Eighties’ best 100 redux: #86 Public Image Ltd. “Rise” (1986)

At song #86, we’ve got “Rise” by John Lydon’s (aka Johnny Rotten) other band, Public Image Ltd (or PiL).

Fans of the band might call this pick an obvious choice because it was one of PiL’s biggest hits and one of their more accessible tunes. To be frank, I’ve never considered myself a fan of either of John Lydon’s bands. I get that both are groundbreaking (though PiL was around infinitely longer than The Sex Pistols, their influence is not quite as wide-reaching) but they’re both bands that I could never get into. So why did this song make it to my top 100? Let me tell you a story.

I got a hold of the very excellent alternative 80s box set, “Left of the dial” by Rhino records, a number of years ago and began listening to it with only a cursory scan at the track listing. The compilation is filled with a nice mix of songs I already loved, songs that were new to me, and lost nuggets. One of these nuggets came upon me towards the end of the third disc. I can’t remember what I was doing at the time (I might’ve been at work) but I had instant recall at the song’s first few notes and was bopping along to the groove (yes, I just said “groove”) so much so that I had to check to see who it was. To say I was surprised to see it was Public Image Ltd. is an understatement but it made total sense once I got over the shock. I think what sets “Rise” apart from the others for me is the juxtaposition of Lydon’s discordant vocals with the melodic, almost singalong background vocals.

I shortly thereafter went back to listen PiL’s greatest hits album to see if maybe they’re a band I just didn’t get at the time but could only make it halfway through the disc. So I still wasn’t a fan at the time but I did and do love this song. Maybe it’s time to give them another go.

Original Eighties best 100 position: #84

Favourite lyric: “They put a hot wire to my head / ‘Cos of the things I did and said / And made these feelings go away / Model citizen in every way” John Lydon: rebel with a cause.

Where are they now?: Public Image Ltd. reformed with a new lineup in 2009 and released “This is PiL” in 2012, their first album of new material in 20 years. This was followed by album reissues, a new compilation, further touring, and two albums of new material, including last year’s “End of world”.

For the rest of the Eighties’ best 100 redux list, click here.