World Party
Best in Show
Seaview
In 2007, World Party, the musical brainchild of Karl Wallinger, released Best in Show. Sadly, Wallinger passed away last year, leaving behind the legacy of a wonderfully talented singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.
A year, almost to the day, after his passing, a limited-edition, double vinyl pressing of Best in Show is being released, featuring songs from all five of World Party’s albums, along with modernized artwork designed by Richard Evans. The album will also be available for downloading and streaming.
Curated by Wallinger’s family and his label, Seaview, the compilation includes songs not on the 2007 album, including “Everybody’s Falling in Love,” “Best Place I’ve Ever Been,” and “Always.” The album also includes the environmental protest song “Ship of Fools,” the Ivor Novello Award-winning “She’s the One.”, and the band’s most-streamed track, “Is It Like Today?”
In addition to World Party’s releases, Wallinger released albums with The Waterboys and collaborated with Sinéad O’Connor, beginning with her 1987 debut album, The Lion and the Cobra.
Comprising 16 tracks, highlights on Best in Show include the bluesy, swaying “Ship Of Fools,” vaguely reminiscent of Robert Cray and Eric Burdon. With its swampy-lite feel and mood, decorated by low-slung, forlorn-flavored harmonies, the tune is both haunting and deliciously urgent.
“Put The Message In The Box” summons suggestions of Tom Petty because of its gleaming yet slightly meandering sensation. A softly glowing bridge shifts the melodic flow, adding dreamy savor to the bright and breezy momentum of the core harmonics.
Whereas “Is It Like Today” reveals hints of The Kinks and early Rolling Stones, as does “She’s The One,” a poignant love song. The dark, psychedelic “Thank You World,” laced with gritty guitar riffs, elevates to glittering colors on the chorus as Wallinger’s vocals imbue the lyrics with casual-like timbres.
Shaded by SoCal country-rock tinges, “What Does It Mean Now” features loose, crunchy percussion, giving the rhythm a light, bouncing motion as Wallinger’s musing vocals infuse the lyrics with questioning, introspective ambiance.
“Private Revolution” blends funk, pop, and rock into an upbeat tune that conjures up Sly & The Family Stone and War. Oozing with lysergic textures, the closing track, “Always” rolls on undulating surfaces topped by Wallinger’s tenor, steeped in daydreaming perceptions.
Like an amazing time machine, Best in Show conveys listeners back to the halcyon days of great British rock and roll.
