EMF are a classic case of a combo whose definitive moment was their debut single. Released in November 1990, at the height of the Madchester scene, 'Unbelievable', with its Andrew Dice Clay sample and sneering but exuberant "you're unbelievable" hook, was a phenomenal success. It not only became a baggy anthem but also crossed over to the lucrative teen market. In short, the track went supernova, eventually climbing to number 2 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Predictably, with the current celebration of anything and everything retro, the Forest of Dean quintet have re-formed to perform a (supposedly) one-off show at the London Astoria this month. It's surely with this in mind that EMI have chosen to release a timely singles compilation.
Sadly, 'The Best Of' simply re-emphasises the fact that EMF were a one song band. 'I Believe' and 'Children', are nothing less than shameless xeroxes of 'Unbelievable' and although their 1991 debut album, 'Schubert Dip', shifted a staggering two million copies world wide, their career nosedived spectacularly from there.
In a supposed attempt to ditch their teenybopper following, the lads upped the amps to 11 and covered The Stooges proto-punk classic, 'Search And Destroy'. It worked, though possibly too well. By 1995, they were reduced to teaming up with comedians Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer for a far from chucklesome karaoke cover of The Monkees 'I'm A Believer'.
The two brand new tracks here, 'Incredible' and 'Let's Go' are, unfortunately, equally underwhelming and unlikely to reverse the band's fortunes.
Avoid. Scour the second-hand record stores for the 12" of 'Unbelievable' instead.
