Dave Edmunds has a new collection, “Swan Songs: The Singles 1976–1981“, a 39-track set released on September 27th, 2024, through Omnivore Recordings. The compilation, featuring such favourites as “Almost Saturday Night,” “I Knew the Bride,” “Queen of Hearts,” and “Crawling From the Wreckage,” is available on 2-CDs and 2-LPs. The acclaimed musician, born in Wales in April 1944, turned 80 this year.
He retired from performing on July 22, 2017. Edmunds first came to prominence worldwide with his 1970 single, “I Hear You Knocking,” which pre-dates this collection. The song reached No1 in the U.K., and was top 5 in numerous other countries. Though he continued to score in the U.K. (with several of the songs on this collection), With just a handful of singles featuring his distinctive voice stalling midway up the chart.
After hitting the charts in 1968, Edmunds began a spectacular career as a writer, performer, and producer. Signing with Swan Song Records, all of the pieces of the puzzle would fit into place. Beginning with “Here Comes The Weekend” (co-written with Nick Lowe), Edmunds began a stellar run, showcasing his propensity for, and ability to bring a classic sound back to the airwaves, and to remember where all of those sounds came from.
“Swan Songs: The Singles 1976–1981” reveals the magic of the 7″ single in a way that has yet to be explored. 39 tracks, covering every A- and B-side from that period, guide the listener through that pivotal time when listeners heard what they liked and liked what they heard.
From covers of contemporaries Graham Parker, Elvis Costello, and beyond, these Swan Songs all meld into Chuck Berry, Rodgers & Hart, and more. Huey Lewis & The News had a hit with “Bad Is Bad,” but Edmunds released it in 1979. Same with Hank DeVito’s “Queen Of Hearts,” with Juice Newton took onto the U.S. airwaves years later. Bob Seger’s “Get Out Of Denver,” John Fogerty’s “Almost Saturday Night”—classics and stunning originals, this was the time where music ruled, and it is collected here.
With new mastering and restoration from multiple Grammy-winner Michael Graves, the packaging of this double-CD and double-LP features a look at picture sleeves that 7″ collectors cherish, as well as detailed liner notes from Joe Marchese (from The Second Disc) which outline Edmunds’ roots and trajectory from performer and band leader, to producer (including his work with Stray Cats, as featured on their version of “The Race Is On”).
The Fat Angel Sings 