The Martyr Mantras 酷我

After the collapse of Culture Club and the ultimate failure of his solo career, Boy George quietly decamped, got sober and came back with a new group of musicians he called Jesus Loves You. In the UK, they had a few minor hits, and raised a bit of fuss with the anti-Thatcher "No Clause 28", but as usual, American radio left it alone, and audiences never got a chance to hear it. Virgin US released this compilation of remixes under the Boy George name, hoping that his past fame might give it the push it needed, but outside of a few of the hipper dance clubs ( I remember hearing "Generations of Love" and "No Clause 28" in the Armory in Atlanta back around 1990 ) it too was all but ignored. While a few of these songs haven't aged well, there are some solid grooves ( "After the Love" a song George wrote and produced with Culture Club drummer Jon Moss, the two before mentioned singles, and "Love's Gonna Let U Down") , and one terrific ballad ( "I Specialize in Lonliness"). The one song that stands out most is the most atypical of the bunch. A rather bizarre tune called "Bow Down Mister", an obvious influence of George's experience in India with the Krishnas, begins with some Indian chanting, has a section of folkish acoustic guitar, and finally blooms into a sing-along replete with Indian chorus.
A great album, save for the few dated tracks. And another great album cover. Thanks, George. We owe you one.