MY love of Alison Moyet's songs stretches back more years than I care to remember to a sweaty little nondescript gig at Warwick University's student union.

Sandwiched, as she was, between appearances by an up-and-coming Welsh band called the Manic Street Preachers, chuntering on about something to do with a motorbike, and tribute act the Australian Doors, you could have forgiven the sultry songstress for treating the booking with the contempt it possibly deserved.

Instead, Moyet was the epitome of wit and charm, casting a spell over the gathered miscreants posing as an audience with a stunning set mixed with classics and new material. When she participated in banter with to the awe-struck spotty students, she quipped most of her band weren't even born when she was belting out the requested Yazoo hit. And it's easy to forget what a long and distinguished career Moyet has had.

The aforementioned duo paved the way for a glittering solo career, albeit blighted in part by legal wranglings with her record company.

Undeterred, Moyet managed to break the shackles of her contractual restraints to record some of the finest solo albums of the era, and songs like All Cried Out and Love Resurrection are embedded in the collective national psyche.

Now, these little gems have been encased in new BMG Records deluxe releases of albums Alf, Raindancing, Hoodoo and Essex for the listening public's delectation. And how they shimmer and shine.

With some new versions of old favourites, live and previously unreleased material complementing the original LPs, these are an absolute must for any fan of carefully crafted pop classics. The extensive sleevenotes feature new interviews with Alison, curator notes, lyrics and rare photographs.

There's soul and passion in abundance, and Moyet's voice stands the test of time. It is both deep and meaningful, making here back catalogue nothing short of a national treasure.