Greatest Hits Tour!