So, I recently picked up a Kim Wilde compilation, as I thought it might be fun. I only really knew "Kids in America" and had a vague memory of "Keep Me Hanging On". I listened to the compilation once and couldn't resist the early material! I had no idea that she had such great early singles!

The one that has struck me most is the new wave brilliance of 1981's "Water on Glass". The Blondie influence is all over this track, and I could almost see this on Eat to the Beat, my favorite Blondie album!
Check it out:



I'm now on a mission to find her first 3 albums on CD, but they appear to be quite rare. It seems that Kim Wilde will be a new wave fest, while Select might be even better- a fog of dense, icy synth. Catch As Catch Can seems like it could be more dance oriented. Any recommendations on how I could get these would be appreciated!

Other great early singles:

Kids in America (1981, from Kim Wilde)

Classic 80s pop. Seems to bite the Go-Go's sound, but that's a good thing!

Chequered Love (1981, from Kim Wilde)

Punky pop at its finest!

Cambodia (1981, from Select)

Dramatic and eerie, it came off a bit cheesy at first, but I love it now!

View from a Bridge (1982, from Select)

Another dramatic piece with great circa-'82 electro effects.

Child Come Away (1982, from Select)

This one reminds me of early Eurythmics material with that brooding ominous synth and the vocal effects

Love Blonde (1983, from Catch As Catch Can)

It fits in with The Cure's "The Lovecats" with its jazzy swing. It's a bit silly, but charming nonetheless!

Good luck with Catch As Catch Can.
I have every album except that one. Could never find it.
There was a quite complete early compilation in 2 CDs of her first 3 albums but it's out of print too. I stopped trying long ago

PANDURITO said:

Are the first two albums easy enough to find?

Now *this* thread is a smashing success!

Moonbeam said:

They used to be but I've been checking before answering and I'm afraid you'll have it hard, even on eBay.
Lots of compilations but no pre 86 albums.
Good luck!

PANDURITO said:

Curses! Just when I want to tap the source, it runs dry.