"Eureka" (1988 Original Album) and "The Bible" (1989 Reissued Album) on Chrysalis Records by THE BIBLE (October 2012 UK Cherry Red 2CD Compilation of Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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LET'S GO CRAZY - 80ts Music On CD

Your All-Genres Guide To Exceptional CD Reissues and Remasters

Classic Albums, Compilations, 45s

All In-Depth Reviews from the Discs Themselves

Over 1,650 e-Pages of Info

(No Cut and Paste Crap)

 

"…Forgotten Faces…Lipstick Traces…"

Musically the Eighties is a much-derided decade (and in many cases warranted too). But it also had its masterpieces - "Hounds Of Love" by Kate Bush, "Steve McQueen" by Prefab Sprout, "Infected" by The The, "Passion - The Last Temptation Of Christ" by Peter Gabriel, "The Colour Of Spring" by Talk Talk and "Hats" by The Blue Nile - to name but a few.

There are many more of course (Durutti Column, Tears For Fears, The Smiths, Hall & Oates, John Hiatt, It’s Immaterial, The Silencers etc) - but I'd like to argue that one of those gems should be the beautifully melodic "Eureka" by Norwich's finest THE BIBLE from 1988 (reissued in 1989 in a different configuration as "The Bible"). 

This is a gorgeous double digital with tip-top audio from one of my fave remaster boffins – Andy Pearce. Here are the Sky Writings...

UK reissued 15 Oct 2012 - "Eureka" by THE BIBLE on Cherry Red Records CDBRED 531 (Barcode 5013929153134) is an Expanded Edition 2CD Reissue and New Remaster.

DISC 1 - THE ALBUM (48:16 minutes):

1. Skywriting [Side 1]

2. Honey Be Good

3. Skeleton Crew

4. November Brides

5. Cigarette Girls

6. White Feathers [see NOTE below]

7. Crystal Palace [Side 2]

8. The Wishing Game

9. Red Hollywood

10. Tiny Lights

11. Blues Shoes Stepping

12. Up In Smoke [see NOTE below]

NOTE: DISC 1 features the 10-track LP "Eureka" - originally released January 1988 on Chrysalis CHR 1646. As was customary for the time - the Cassette and CD versions carried bonus tracks - in this case the two were "White Feathers" and "Up In Smoke”, placed at the end of each side - Track 6 and Track 12. This CD reissue uses that MC and CD configuration. But if you prefer to place both these tracks at the end (thereby not interrupting the 10-track LP run) a simple reprogramming of this CD will allow that.

However, the story doesn't stop there. After a less than ecstatic reception from the public (despite a lot of genuinely positive press) - Chrysalis tried to re-launch the album and band the following year. They rearranging the track list of "Eureka" - gave it different artwork - and simply called it "The Bible". This new LP variant was released 25 September 1989 on Chrysalis/Ensign CHEN 12. The first track "Graceland" was a 1989 'New Version' - all others were from 1988 - a mixture of "Eureka" LP tracks and 3 non-album B-sides. This 2CD set will allow fans to sequence that 12-track LP and CD as follows...

"The Bible" - the 1989 compilation

Side 1:

1. Graceland [Disc 2/Track 7]

2. Crystal Palace [Disc 1/Track 7]

3. Honey Be Good [Disc 1/Track 2]

4. Skeleton Crew [Disc 1/Track 3]

5. Red Hollywood [Disc 1/Track 8]

6. Abraham, Martin & John [Disc 2/Track 8]

Side 2:

1. Skywriting [Disc 1/Track 1]

2. Glory Bound [Disc 2/Track 18]

3. Up In Smoke [Disc 1/Track 12]

4. Blue Shoes Stepping [Disc 1/Track 11]

5. Cigarette Girls [Disc 1/Track 5]

6. The Golden Mile [Disc 2/Track 4]

NOTE: "The Bible" LP had 12-tracks as did its CD equivalent on Chrysalis CCD 1727 - but there was a limited edition of the LP which contained a FREE 4-Track 12" Single on Chrysalis CHEN D 12. The first track of the 12" was a new Bible song followed by three beautiful cover versions - all songs done in an acoustic style. They appear on CD 2 as "The Will To Love" [Track 17], "I'm So Lonesome (I Could Cry)" [Hank Williams cover - Track 14], "Motherless Child" [Traditional Blues cover - Track 15] and "On Broadway" [Drifters cover - Track 16].

DISC 2 - BONUS TRACKS (69:19 minutes):

As was common in the 80's - each single release off an album featured as many as five formats and more (7"s, 12"s and CD Singles) - each usually with non-album songs or remixes to entice fans and collectors. And like Deacon Blue and Love And Money - The Bible's B-sides were revered as being good - and on occasion better than the A. Between the "Eureka" and "The Bible" LPs they managed five releases (with a few before that too) - so it's not surprising to see so many extras on here. They break down as follows...

1. Graceland (Remix Version)

2. High Wide And Handsome - tracks 1 and 2 were non-album tracks on the August 1986 UK 12" single of "Graceland" on Chrysalis CHS 12 3036

3. Bubblehead

4. The Golden Mile

5. The Slow Drag Down - tracks 3 to 5 were non-album tracks on the UK 12" single of "Crystal Palace" released February 1987 on Chrysalis BIBX 1.

6. Coming Of Age - a non-album track on the September 1988 German 12" single of "Honey Be Good" on Chrysalis 611 711.

7. Graceland (Extended New Version)

8. Abraham, Martin & John [Marvin Gaye cover]

9. Eureka 

10. Mayday - tracks 7 to 10 were non-album tracks on the May 1989 UK 12" single of "Graceland" on Chrysalis BIBX 4 [in Sept 1989 Track 7 also acted as the opening track for "The Bible" LP].

11. Skywriting (Alternate Version)

12. King Chicago (New Version)

13. Electric Money - tracks 11 to 13 were non-album versions on the August 1989 12" single of "Honey Be Good" on Chrysalis BIBX 5.

14. I’m So Lonesome (I Could Cry) [Hank Williams cover]

15. Motherless Child [Traditional Blues cover]

16. On Broadway [Drifters cover]

17. The Will To Love [Bible song]

Tracks 14, 15, 16 and 17 are described in the NOTE above to “The Bible” LP

18. Glorybound (New Version) - appeared on the August 1989 UK CD single of "Honey Be Good" on Chrysalis BIBCD 5 - it also featured as a track on "The Bible" 1989 LP and CD.

There's an expanded 16-page booklet with new liner notes by noted music-writer DARYL EASLEA with contributions from the band's principal songwriters BOO HEWERDINE and NEILL MacCOLL and American Country-Rock singer and Album Producer STEVE EARLE.

WHAT'S MISSING:

Packaging - the original album had a detailed inner sleeve with more of TONY SHEPPARD'S classy artwork and better still - the lyrics. Both are MIA when they shouldn't be. However, compensating for that are the new interviews, new photos of the band and a collage shot of various picture sleeves.

Songs - the February 1987 issue of "Graceland" on Chrysalis BIB 1 had non-album cuts across the 7"s and 12"s like Glory Bound (Live), Mahalia (Greg Walsh Remix), Spend Spend Spend, The Slow Drag Down (Live), Glory Bound (Live) and Walking The Ghost Back Home (Live) - all MIA. Even better would have been the sought-after Limited Edition 12" single of "Honey Be Good" on Chrysalis BIBAX 3 that featured exclusive Acoustic Versions of "Honey Be Good", "Cigarette Girls" and "King Chicago" - again MIA. None of these have ever been on CD to my knowledge - and they should have been included. Having said all that - tracks like "Coming of Age" and "Bubblehead" are superb - and for me the 4 Acoustic Tracks on "The Bible" LP FREE 12" are absolute highlights - beautifully done - so intimate.

THE MUSIC:

American Country-Rock giant STEVE EARLE produced the first 7 tracks of the album with the last 3 handled by England's PETE SMITH - "Red Hollywood", "Tiny Lights" and "Blue Shoes Stepping". Their combined polish served the songs well - nicely present but never overdone - the sound is classy and well proportioned. And ANDY PEARCE'S CD remaster brings that out.

The punch of "Skywriting" opens proceedings nicely - setting up that sophisticated Bible sound. You're then hit track after track of classy songwriting - particularly loving "Skeleton Crew" and "November Brides". Another nugget is "Cigarette Girls" which is acoustic based (one reviewer claims there's seconds missing off its beginning - but I can't for the life of me hear it - nor even see how it will even be noticed by a new listener (lyrics above)). One of my favourite sleepers on the LP is the slinky jazz feel of "Red Hollywood" - it opens with NEILL MacCOLL'S echoed guitar-work sounding not unlike David Gilmour on Pink Floyd's "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" from "Wish You Were Here". The track also features DANNY THOMPSON of PENTANGLE on Double Bass and a fantastic Trumpet break from JOHN HUCKBRIDGE half way in - absolutely superb stuff. "Tiny Lights" too is a cracker. The jaunty duo of "Crystal Palace" and "Honey Be Good" were obvious singles and I love "Blue Shoes Stepping" - ending the LP in memorable style.

To sum up - despite my minor misgivings about presentation (sloppy spelling errors too in the text) and tracks that should have been on here - I don't want to do this superb 2CD reissue by Cherry Red an injustice. "Eureka" is the kind of album you need to rediscover - a melodic cracker and something you should investigate pronto.

Like Roddy Frame of Aztec Camera, Gary Clark of Danny Wilson, James Grant of Love And Money and Paddy McAloon of Prefab Sprout - Boo Hewerdine is considered by many to be one of England's great songwriters  - his melodic tunes recorded in the last few years by top musicians like EDDI READER and KRIS DREVER. And on the evidence presented here - it's easy to see why his songs are so loved...

PS: And if you're listening Cherry Red - how about expanded CD remasters for these other Eighties meisterworks languishing in digital Limbo: "Life's Hard And Then You Die" by IT'S IMMATERIAL - "A Blues For Buddha" by THE SILENCERS - "Dumb Poet" by IMMACULATE FOOLS. I could go on if you ask me nicely...

THE BIBLE - DISCOGRAPHY

7", 12" and CD singles around the album "Eureka" and "The Bible"…

(Graceland was released 4 times)

"Graceland" – UK 12" single on Chrysalis CHS 12 3036 (August 1986)

A1: Graceland (Greg Walsh Remix)

(Original Version on the "Walking Back To The Ghost" LP/CD] [Disc 2/Track 1]

A2: Glory Bound

B: High Wide And Handsome [Disc 2/Track 2]

"Graceland" - UK 2 x 7" single pack on Chrysalis BIBG 1 (February 1987)

A: Graceland (Greg Walsh Remix) B: Glory Bound (Live)

A: Mahalia (Greg Walsh Remix) B: Spend Spend Spend

"Graceland" – UK 12" single reissue on Chrysalis BIBX 1 (February 1987)

A1: Graceland (Greg Walsh Remix) [Disc 2/Track 1]

A2: High Wide And Handsome [Disc 2/Track 2]

B1: The Slow Drag Down (Live)

B2: Glory Bound (Live)

B3: Walking The Ghost Back Home (Live)

"Crystal Palace" – UK 12" single (and CD single) on Chrysalis BIB 2 (August 1988)

A1: Crystal Palace [Disc 1/Track 7]

A2: Bubblehead [Disc 2/Track 3]

B1: The Golden Mile [Disc 2/Track 4]

B2: The Slow Drag Down [Disc 2/Track 5]

"Honey Be Good" – UK CD single on Chrysalis BIBCD 3 (Sept 1988)

1. Honey Be Good [Disc 1/Track 2]

2. White Feathers [Disc 1/Track 6]

3. Glorybound (New Version) [Disc 2/Track 18]

4. Abraham, Martin & John [Marvin Gaye cover] [Disc 2/Track 8]

"Honey Be Good" – German 12" single on Chrysalis 611 711 (September 1988)

B3: Coming Of Age [Disc 2/Track 6]

"Graceland (New Version)" – UK 12" on Chrysalis BIBX 4 (May 1989)

A1: Graceland (Extended New Version) [Disc 2/Track 7]

A2: Abraham, Martin & John [Disc 2/Track 8]

B1: Eureka [Disc 2/Track 9]

B2: Mayday [Disc 2/Track 10]

NOTE: The 1989 remake of "Graceland" turns up twice on this 2CD set – the 7" mix of 'New Version' at 3: 51 minutes is on Disc 2/Track 18 and the 12" 'Extended New Version' at 4:17 minutes is on Disc 2/Track 7.

"Honey Be Good" – UK 12" Single on Chrysalis BIBX 5 (August 1989)

A1: Honey Be Good

A2: Skywriting (Alternate Version)

B1: King Chicago (New Version)

B2: Electric Money

"Honey Be Good" – UK 12" Single on Chrysalis BIBAX 5 (August 1989)

A1: Honey Be Good

A2: I’m So Lonesome (I Could Cry) [Hank Williams cover]

B1: Motherless Child [Traditional Blues cover]

B2: On Broadway [Drifters cover]

"Honey be Good" – UK CD single on Chrysalis BIBCD 5 (August 1989)

1. Honey Be Good

2. King Chicago (New Version)

3. Crystal Palace (Alternate Version)

4. On Broadway [Drifters cover]

“Raintown” by DEACON BLUE. A Review Of Their 1987 Debut Album – Now Remastered And Expanded Into A 3CD/1DVD 2012 Reissue on Edsel Of The UK.

This link will bring you to the right issue to buy on Amazon UK:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B008XZTPZ0

“…The Wonder Of It All…”

Named after the last track on Side 1 of Steely Dan's 1977 masterpiece "Aja" – Scottish Soul-Rock band DEACON BLUE signed to CBS Records and released their superlatively melodic debut album "Raintown" in the Spring of 1987 – and it's now part of a massive full catalogue reissue campaign by Edsel Records of the UK (see list below). Here are the finite details...

Released 22 Oct 2012 in the UK (16 Oct 2012 in the USA) as a 3CD/1DVD mini hardback book set - Edsel EDSJ 9002 breaks down as follows:

Disc 1 (76:58 minutes)

Tracks 1 to 11 are the album "Raintown" released May 1987 on CBS 450549 (1, 4 and 2 after the catalogue number for LP, MC and CD).

Tracks 12 to 21 are BONUS TRACKS. The "Raintown" album was re-released in August 1988 on CBS 450549 0 with a BONUS LP inside called "Riches" (XPR 1361). "Riches" contained non-album sides from their first four releases - "Dignity" on CBS DEAC 1 (Track 17), "Loaded" on CBS DEAC 2 (Tracks 12 and 13), "When Will You (Make My Telephone Ring)?" on CBS DEAC 3 (Tracks 14 and 18) and "Dignity – A Brand New Recording" - a 2nd issue on CBS DEAC 4 (Tracks 15, 16, 19 and 20).

Disc 2 (63:38 minutes):

Tracks 1 to 15 are non-album sides from all formats for "Loaded" (CBS DEAC 2 - Track 2), "When Will You (Make My Telephone Ring)?" (1st issue on CBS DEAC 3 – Tracks 3 and 4), "Dignity – A Brand New Recording" (CBS DEAC 4 – Tracks 1, 5 and 6), "When Will You (Make My Telephone Ring)?" (2nd issue on CBS DEAC 5 – Tracks 7, 8 and 9) and "Chocolate Girl" (CBS DEAC 6 – Tracks 10 to 15)

Disc 3 (47:02 minutes):

Tracks 1 to 13 are all of the Bonus Tracks that came with the 2CD Legacy issue of "Raintown" in 2005 (Disc 2) – they're mostly live versions and demos

DVD contains 6 Promo Videos - "Dignity – Version 1", "Loaded", "Dignity – Version 2", "When Will You (Make My Telephone Ring)", "Dignity – US Version" and "Chocolate Girl".

The PHIL KINRADE remaster doesn't seem to have messed with the original that much - it's just punchier – lovely clarity on each track - and thankfully the whole thing is devoid of the bombastic Eighties production that accompanied 1989's more commercial "When The World Knows Your Name" (see separate review). The album opens slowly with the mournful "Born In A Storm" followed by the uptempo synths of "Raintown". Songs like "Ragman", "Dignity" and the longing of "Love's Great Fears" are all good too - but for me the real magic begins with "He Looks Like Spencer Tracy Now" – a gorgeous floating melody that still sounds contemporary to this day. "Loaded" was the 2nd single off the album in June 1987 – a superbly soulful song. Its followed by two more singles - the pleading "When Will You (Make My Telephone Ring)?" (lyrics from it title this review) and the so pretty "Chocolate Girl". And one of my other favourites ends the album on a high note with great vocal work from principal songwriter and lead singer Ricky Ross – "Town To Be Blamed". A smouldering debut album that defined their sound - and one that fans love…

BONUS MATERIAL.

There was a time when DEACON BLUE 12" and CD singles used to go for real money precisely because their non-album sides were considered to be so good - and in some cases - better than what was on the album. Listening to "Riches" and Disc 2 especially - it's easy to hear why. There are fantastic tracks on here in upgraded sound quality – the mournful "Shifting Sands", their live cover of Van Morrison's sublime "Angeliou", the guitar jaunt of "Suffering", the wallop of "Ronnie Spector" and the superb uptempo spelling song "S.H.A.R.O.N." which could easily have another album A-side.

Downsides - as fans felt in 2005 – the bonus disc of the Legacy Edition (Disc 3 essentially) lets the side down terribly – unremarkable live versions and dismissible demos. But as with the "When The World Knows Your Name" reissue (their 2nd LP from 1989 that saw them go to Number 1 in the UK - see separate review) - these are minor quibbles in what is an astonishing overview of a great album.

As you can see in the list provided below, Edsel have done Deluxe Editions on their whole catalogue and more - and they're to be praised for these superb presentations pitched at a more than reasonable price. Coming after the questionable and hugely disappointing reissue of Peter Gabriel's "So" which offers bugger all to long-suffering fans - this is one of those rare occasions where quality and quantity make good bedfellows.

There’s a newspaper clipping on Page 17 of the booklet that reviews a dual concert in Aldwych King's College shared by THE BIBLE and DEACON BLUE (just reviewed The Bible's fab "Eureka" from 1988). Now there's a gig I would have sold my 'dinghy' and my 'dignity' for…

PS: the DEACON BLUE titles is this 2012 series are

1. "Raintown" (1987) - Deluxe 3CD/1DVD Edition on Edsel EDSJ 9002

2. "When The World Knows Your Name" (1989) - Deluxe 3CD/1DVD Edition on Edsel EDSJ 9003 [see REVIEW]

3. "Fellow Hoodlums" (1991) - Deluxe 2CD/1DVD Edition on Edsel EDSG 8021

4. "Whatever You Say, Say Nothing" ((1993) = Deluxe 2CD/1DVD Edition on Edsel EDSG 8022

5. "Homesick" (2001) - 1CD Expanded Edition on Edsel EDSA 5015

6. "The Rest" (2012 Compilation) - Deluxe 2CD/1DVD Edition on Edsel EDSG 8023

7. "The Hipsters" (2012 New Album) - Edsel DEACON 001

“Fever Pitch”. A Review Of The 1997 Film – Now Reissued On A 2012 BLU RAY.

This link will bring you to Blu Ray on Amazon UK to buy:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007E88MUQ

"...The Problem With Life…Is That It Keeps Interfering With The Football..."

The BLU RAY picture quality on "Fever Pitch" is surprisingly good - even beautiful in places - fans walking away from the London Highbury grounds - Colin Firth as Paul sat in a car at night waiting for his girl Sarah. And it's clean for the whole viewing too. I can tell you it never looked this fresh on DVD...

Mark Strong and Ruth Gemmell are particularly good as Steve the long-suffering mate and Sarah the posh totty hapless Paul fancies. Bea Guard is luminous as Sarah’s friend and confidante in love. And even with his dreadful curly hair - Colin First exudes effortless charm as Paul Ashworth - an English teacher who has read Byron and is therefore not a Neanderthal. In fact given the general childishness of his character - Firth does well to win our hearts. With his Arsenal boxer shorts and constant babbling about the life-affirming importance of English Soccer - even if he is a bit of a klutz 99% of the time - we like him precisely because he is a nice guy - and deep down – Sarah knows it. She just wishes he’d take his head out of the weekly score sheets and be a responsible adult every now and then – especially when she sees the colour blue displayed on another piece of kit – and were not talking about her away outfit…

There are also some nicely observed points about fathers and sons being able to bond on a common subject (Neal Pearson and Luke Aikman) - the tribe mentality as fans walk to and from the game. And that moment when you walk up the concrete steps to the terraces themselves - the pitch in front of you - the crowd's roar - when a live football game can feel like a magical Rock Concert every Saturday afternoon.

And when it finally comes to the end-of-season Arsenal Vs Spurs game on the 26th of May 1989 - the goal by Thomas that seals it for Arsenal in the final seconds sets up the great voice of Van Morrison as the local community pours out onto the streets of London in a frenzy - Champions at last... 

It's pure cinematic joy...

In truth - the football-obsession stuff might test the patience of too many women - but "Fever Pitch" is that rare beast - a small movie with a big heart - and the actors to do Nick Hornby's witty and observant script the justice it deserves.

More to the point - if you're a fan of the movie you NEED to see it on BLU RAY. I've found this with a lot of the Channel 4 movies reissued on the format - despite how bad they look in standard def trailers - when you get to see the BR itself you find that someone has cleaned the print and given the movie a whole new lease of life. See my review for "Brassed Off" too...

A very, very good transfer onto BLU RAY then - and with full screen aspect too (no bars top or bottom).

Great fun and recommended like that Gunners tattoo on the left cheek of Margaret Thatcher's arse...

“When The World Knows Your Name” by DEACON BLUE (October 2012 Edsel 3CD/1DVD Deluxe Edition Reissue) - A Review by Mark Barry...

*** THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE 2012 REISSUE ***

"...This Train Is Full Of Songs..."

Named after the last track on Side 1 of Steely Dan's 1977 masterpiece "Aja" - 1989 was a breakthrough year for the Scottish Soul-Rock band DEACON BLUE. Following on from the promise and songwriting sophistication of their 1987 major-label debut "Raintown" - their bombastic 2nd album "When The World Knows Your Name" delivered them a deserved Number 1 slot in the UK album charts in the Spring of that explosive year.

Featuring a truckload of hit singles (5) and a flashy gatefold sleeve with a lavish inner - this was CBS telling the world they believed in their boys and girl. And they were right too. Even now on this superb 2012 comprehensive Edsel reissue - the album still sounds incredibly confident (if not a little dated production-wise). Here are the finite details...

Released 22 Oct 2012 in the UK (16 Oct 2012 in the USA) as a 3CD/1DVD mini hardback book set - "When The World Knows You Name" by DEACON BLUE on Edsel EDSJ 9003 (Barcode 740155900335) breaks down as follows:

Disc 1 (78:04 minutes):

1.     Queen Of The New Year [Side 1]

2.     Wages Day

3.     Real Gone Kid

4.     Love And Regret

5.     Circus Lights

6.     This Changing Light

7.     Sad Loved Girl

8.     Fergus Sings The Blues [Side 2]

9.     The World Is Lit By Lightning

10.  Silhouette

11.  One Hundred Things

12.  Your Constant Heart

13.  Orphans

Tracks 1 to 13 are the album "When The World Knows Your Name" released April 1989 on CBS 463321 (1, 4 and 2 after the catalogue number for LP, MC and CD).

BONUS TRACKS:

14. Real Gone Kid (Extended 12” Version)

15. Little Lincoln

16. Born Again

17. It’s Not Funny Anymore

Tracks 14 to 17 are non-album sides from the "Real Gone Kid” UK 7”, 12”and CD single formats on CBS Records DEAC 7

18. Wages Day (Extended 12” Version)

19. Take Me To The Place

20. Take The Saints Away

Tracks 18 to 20 are non-album sides from the “Wages Day” UK 7”, 12” and CD Single on CBS Records DEAC 8

Disc 2 (62:42 minutes):

BONUS TRACKS

1. Trampoline

2. Fergus Sings The Blues (Extended 12” Version)

3. Long Window To Love

4. London A – Z

5. Back Here In Beanoland

6. Love And Regret (Extended 12” Version)

7. Down In The Flood

8. Undeveloped Heart

9. Love And Regret/It’s All In The Game (Live)

10. Spanish Moon/Down In The Flood (Live)

11. Dark End Of The Street (Live)

12. When Will You (Make My Telephone Ring)? (Live)

13. Down in The Flood (Minimal Mix)

Tracks 1 to 13 are more non-album sides from all formats for "Wages Day", "Fergus Sings The Blues" and "Love And Regret" on CBS Records DEAC 8 [track 1], DEAC 9 [tracks 2 to 5] and DEAC 10 [tracks 6 to 13]

Disc 3 (69:26 minutes):

BONUS TRACKS

1. Queen Of The New Year (Extended 12” Version)

2. My America

3. Las Vegas

4. Sad Loved Girl (Long Version)

5. Circus Light (Acoustic Version)

6. Queen Of The New Year (Live)

7. Chocolate Girl (Live)

8. Undeveloped Heart (Live)

9. Town To Be Blamed (Live)

Tracks 1 to 9 are more non-album sides and versions from "Queen Of The New Year" on varying formats of CBS Records DEAC 11

10. Love You Say

11. Let Your Hearts Be Troubled

12. Is It Cold Beneath The Hill?

13. Killing The Blues

14. Gentle Teardrops

15. That Country

16. Christine

Tracks 10 to 16 first appeared on the 2LP/2CD compilation album "Ooh Las Vegas" in September 1990 [reached Number 2 on the UK LP charts]. It featured "When The World Knows Your Name" outtakes and other unreleased material.

DVD (NTSC) contains 6 Promo Videos - "Real Gone Kid" Version 1 and 2", "Wages Day", "Fergus Sings The Blues", "Love And Regret" and "Queen Of The New Year".

The album opens strongly with "Queen Of The New Year" and just never lets up - hit and after hit. But I particularly like the lesser-heard "Joshua Tree" feel to "Circus Lights" and the Talking Heads jaunt of "Silhouette" combining so well with the unexpected loveliness of "Sad Loved Girl" and "Orphans" (lyrics from it title this review) showing the band actually had real soul amidst all the pop. Mark Feltham of Nine Below Zero adds great harmonica backing to "Love And Regret" and while RICKY ROSS seems to grab the lion's share of the songwriting limelight - keyboardist JAMES PRIME is due an honorary mention too - especially for "Fergus Sings The Blues" and the truly gorgeous "Sad Loved Girl". The PHIL KINRADE remaster doesn't seem to have messed with the original that much - it's just punchier. Superb B-sides "Little Lincoln" and the happy vibe of "Born Again" have benefitted from that sonic upgrade. In fact "Born Again" could easily have been another hit single - "...Feel like a new man...with the whole world in my hand...ooh babe...I'm born again..." Those lyrics must have felt true to Ricky Ross and Lorraine McIntosh back in 1989 - as the songs flowed like wine.

BONUS MATERIAL.

There was a time when DEACON BLUE 12" and CD singles used to go for real money precisely because their non-album sides were considered to be so good - and in some cases - better than what was on the album (with all its need to be commercial). Listening to Disc 2 and 3 - it's easy to hear why. There is some amazing stuff on here - "London A to Z" and "Back Here In Beanoland" while the 'Long Version' of "Sad Loved Girl" running to 3:17 is truly gorgeous stuff - as opposed to the album cut which is a snippet at 1:11 minutes. The only real dogs on here are the extended 12" mixes which all sport the usual Eighties excesses that now sound so unlistenable.

Another downer for me is the uber-polished Eighties production which drenches everything is super-slick sound and huge drums. Tracks like "The World Is Hit By Lightning" seems to want to hit you with instrument pop-ups every few seconds instead of concentrating on getting an actual song out. In fact I've found that many remastered 1980's albums are like this - there's something about the way they were recorded that gives a subsequent remaster a slightly disjointed feel to the whole sound stage. A personal opinion but one worth mentioning...

But these are minor quibbles in what is an astonishing overview of a great album. As you can see in the list provided below, Edsel have done Deluxe Editions on their whole catalogue and more - and they're to be praised for these superb presentations pitched at a more than reasonable price. Coming after the questionable and hugely disappointing reissue of Peter Gabriel's "So" which offers bugger all to long-suffering fans - this is one of those rare occasions where quality and quantity make good bedfellows.

In "Fergus Sings The Blues" Ricky Ross sings "...Can this white man sing the blues?"

Hell yes is the answer. And his band played a blinder too...

The 2012 Series of DEACON BLUE UK CD Reissues on EDSEL are:

1. "Raintown" (1987 Debut Album)

Deluxe 3CD/1DVD Edition on Edsel EDSJ 9002 (Barcode 740155900236)

2. "When The World Knows Your Name" (1989)

Deluxe 3CD/1DVD Edition on Edsel EDSJ 9003 (Barcode 740155900335)

3. "Fellow Hoodlums" (1991)

Deluxe 2CD/1DVD Edition on Edsel EDSG 8021 (Barcode 740155802134)

4. "Whatever You Say, Say Nothing" (1993)

Deluxe 2CD/1DVD Edition on Edsel EDSG 8022 (Barcode 740155802233)

5. "Homesick" (2001)

1CD Expanded Edition with 7 Bonus on Edsel EDSA 5015 (Barcode 740155501532)

6. "The Rest" (2012 Compilation)

Deluxe 2CD/1DVD Edition on Edsel EDSG 8023 (Barcode 740155802232)

7. "The Hipsters" (2012 New Album) - Edsel DEACON 001 (Barcode 5014797138681)