The British New Wave/Soul band first entered into our musical lives in 1983 with the debut album Like Gangbusters. An album that spawned hit singles such as the highly-infectious ‘Boxerbeat’ and its follow-up, ‘Just Got Lucky,’ the band may well have had an ex-pat American singer on lead, but the power of his vocals and the beats behind him were enough for the UK audiences to quickly fall in love.

Containing former members of the punk outfit Subway Sect, the Northern Soul aspect of JoBoxers made their songs all throb with beats that got your feet tappin,’ whether you intended them to do so or not! The debut single, ‘Boxerbeat’ reached #3 on the UK Singles Chart and its follow-up ‘Just Got Lucky’ made it into the Top Ten also. Sure subsequent singles such as ‘Johnny Friendly’ and ‘Jealous Love’ didn’t have what it took to match their out-the-gate-at-full-speed predecessors, but the album is solid, trust me!

The album kicks off with 'Boxerbeat,' before we get 'Crosstown Walk Up,' 'Fully Booked,' 'Not My Night,' the infectious 'Just Got Lucky,' 'She's Got Sex,' 'Curious George,' 'Hide Nor Hair,' and then both 'Crime Of Passion' and 'Johnny Friendly.'

The slew of crackin' bonus tracks then follow onwards, with so-called Single Mixes of the singles ('Boxerbeat,' 'Just Got Lucky,' and 'Johnny Friendly') before a lush 12" Mix of 'Jealous Love.' Their Northern Soul infused pop sound continues ever onwards in 'She's Got Sex' (12" Mix), the overlooked 'Boxerbeat' bside 'Let's Talk About Love,' the bside to 'Just Got Lucky' aka 'Forget Me Love,' and the stunning live track 'Why Don't You Do Right (Get Me Some Money Too).' The album is topped and tailed by a wonderful 'Just Got Lucky' (12" Mix) and a 'Johnny Friendly' (12" Mix).

JoBoxers went on to release a sophomore album, Skin and Bone in 1985, but it failed and the band split up soon thereafter. Quantified in many musical circles as One Hit Wonders re: ‘Boxerbeat,’ some would argue that ‘Just Got Lucky’s Top Ten slot removes that theory from the table. But, as all hardened journos will tell you, hand on heart, I think they would rather be remembered as One Hit Wonders re: that one truly great song.

As you can tell, this newly remastered, expanded edition of Like Gangbusters is chock full of goodies! In addition to containing all the original 7” and 12” releases and remixes of their singles, rare bsides and even a live track, this incredible 20 track strong CD release also contains the non-album hit, ‘Jealous Love’! And it also comes complete with some in-depth, truly beautiful and extensive new liner notes, that feature interviews with the newly reformed group!

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