Nik Kershaw • No Frills

I was a huge fan of Nik Kershaw in the 1980s, when his first two albums, 'Human Racing' and 'The Riddle', brought him to international attention on the strength of great singles and music videos. While he didn't make a sizable impact on the US Billboard charts, I first saw his videos on MTV, and quickly became a fan. I was so excited to see him play on Live Aid, playing at Wembley Stadium in London to a huge crowd, as well as the incredible television viewers. He fit in so nicely with my preoccupation with Howard Jones, The Police, and U2. Nik was a big Pop star in the UK, with his dashing good looks wrapped in New Wave fashions, making some great music.

Top: Nik is the 1980s. Bottom: Nik today.

So when Nik released his 2010 album, 'No Frills (Solo Acoustic)', I was excited to hear his new take on some of the songs I still hold close to my heart. The intent behind the album seemed to be recording the tracks as Kershaw would play them in an acoustic set, on his own. And I will begin with the first song I remember by Nik, "Wouldn't It Be Good". The song, off his debut album 'Human Racing', was the first of his songs to make it to the Billboard Hot 100. The original music video was this interesting combination of Film Noir and SciFi, and that amazing technicolor raincoat. Twenty-six years later, Nik re-imagined the song for his acoustic collection, and it is a beautiful thing.

Kershaw had another hit that was making it into the Billboard chart. "The Riddle", the title cut off the album released in late 1984, had an imaginative music video that was more 'Alice In Wonderland' than anything else. Much was made of the song, for the lyrics often seemed more stream-of-consciousness or drug induced than anything else. Nik himself went on to say "'The Riddle' is nonsense, rubbish, bollocks, the confused ramblings of an 80's popstar." So it would be interesting to hear the new version, wouldn't it? I did, and have to say, it is amazing.

Finally, I think "Don Quixote" is one of my all-time favorite songs by Kershaw. The third single off 'The Riddle' had this great guitar driving it, and an interesting vision of the Don Quixote story. It played with rhythms, not sounding like a Pop song at all.

I have to be honest, and admit I love the 'No Frills (Solo Acoustic)' album. It is an amazing addition to my collection, and I play it all the time. To learn more about Nik Kershaw, visit his official website. He can also be found on Facebook and Twitter. You can purchase 'No Frills Solo Acoustic)' on iTunes and Amazon.

Nik Kershaw • Human Racing Re-Release

I couldn't help but be excited when I heard that Universal Music was going to offer a new release of Nik Kershaw 1984 debut, Human Racing. The album, went to #4 on the album charts in the UK, and made Kershaw a voice to be heard in the US as well. The re-release was made on 27th Feb 2012 in the UK, and it looks like it will be on 3 March 2012 in the US. Here is how it is described in a news release I received.

Universal Music Catalogue’s new “Re-presents” label takes well known and loved albums from decades gone and quite literally re-presents them in a fresh, new form. This new 2CD Nik Kershaw package includes the original album as it was in its entirety, and comes crammed full of exciting material including original B-sides, alternative mixes, extended versions and edits – many of which have never before appeared on CD. It’s a sure way to whet the appetites of seasoned fans and new discoverers to these classic records.



Human Racing was released in February 1984. The first of four albums recorded for MCA records, it achieved platinum sales and a nomination for Best Album at the 1985 Brit Awards. Its release was greeted by a combination of teen hysteria, critical acclaim and praise from the likes of Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton and prompted Elton John to call Kershaw “one of the best songwriters of a generation.”

Here is the video for the huge hit, Wouldn't It Be Good.



This special 2CD edition, compiled by Nik himself, features the album, digitally re-mastered from the original 1/2” mix tapes and associated 12” mixes and B-sides. It includes a previously unreleased version of Bogart, a special brass mix of Shame on You and a live version of Cloak and Dagger recorded at the Hammersmith Odeon. None of the material on CD2 has ever before been available in a digital format and the booklet contains a brand new sleeve note written by Nik.

See, there is reason to get excited. While the first CD has has the songs from the original Human Racing, which is listed above on the back cover, the 2nd CD has totally new material. This includes some extended mixes of his most popular songs, as well as amazing live performances.

To purchase Human Racing 2012, visit your favorite music websites. I know here in the States, my Amazon link won't be available until March 6, but you can pre-order now! For more information about Nik Kershaw and his music, visit his official website here.