Nukleopatra (25th Anniversary Edition)

With the resurgence of '80s nostalgia reaching a feverish pitch in the late '90s (ex-Culture Club reunion, package tours of '80s artists, etc.), it should come as no surprise that '80s cross-dressers Dead Or Alive have returned with Nukleopatra, their first release in over a decade. Even if the band couldn't resist including two remixes of their huge '80s smash "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)," they've made a successful transformation toward '90s dance music. Originally released on Sony Japan in 1995, the '98 U.S. reissue of Nukleopatra includes several new tracks not found on the Sony Japan version. Flamboyant singer Pete Burns has not mellowed over the years in the slightest; his vocals remain unpolished and in your face, as a dance cover of David Bowie's "Rebel Rebel" proves. Also present are a cover of Blondie's "Picture This," the opening technoid title track, and two versions of "Sex Drive" (one of which is included as a U.S.-only bonus track). ~ Greg Prato