Pop: Billy MacKenzie `Beyond the Sun' (Nude)

In life, Billy MacKenzie had the making of an icon. He achieved phenomenal influence with the Eighties pre-punk band The Associates. Roxy, Bowie and Sparks sound combined with stylish album covers and image ensured his place in the fond memories of any pop fan of the mid-Eighties and singles like "Club Country" and "Party Fears Two" are on the stereo at the slightest excuse for an Eighties flashback.

Retreat from the public eye and success as a world-class whippet trainer made his story appear like fiction. It ended in personal tragedy when, on 22 January this year, having recently signed to Nude Records and started work on a new album, Billy MacKenzie took his life.

Beyond the Sun was penned prior to this and filed away in a basement cabinet. Fortunately Nude boss, Saul Gaulpern oversaw its completion with a list of contributors who testify to the importance of MacKenzie's influence. The hauntingly melodic ballads were produced by Cocteau Twin bassist Simon Raymonde and the more up-beat tracks handled by studio maverick, Pascal Gabriel.

Although Billy MacKenzie's influence has strayed well beyond the Eighties, for many this album will remind them of the decade that invented an ego-tastic style.

Jennifer Rodger