Lizzy Mercier Descloux

Lizzy Mercier Descloux was a staple amidst New York’s late ’70s no wave scene, rubbing shoulders with Patti Smith and Tom Verlaine, among others. By the end of the ’70s, Descloux was emerging on her own with a fresh new, danceable sound that later became as close to New York party life as yellow cabs, and which has been since revitalised by the likes of DFA as the dance punk sound. Best Off compiles the best of Descloux’s recorded output, providing a solid introduction to her laidback world beat meets new wave style. Her cover of Arthur Brown’s "Fire” is still as potent and hip today as it must have been in 1979, as is her cover of the "Mission Impossible” theme song and Bob Marley’s "Sun Is Shining.” Descloux’s own material fairs slightly less, since her own songwriting never really took off creatively (she was more adept at arranging rhythms than writing hooks) and by about half-way through this chronologically arranged compilation slips into outdated and often cheesy territory, but not before Best Off establishes Descloux’s place in the annals of club cool.