Author: Paul Sinclair

David Bowie / Ziggy Stardust: The Motion Picture 50th anniversary edition

Posted on by Paul Sinclair

The ‘Motion Picture Soundtrack’ to David Bowie’s last gig as Ziggy Stardust will be reissued for the 50th anniversary in July.

Bowie retired his alter-ego on 3 July 1973, at London’s Hammersmith Odeon, and the show was filmed by D.A. Pennebaker who captured the evening’s events, including Bowie’s famous speech just before the final encore, ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide’, where he revealed that he was retiring the Ziggy Stardust persona. The announcement shocked and surprised everyone, including members of his own band!

The film and the audio recording were mothballed for a decade as Bowie was keen to leave Ziggy behind, but once he left RCA for EMI in 1982 the label (RCA) were free to release it without worrying about was David did or didn’t want to do, and that’s exactly what happened in 1983. Suspecting this would happen, Tony Visconti and Bowie mixed the audio in 1981 so they at least had some input on how it would sound when released.

David Bowie / Ziggy Stardust: The Motion Picture 50th anniversary
2CD+blu-ray edition for 2023 (click image to enlarge)

It took almost another decade for this live album to be released on CD, when Rykodisc issued it towards the end of their Sound + Vision reissue campaign of the early Nineties. Unlike most of Ryko’s other Bowie reissues, there were no bonus tracks.

Ten years after that EMI released what was then a 30th anniversary 2CD set, with audio newly mixed by Visconti. The concert film was also issued on DVD with a 5.1 surround sound mix.

For this new 50th anniversary reissue, the soundtrack has been newly remastered and finally includes the medley of ‘The Jean Genie/Love Me Do’ and ‘Round And Round’ featuring Jeff Beck. These additions have been newly mixed by Tony Visconti. The film has also been digitally restored by D.A.’s son, Frazer Pennebaker and will be issued on blu-ray and will be shown at over 1000 cinemas worldwide during July 2023.

2LP pressed on gold-coloured vinyl (click image to enlarge)

In terms of formats, a 2CD+blu-ray edition brings together film and audio, while a 2LP set is pressed on gold-coloured vinyl. There’s a 2CD set (without the blu-ray) as well. The 5.1 mix on the blu-ray is the same as the 2003 DVD except for the two new tracks which are obviously newly mixed.

Ziggy Stardust: The Motion Picture will be reissued on 11 August 2023.

Compare prices and pre-order

David Bowie

Ziggy Stardust Motion Picture - 2CD+blu-ray

Shop Price gbp Stock
Amazon uk   33.65 Order
Amazon de   64.99 Order
Amazon usa   29.99 Order
Amazon es   41.49 Order
Amazon ca   61.38 Order
JPC de   36.99 Order
Currency:

Tracklisting

David Bowie / Ziggy Stardust: The Motion Picture 50th anniversary

Ziggy Stardust: The Motion Picture Soundtrack David Bowie /

    • CD 1
      1. Introduction Part 1
      2. Hang On To Yourself
      3. Ziggy Stardust
      4. Watch That Man
      5. Wild Eyed Boy From Freecloud
      6. All The Young Dudes
      7. Oh! You Pretty Things
      8. Moonage Daydream
      9. Changes
      10. Space Oddity
      11. My Death
    • CD 2
      1. Cracked Actor 
      2. Time
      3. The Width Of A Circle
      4. Let’s Spend the Night Together
      5. Suffragette City
      6. White Light/White Heat
      7. Medley: The Jean Genie / Love Me Do / The Jean Genie (feat. Jeff Beck)
      8. Round And Round (feat. Jeff Beck)
      9. Farewell Speech
      10. Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide 
    • blu-ray
      1. Opening Credits/Introduction 
      2. Hang On To Yourself
      3. Ziggy Stardust
      4. Watch That Man
      5. Wild Eyed Boy From Freecloud
      6. All The Young Dudes
      7. Oh! You Pretty Things
      8. Moonage Daydream
      9. Changes
      10. Space Oddity
      11. My Death 
      12. Cracked Actor 
      13. Time
      14. The Width Of A Circle
      15. Let’s Spend the Night Together
      16. Suffragette City
      17. White Light/White Heat
      18. Medley: The Jean Genie / Love Me Do / The Jean Genie (feat. Jeff Beck)
      19. Round And Round (feat. Jeff Beck)
      20. Farewell Speech
      21. Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide 
      22. End Credits

Wishbone Ash / Argus 50th anniversary edition

Posted on by Paul Sinclair

Wishbone Ash’s 1972 album Argus was recently reissued as a 50th anniversary box set.

Featuring a heady blend of prog rock, folk and hard rock, Argus is band’s biggest selling album, and tracks include ‘Blowin’ Free’, ‘The King Will Come’, ‘Time Was’, ‘Warrior’ and ‘Throw Down The Sword’.

The seven-disc box set features the following content:

  • 3 CDs: Martin Turner’s Argus remaster, Live at The Alexandra Palace 1973 & Memphis 1972. Also features four previously unreleased early version demos.
  • 2 vinyl LPs: Original Argus replica, remastered for this release + Argus Live (selected recordings from Alexandra Palace & Memphis). 
  • DVD: French & Swiss TV footage, Live from the Rainbow 1973 & RTS Broadcast from 1974.
  • 7” Single of ‘Blowin’ Free’.

The package comes with a 48-page book with rare photographs and extensive liner notes with contributions from Andy Powell, Martin Turner & Steve Upton.

This 50th anniversary box set of Argus is out now via Madfish.

Argus 50th anniversary box set (click to enlarge)

Tracklisting

Wishbone Ash / Argus 50th anniversary box set

Argus Wishbone Ash / 50th anniversary box set

    • Vinyl LP: Argus
      Side A
      1. Time Was (9:43)
      2. Sometime World (6:55)
      3. Blowin` Free (5:18)
      Side B
      1. The King Will Come (7:05)
      2. Leaf And Stream (3:55)
      3. Warrior (5:53)
      4. Throw Down The Sword (5:55)
    • CD: Argus
      1. Time Was (9:43)
      2. Sometime World (6:55)
      3. Blowin` Free (5:18)
      4. The King Will Come (7:05)
      5. Leaf And Stream (3:55)
      6. Warrior (5:53)
      7. Throw Down The Sword (5:55)
      Bonus tracks
      1. Time Was Demo (10:06)
      2. The King Will Come Demo (6:35)
      3. Warrior Demo (5:32)
      4. Throw Down The Sword Demo (4:35)
    • 7″ single
      1. No Easy Road 1972 Single Version (3:35)
      2. Blowin’ Free 1972 Single Version (3:55)
    • Vinyl LP: Argus Live
      Side A
      1. Blowin` Free (Live at Alexandra Palace 22.12.73) 5:47
      2. Sometime World (Live at Alexandra Palace 22.12.73) 8:32
      Side B
      1. Time Was (Memphis Radio Broadcast 21.08.1972) 6:54
      2. Warrior (Memphis Radio Broadcast 21.08.1972) 5:47
      3. Blowin` Free (Memphis Radio Broadcast 21.08.1972) 5:25
    • CD: Live at Alexandra Palace
      1. Blowin` Free (Live at Alexandra Palace 22.12.73) 5:47
      2. Jail Bait (Live at Alexandra Palace 22.12.73) 7:28
      3. No Easy Road (Live at Alexandra Palace 22.12.73) 4:53
      4. Baby What You Want Me To Do (Live at Alexandra Palace 22.12.73) 6:26
      5. Sometime World (Live at Alexandra Palace) 22.12.73 8:32
      6. The Pilgrim (Live at Alexandra Palace 22.12.73) 11:36
      7. Where Were You Tomorrow (Live at Alexandra Palace 22.12.73) 10:58
      8. End Announcement (Live at Alexandra Palace 22.12.73) 1:33
    • CD: Memphis 1972
      1. Time Was (Memphis Radio Broadcast 21.08.1972) 6:54
      2. Blowin` Free (Memphis Radio Broadcast 21.08.1972) 5:25
      3. Jail Bait (Memphis Radio Broadcast 21.08.1972) 4:56
      4. Warrior (Memphis Radio Broadcast 21.08.1972) 5:47
      5. The Pilgrim (Memphis Radio Broadcast 21.08.1972) 10:08
      6. Phoenix (Memphis Radio Broadcast 21.08.1972) 17:01
      7. Blind Eye (Memphis Radio Broadcast 21.08.1972) 4:17
    • DVD: French and Swiss TV Footage
      1. Blowin` Free – Introduction French TV INA 24.2.73 – Live from the Rainbow 00:03:44
      2. Backstage Interview 1 French TV INA 24.2.73 – Live from the Rainbow 00:02:38
      3. The Pilgrim French TV INA 24.2.73 – Live from the Rainbow 00:09:05
      4. Backstage Interview 2 French TV INA 24.2.73 – Live from the Rainbow 00:01:43
      5. End of Phoenix French TV INA 24.2.73 – Live from the Rainbow 00:06:25
      6. Jail Bait – Intro btb (RTS) Swiss 5.1.1974 00:01:18
      7. Warrior btb (RTS) Swiss 5.1.1974 00:05:32
      8. Blowin` Free btb (RTS) Swiss 5.1.1974 00:04:57
      9. Snippet of Phoenix – Outro btb (RTS) Swiss 5.1.1974 00:03:17

Bob Dylan’s Shadow Kingdom reviewed

Posted on by Paul Sinclair

It’s a great time to be a Bob Dylan fan. Over the past few years, we’ve been treated to a masterful studio album, 2020’s Rough and Rowdy Ways, some essential official Bootleg Series releases, like Springtime In New York and January 2023’s Fragments: Time Out of Mind Sessions, superb live performances and a mysterious, stylised, and brilliant ‘concert’ film, Shadow Kingdom: The Early Songs of Bob Dylan.

Directed by the Israeli-American Alma Har’el, Shadow Kingdom appeared on the Veeps live streaming service in May 2021, to tie-in with Dylan’s 80th birthday. Viewers had to pay $25 to view the show, which was available to rewatch for only 48 hours before it disappeared.

This moody, arty, black and white performance by Dylan and his masked band was supposedly set in the fictitious and smoky dive bar, the Bon Bon Club, in Marseille, France, but, in reality, it was filmed on a soundstage in Santa Monica, California over a week in 2021, when the pandemic put the brakes on Dylan’s Never Ending Tour.

That wasn’t the only strange thing about the critically-acclaimed Shadow Kingdom – it wasn’t really a concert at all, as the musicians, including Shahzad Ismaily on accordion, and Big Thief guitarist, Buck Meek, were miming to pre-recorded backing tracks, and Dylan aside, the band who were credited in the film didn’t actually appear on the soundtrack. Well, he did once write a song called ‘Mixed Up Confusion….’

Now, shortly after Dylan’s 82nd birthday, which was on 24 May this year, we’ve been treated to an official release of the songs on Shadow Kingdom.

This soundtrack album, which is available on CD and double LP – the fourth side of the vinyl version is etched rather than including any music – features the 13 songs from the film and an atmospheric instrumental piece called ‘Sierra’s Theme’, which played over the film’s closing credits and sounds like ‘All Along The Watchtower’ rewritten for a cowboy movie.

The mystery surrounding Shadow Kingdom continues, as the musicians who performed on the album aren’t credited in the sleeve notes, but there’s speculation that Dylan’s band included Jeff Taylor (accordion), Greg Leisz (pedal steel guitar, mandolin), Tim Pierce, T-Bone Burnett, Ira Ingber (guitars) and Don Was (upright bass).

What we can be certain of is the quality of the music and the performances, which lean heavily on acoustic guitar, upright bass and accordion – there are no drums or piano, but Dylan adds a touch of harmonica here and there.

Although the Shadow Kingdom film was described as ‘The Early Songs of Bob Dylan’, confusingly, it doesn’t include anything from his first four albums. These reworkings of songs span from 1965 to 1989. The earliest is a new take on ‘It’s All Over, Baby Blue’ from Bringing It All Back Home, and the most recent track, and one of the highlights, is a version of ‘What Was It You Wanted’, from Oh Mercy. Most people probably wouldn’t consider Oh Mercy to be one of Dylan’s early records, but to be fair, it’s 34 years old…

Dylan is in fine voice on Shadow Kingdom and the musicians breathe new life into these songs with their inspired and often stripped-back, cantina band-like arrangements.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JSB-L3BpvY

The riotous ‘Tombstone Blues’ from Highway 61 Revisited undergoes a radical reinvention – it’s now slowed down, sparse and intimate, while a delightfully playful and breezy ‘While I Paint My Masterpiece’, which was first released by The Band on Cahoots in September 1971, but appeared on Bob Dylan’s Greatest Hits Vol. II  later that year, has a Cajun feel.

There’s a poignant ‘Forever Young’ and ‘What Was It You Wanted’ sounds moodier and sultrier than the original – in its new incarnation, it’s even more powerful.

‘I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight’ and ‘To Be Alone With You’ have been shorn of their country influences; the former becomes bluesy rockabilly, and the latter is now laid back, more poignant and sounds less throwaway than the version we’re more familiar with.

A sprightly ‘Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I’ll Go Mine’) is more faithful to the original, there’s a lovely, delicate rendition of ‘Queen Jane Approximately’ with finger-picked guitar, accordion and harmonica, and a great, slow, late-night take on the bluesy ‘Pledging My Time.’

There’s more blues on ‘Watching The River Flow’, which was released as a digital single ahead of the album, and is one of the record’s more up-tempo offerings, with some tasty electric guitar.

The slow and moody version of ‘It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue’ definitely sounds like it’s been influenced by the arrangements on Rough and Rowdy Ways, as do some of the other songs on the album.

Shadow Kingdom is a record for Dylan diehards to treasure – the latest of several releases by him that are essential purchases. Unlike some acts who, when they choose to revisit and rerecord songs from their back catalogue, simply churn out inferior acoustic versions, or rope in an orchestra to add some strings and horns, Dylan has expertly reinvented some of his well-known and lesser-known numbers, taking them into new territory and never sounding once like he’s going through the motions.

In fact, his voice on Shadow Kingdom is the best it’s been in years. To coincide with the release of the soundtrack, the film is being made available to download and rent from Apple TV on 6 June, so there’s another opportunity to see and hear what he did in the shadows.

Who knows what he’ll be getting up to next. Dylan’s career has lasted more than 60 years and, now in his early eighties, he still surprises, confuses and delights us. Long may it continue.

Shadow Kingdom was reviewed for SDE by Sean Hannam. It’s out on Friday 2 June 2023.

Tracklisting

Shadow Kingdom Bob Dylan /

      1. When I Paint My Masterpiece
      2. Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I’ll Go Mine)
      3. Queen Jane Approximately
      4. I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight
      5. Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues
      6. Tombstone Blues
      7. To Be Alone with You
      8. What Was It You Wanted
      9. Forever Young
      10. Pledging My Time
      11. The Wicked Messenger
      12. Watching the River Flow
      13. It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue
      14. Sierra’s Theme

Janet Jackson / Janet deluxe edition

Posted on by Paul Sinclair

Janet Jackson’s 1993 album Janet will be reissued as an expanded deluxe edition in July.

This record was Jackson’s fifth studio album and her second after the international success of 1986’s Control. Like that record, and 1989’s Rhythm Nation 1814, it featured the production and writing skills of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Notably, it was Janet’s first album for Virgin Records after a high-profile bidding war with the incumbent label A&M losing out.

All six singles from Janet reached the top ten of the US charts, with two songs (‘That’s The Way Love Goes’ and ‘Again’) hitting the top spot. In the UK, the singles from Janet faired slightly better than the previous album and the singer enjoyed a whopping seven top 20 UK singles with two top ten hits!

The 3LP deluxe vinyl edition of Janet (click image to enlarge)

Already a 75+ minute album (it actually only has 12 ‘proper’ songs with loads of interludes) the deluxe edition for 2023 adds a few extra songs and some remixes. These are all on the third LP of the 3LP vinyl edition which comes in a tri-gatefold, ‘upgraded’ jacket and a booklet of rarely seen photos from the period of its release.

The same seven bonus tracks feature on CD 2 of the 2CD deluxe edition which is offered in a slightly less lavish jewel case, assuming the packshot is accurate.

Note, that the availability of the 3LP vinyl is limited to certain channels. For example, in the UK, it’s a D2C-only edition (direct-to-consumer) and can be pre-ordered via The Sound of Vinyl. In Germany, you can pick it up at JPC.de.

Janet will be reissued on 7 July 2023 via UMe/Virgin. More CD links should come through on the widget soon!

Pre-order 3LP vinyl from

Compare prices and pre-order

Janet Jackson

Janet 2CD deluxe

Shop Price gbp Stock
JPC de   22.99 Order
FNAC fr   17.99 Pre-Order
Currency:
The 2CD deluxe of Janet

Tracklisting

Janet Jackson / Janet reissue

Janet Janet Jackson / deluxe reissue

    • LP 1
      Side A
      1. Morning
      2. That’s The Way Love Goes
      3. You Know
      4. You Want This
      5. Be A Good Boy
      6. If
      Side B
      1. Back
      2. This Time
      3. Go On Miss Janet
      4. Throb
      5. What’ll I Do
      6. The Lounge
      7. Funky Big Band
    • LP 2
      Disc C
      1. Racism
      2. New Agenda
      3. Love Part 2
      4. Because Of Love
      5. Wind
      6. Again
      7. Another Lover
      8. Where Are You Now
      Disc D
      1. Hold On Baby
      2. The Body That Loves You
      3. Rain
      4. Any Time, Any Place
      5. Are You Still Up
      6. Sweet Dreams
      7. Whoops Now
    • LP 3
      Disc E
      1. And On And On
      2. 70’s Love Groove
      3. One More Chance
      Disc F
      1. You Want This (Remix) (feat. MC Lyte)
      2. Where Are You Now (Nelle Hooper Mix)
      3. Because Of Love (Muggs 7″ With Bass Intro)
      4. That’s The Way Love Goes (CJ R&B 7″ Mix)

Out This Week / on 2 June 2023

Posted on by Paul Sinclair

The Teardrop Explodes / Culture Bunker 1978-1982 CD, Vinyl

Massive new box sets dive deep into Julian Cope’s archive for detailed examination of The Teardrop Explodes recordings

Read More

Tom Waits / Closing Time (2LP vinyl)

Tom Waits‘ 1973 debut album is reissued “for the first time” as a 2LP set. This contains no bonus material but is half-speed mastered, pressed at 45RPM and presented in a gatefold sleeve. The album includes the songs ‘Ol’ 55′, ‘Martha’ and ‘I Hope That I Don’t Fall In Love With You’.

Foo Fighters / But Here We Are

The 11th studio album by the Foo Fighters is released this week. It’s available on coloured vinyl (including the white vinyl pictured above and on CD.

Deacon Blue / You Can Have It All: The Complete Albums Collection

Posted on by Paul Sinclair

Deacon Blue are to release You Can Have It All – The Complete Albums Collection, a new career-spanning 14CD box set along with a new ‘best of’ called All The Old 45s – The Very Best of Deacon Blue.

The albums box set features all ten of the band’s studio albums, two B-sides/rarities compilations (1988’s Riches and 1990’s Ooh Las Vegas) and Peace Will Come, a brand new album of ‘deconstructed and rearranged’ acoustic versions of songs, inspired by the ‘campfire sets’ performed on the last tour.

You Can Have It All – the 14CD box set (click image to enlarge)

All The Old 45s – The Very Best of Deacon Blue is available as a 2CD or 2LP vinyl package. The former offers 41 tracks whereas the latter delivers 24 songs via four sides of vinyl.

The ‘best of’ sees the songs newly remastered although for the albums box the audio is not remastered.

Both titles will be released on 1 September 2023 via Cooking Vinyl. The Deacon Blue shop is offering signed A4 prints with the 14CD box set or other bundles (limited to 500).

Deacon Blue Shop highlights

Compare prices and pre-order

Deacon Blue

You Can Have It All - 14CD box set

Shop Price gbp Stock
JPC de   130.99 Order
FNAC fr   232.28 Pre-Order
Official Artist Store   79.99 with signed print
Rough Trade uk   86.99 pre-order
Currency:

Compare prices and pre-order

DEACON BLUE

All The Old 45s - Best Of - 2LP vinyl

Shop Price gbp Stock
JPC de   43.99 Order
Official Artist Store   37.00 2LP pink and yellow vinyl
Rough Trade uk   39.99 2LP pink and yellow vinyl
Currency:

Compare prices and pre-order

DEACON BLUE

All The Old 45s - Best Of - 2CD edition

Shop Price gbp Stock
JPC de   18.99 Order
Official Artist Store   15.00 pre-order
Rough Trade uk   14.99 pre-order
Currency:

Tracklisting

You Can Have it All: The Complete Albums Collection Deacon Blue /

    • CD 1: Raintown
      1. Born In A Storm
      2. Raintown
      3. Ragman
      4. He Looks Like Spencer Tracy Now
      5. Loaded
      6. When Will You (Make My Telephone Ring)?
      7. Chocolate Girl
      8. Dignity
      9. The Very Thing
      10. Love’s Great Fears
      11. Town To Be Blamed
    • CD 2: Riches
      1. Which Side Are You On?
      2. Kings Of The Western World
      3. Angeliou
      4. Just Like Boys
      5. Raintown (Piano Version)
      6. Riches
      7. Church
      8. Shifting Sand
      9. Suffering
      10. Ribbons And Bows
      11. Dignity (Bob Clearmountain Mix)
    • CD 3: When The World Knows Your Name
      1. Queen Of The New Year
      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
      9. The World Is Lit By Lightning
      10. Silhouette
      11. One Hundred Things
      12. Your Constant Heart
      13. Orphans
    • CD4: Ooh Las Vegas: B-sides, Film Tracks & Sessions:
      1. Disneyworld
      2. Ronnie Spector
      3. My America
      4. S.H.A.R.O.N.
      5. Undeveloped Heart
      6. Souvenirs
      7. Born Again
      8. Down In The Flood
      9. Back Here In Beanoland
      10. Love You Say
      11. Let Your Hearts Be Troubled
    • CD 5: Ooh Las Vegas: B-sides, Film Tracks & Sessions:
      1. Gentle Teardrops
      2. Little Lincoln
      3. That Country (Beneath Your Skin)
      4. Is It Cold Beneath The Hill?
      5. Circus Lights (Acoustic Version)
      6. Trampolene
      7. Las Vegas
      8. Killing The Blues
      9. Long Window To Love
      10. Christine
      11. Take Me To The Place
      12. Don’t Let The Teardrops Start
      13. I’ll Never Fall in Love Again
      14. The Look Of Love
      15. Are You There (With Another Girl)?
      16. Message To Michael
    • CD 6: Fellow Hoodlums
      1. James Joyce Soles
      2. Fellow Hoodlums
      3. Your Swaying Arms
      4. Cover From The Sky
      5. The Day That Jackie Jumped The Jail
      6. The Wildness
      7. A Brighter Star Than You Will Shine
      8. Twist And Shout
      9. Closing Time
      10. Goodnight Jamsie
      11. I Will See You Tomorrow
      12. One Day I’ll Go Walking
    • CD 7: Whatever You Say, Say Nothing
      1. Your Town
      2. Only Tender Love
      3. Peace & Jobs & Freedom
      4. Hang Your Head
      5. Bethlehem’s Gate
      6. Last Night I Dreamed of Henry Thomas
      7. Will We Be Lovers
      8. Fall So Freely Down
      9. Cut Lip
      10. All Over The World
    • CD 8: Homesick
      1. Rae
      2. Out There
      3. This Train Will Take You Anywhere
      4. Everytime You Sleep
      5. Now That You’re Here
      6. Silverlake
      7. A Is For Astronaut
      8. Beautifully Still
      9. Homesick
      10. Even Higher Ground
      11. I Am Born
    • CD 9: The Hipsters
      1. Here I am In London Town
      2. The Hipsters
      3. Stars
      4. Turn
      5. The Rest
      6. The Outsiders
      7. That’s What We Can Do
      8. She’ll Understand
      9. Laura (From Memory)
      10. It’ll End In Tears
      11. Is There No Way Back To You?
    • CD 10: A New House
      1. Bethlehem Begins
      2. For John Muir
      3. A New House
      4. An Ocean
      5. The Living
      6. I Wish I Was A Girl Like You
      7. Win
      8. Wild
      9. March
      10. Our New Land
      11. I Remember Every Single Kiss
    • CD 11: Believers
      1. The Believers
      2. This Is A Love Song
      3. I Will And I Won’t
      4. Meteors
      5. Gone
      6. What I Left Out
      7. A Boy
      8. Birds
      9. You Can’t Know Everything
      10. Delivery Man
      11. Come Awake
      12. B Boy
    • CD 12: City Of Love
      1. City Of Love
      2. Hit Me Where It Hurts
      3. Weight Of The World
      4. Take Me
      5. In Our Room
      6. Intervals
      7. Keeping My Faith Alive
      8. Walk In The Woods
      9. Come On In
      10. Wonderful
      11. On Love
    • CD 13: Riding On The Tide Of Love
      1. Riding on the Tide of Love
      2. She Loved the Snow
      3. Nothing’s Changed
      4. Look Up
      5. Time
      6. Send a Note Out
      7. Not Gonna Be That Girl
      8. It’s Still Early
    • CD 14: Peace Will Come
      1. She’ll Understand
      2. Queen Of The New Year
      3. Chocolate Girl
      4. Cover From The Sky
      5. Dancing In The Dark
      6. All Over The World
      7. When Will You (Make My Telephone Ring)
      8. In Our Room
      9. Every Time You Sleep
      10. Delivery Man
      11. Forever Young
      12. Peace Will Come

Tracklisting

The Old 45s – The Very Best Of Deacon Blue Deacon Blue /

    • CD 1
      1. Dignity
      2. Loaded
      3. When Will You (Make My Telephone Ring)
      4. Chocolate Girl
      5. Real Gone Kid
      6. Wages Day
      7. Fergus Sings The Blues
      8. Love And Regret
      9. Queen Of The New Year
      10. I’ll Never Fall In Love Again
      11. Your Swaying Arms
      12. Twist And Shout
      13. Closing Time
      14. Cover From The Sky
      15. Your Town
      16. Will We Be Lovers
      17. Only Tender Love
      18. Hang Your Head
      19. I Was Right and You Were Wrong
      20. Bound To Love
    • CD 2
      1. Homesick
      2. Every Time You Sleep
      3. Bigger Than Dynamite
      4. The One About Loneliness
      5. The Hipsters
      6. The Outsiders
      7. That’s What We Can Do
      8. Turn (Remix)
      9. You’ll Know It’s Christmas
      10. A New House
      11. I Wish I Was A Girl Like You
      12. Bethlehem Begins
      13. Win
      14. The Believers
      15. This Is A Love Song
      16. Gone
      17. I Will And I Won’t
      18. City Of Love
      19. Hit Me Where It Hurts
      20. Wonderful
      21. Riding On The Tide Of Love

The Strokes / Coloured vinyl

Posted on by Paul Sinclair

Four albums by The Strokes will be reissued on limited edition coloured vinyl in July.

The American rock band’s second, third, fourth and fifth long-players receive this treatment, namely:

  • Room On Fire from 2003 (blue vinyl)
  • First Impressions of Earth from 2005 (‘hazy red’ vinyl)
  • Angles from 2011 (purple vinyl)
  • Comedown Machine from 2013 (red and yellow marbled vinyl)

The band’s 2001 debut This Is It was reissued on white vinyl back in 2020, which might explain its absence as part of this campaign.

Room On Fire and First Impressions of Earth will be reissued on 7 July 2023, via Sony Music. The other two are out on 4 August. These are limited editions but the label has not revealed how many they are pressing.

Compare prices and pre-order

Strokes, The

Room on Fire - blue vinyl LP

Shop Price gbp Stock
JPC de   29.99 Order
FNAC fr   38.49 Pre-Order
Rough Trade uk   27.99 pre-order
Currency:

Compare prices and pre-order

Strokes, The

First Impressions of Earth - hazy red vinyl LP

Shop Price gbp Stock
JPC de   29.99 Order
FNAC fr   28.99 Pre-Order
Rough Trade uk   27.99 pre-order
Currency:

Compare prices and pre-order

Strokes, The

Angles - purple vinyl LP

Shop Price gbp Stock
JPC de   29.99 Order
FNAC fr   22.99 Pre-Order
Rough Trade uk   27.99 pre-order
Currency:

Compare prices and pre-order

Strokes, The

Comedown Machine - yellow and red marbled vinyl LP

Shop Price gbp Stock
JPC de   29.99 Order
FNAC fr   22.99 Pre-Order
Rough Trade uk   27.99 pre-order
Currency:

Tracklisting

The Strokes / Room On Fire blue vinyl reissue

Room On Fire The Strokes / Blue vinyl LP

    • Side A
      1. What Ever Happened?
      2. Reptilia
      3. Automatic Stop
      4. 12:51
      5. You Talk Way Too Much
      6. Between Love & Hate
      Side B
      1. Meet Me in the Bathroom
      2. Under Control
      3. The Way It Is
      4. The End Has No End
      5. I Can’t Win

Tracklisting

The Strokes / First Impressions of Earth coloured vinyl reissue

First Impressions of Earth The Strokes / Hazy Red vinyl LP

    • Side A
      1. You Only Live Once
      2. Juicebox
      3. Heart in a Cage
      4. Razorblade
      5. On the Other Side
      6. Vision of Division
      Side B
      1. Electricityscape
      2. Killing Lies
      3. Fear Of Sleep
      4. 15 Minutes
      5. Ize Of The World
      6. Evening Sun
      7. Red Light

Tracklisting

The Strokes / Angles purple vinyl reissue

Angles The Strokes / Purple vinyl LP

    • Side A
      1. Machu Picchu
      2. Under Cover Of Darkness
      3. Two Kinds Of Happiness
      4. You’re So Right
      5. Taken For A Fool
      Side B
      1. Games
      2. Call Me Back
      3. Gratisfaction
      4. Metabolism
      5. Life Is Simple In The Moonlight

Tracklisting

The Strokes / Comedown Machine red and yellow marbled vinyl reissue

Comedown Machine The Strokes / Red and Yellow Marbled vinyl LP

    • Side A
      1. Tap Out
      2. All The Time
      3. One Way Trigger
      4. Welcome To Japan
      5. 80’s Comedown Machine
      Side B
      1. 50/50
      2. Slow Animals
      3. Partners In Crime
      4. Chances
      5. Happy Ending
      6. Call It Fate, Call It Karma

Tina Turner dies aged 83

Posted on by Paul Sinclair

As you will no doubt be aware by now, the legendary singer Tina Turner has died aged 83.

By way of tribute, SDE recommends you read our 2014 interview with Martyn Ware when he spoke warmly of working with Tina on her Private Dancer album which had just turned 30 at that time.

Ware also took to social media earlier today and said the following: “Tina has given immense pleasure to millions of people – everyone loved her, and she loved everyone right back. She was the most extraordinary performer I’ve ever recorded with, and the world is a much poorer place for her passing… There can never be another Tina”.

Rest in peace, Tina Turner.

‘White Label’ test pressings up for grabs in charity auction

Posted on by Paul Sinclair

Rare vinyl test pressings will go under the hammer early next month at The White Label Auction in aid of The BRIT Trust.

Over 160 artists feature in the auction which white labels for records by Eurythmics, Bryan Ferry, The Cure, New Order, Robbie Williams, Thin Lizzy, Gaz Coombes and more.

Some of them are SIGNED by the artists concerned and one of the highlights, which will surely be of great interest to some SDE readers, is a vinyl test pressing of Frankie Goes To Hollywood’s Welcome to the Pleasuredome signed by all five members of the band.

The auction will take place at 11am on Tuesday, 6 June 2023.  It is once again being hosted by music memorabilia and vinyl records specialists Omega Auctions. You can browse all 200 lots here.

Joni Mitchell / Vinyl reissues

Posted on by Paul Sinclair

Joni Mitchell’s first two studio albums will be reissued on vinyl, in July.

1968’s Song To A Seagull was the singer-songwriter’s debut and the two sides of the LP are labelled ‘I Came to the City’ and ‘Out of the City and Down to the Seaside’. This issue features a a new mix of the long-player with Joni herself commenting candidly that “The original mix was atrocious. It sounded like it was recorded under a jello bowl, so I fixed it!”

1969’s Clouds is the original mix, remastered. This album features the songs ‘Chelsea Morning’ and ‘Both Sides Now’. Both of these albums were previously reissued in the 2021 box set The Reprise Albums 1968-1971. That box was very expensive (on vinyl) at the time and is already out-of-print.

Song To A Seagull and Clouds will be re-released on vinyl in on 7 July 2023.

You might also like…

Process which involves going back to the original multi-track tape and remixing as well as remastering

Tracklisting

Joni Mitchell / Songs to a Seagull vinyl LP

Song To A Seagull – new mix Joni Mitchell /

    • Side A: I Came to the City
      1. “I Had A King”
      2. “Michael From Mountains”
      3. “Night In The City”
      4. “Marcie”
      5. “Nathan La Franeer”
    • Side B – Out of the City and Down to the Seaside
      1. “Sisotowbell Lane”
      2. “The Dawntreader”
      3. “The Pirate Of Penance”
      4. “Song To A Seagull”
      5. “Cactus Tree”

Tracklisting

Clouds Joni Mitchell /

    • Side A
      1. “Tin Angel”
      2. “Chelsea Morning”
      3. “I Don’t Know Where I Stand”
      4. “That Song About The Midway”
      5. “Roses Blue”
    • Side B
      1. “I Think I Understand”
      2. “Songs To Aging Children Come”
      3. “The Fiddle And The Drum”
      4. “Both Sides, Now”

Tracklisting

Song To A Seagull Joni Mitchell /

    • Side A – I Came to the City
      1. I Had a King (2021 Remaster)
      2. Michael from Mountains (2021 Remaster)
      3. Night in the City (2021 Remaster)
      4. Marcie (2021 Remaster)
      5. Nathan La Franeer (2021 Remaster)
      Side B – Out of the City and Down to the Seaside
      1. Sisotowbell Lane (2021 Remaster)
      2. The Dawntreader (2021 Remaster)
      3. The Pirate of Penance (2021 Remaster)
      4. Song to a Seagull (2021 Remaster)
      5. Cactus Tree (2021 Remaster)

Suede / Metal Mickey seven-inch picture disc

Posted on by Paul Sinclair

As part of Demon Music’s Suede30 campaign, the label are issuing Suede’s first four singles as seven-inch picture discs, reproducing the original arresting cover images on the discs.

The second release is the classic, ‘Metal Mickey’, originally released on Nude Records on 14 September 1992. The single reached No 17 in the UK charts, earning the band their first appearance on Top Of The Pops, and paving the way for the release of the band’s debut album.

The B-side to this single was ‘Where The Pigs Don’t Fly’ which didn’t appear on the Suede album. The picture disc is strictly limited to 1000 units worldwide and is only available via the SDE shop and the official Suede store.

The ‘Metal Mickey’ seven-inch picture disc is released on 27 October 2023 (was 15 September) via Demon Records. Sadly this item has now sold out on the SDE shop!

EU SHIPPING NOTES: If you are ordering from the EU please be aware that that goods may be subject to import VAT when they arrive from the UK. The prices the SDE shop charge you do not include VAT

Tracklisting

Suede / 30th anniversary Metal Mickey seven-inch picture disc

Metal Mickey Suede / Seven-inch picture disc

      1. Metal Mickey
      2. Where The Pigs Don’t Fly

Out This Week / on 26 May 2023

Posted on by Paul Sinclair

Mike Oldfield / Tubular Bells CD, Vinyl, Blu-ray

Mike Oldfield’s seminal 1973 album is reissued for its 50th anniversary. The SDE-exclusive blu-ray audio has completely sold out.

Read More

Sparks / The Girl is Crying in her Latte (new album)

Sparks are back on Island Records for this new album that includes songs such as ‘Mona Lisa’s Packing, Leaving Late Tonight’ and ‘Nothing Is As Good As They Say It Is’

Compare prices and pre-order

Sparks

The Girl is crying in her latte - CD edition

Shop Price gbp Stock
JPC de   18.99 Order
FNAC fr   21.00 Pre-Order
Rough Trade uk   12.99 pre-order
Rough Trade usa   22.99 pre-order
Currency:

Saturday Deluxe / 20 May 2023

Posted on by Paul Sinclair

Musicians mourn the passing of two great bass players

Early this week, it was announced that John Giblin had died aged 71. John played bass guitar on many great records including six Kate Bush albums; Peter Gabriel III, Phil Collins’ Hello I Must Be Going and Face Value; and Simple Minds’ Street Fighting Years. Kate Bush left a heartfelt message on her website saying “I loved John so very much. He was one of my very dearest and closest friends for over forty years. We were always there for each other. He was very special“. John was part of the band that Kate put together in 2014 for her Before The Dawn residency in Hammersmith.

Peter Gabriel said that Phil Collins had introduced him to John. He posted his own tribute and said “My favourite bit of John’s work with me was also with Phil on drums, No Self-Control. This wonderful and warm hearted musician contributed so much to so many great records and performances . We will all miss you John”.

Of course, yesterday came the shocking news that The Smiths’ Andy Rourke had died at the young age of just 59 (of Pancreatic cancer). Again the musicians who worked closely with, or knew Andy, were quick to offer condolences to Andy’s loved ones and remind the world what a great musician he was. Johnny Marr said Andy was “a kind and beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans”.

Morrissey also left a message, saying that “He didn’t ever know his own power, and nothing that he played had been played by someone else. His distinction was so terrific and unconventional and he proved it could be done. He was also very, very funny and very happy, and post-Smiths, he kept a steady identity – never any manufactured moves”.

Rest in Peace John Giblin and Andy Rourke

Bob Dylan’s Time Out Of Mind re-enters the UK charts!

Thank you to everyone who has left messages to say they are enjoying the Bob Dylan Time Out Of Mind (2022 Remix) SDE-exclusive blu-ray audio. I can tell you that all the pre-orders have shipped and if they haven’t already, packages should be dropping through your letterboxes any time now.

On the strength of just the SDE-exclusive blu-ray, the album appeared in the so-called ‘midweek’ UK album charts at No 34, which was amazing. Of course it couldn’t really hang on with all the streaming competition but it re-entered the UK physical album chart at number 10! This is ahead of releases such the Rick Astley’s Hold Me In Your Arms reissue, Moby’s Resound NYC (his classical re-workings) album and the De La Soul is Dead vinyl reissue!

I’m thrilled at this success which is a result of your passion for physical music and spatial audio. Unlike those other releases, there’s was no PR campaign, no multiple formats… just the SDE community coming together and responding positively to a product that had been designed with your interests at heart. Thank you and let’s do it all over again in a couple of weeks with No 10 and No 9 in the SDE Surround Series: Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells and Tears For Fears’ The Hurting!

Order the Time Out Of Mind SDE-exclusive blu-ray

Blur announce new studio album, ‘The Ballad of Darren’

Posted on by Paul Sinclair

Blur will release The Ballad of Darren, their first new album in over eight years, in July.

The album has been produced by James Ford and features ‘The Narcissist’ which has just been made available. You can listen to that song below.

The 10-track record is available on various coloured vinyl and CD. There’s also a deluxe CD with two bonus tracks. Amazon have an exclusive red vinyl edition while Rough Trade in the UK are offering an ‘ocean blue’ vinyl LP.

The band are about to kick off a summer of live shows, including two nights at Wembley Stadium on July 7th and 8th.

The Ballad of Darren is released on 21 July 2023 via Parlophone.

Compare prices and pre-order

Blur

The Ballad of Darren - amazon exclusive red vinyl

Shop Price gbp Stock
Amazon uk   40.56 Order
Amazon usa   141.98 Order
Amazon fr   46.63 Order
Amazon ca   660.54 Order
Currency:

Tracklisting

The Ballad of Darren Blur /

      1. The Ballad
      2. St. Charles Square
      3. Barbaric
      4. Russian Strings
      5. The Everglades (For Leonard)
      6. The Narcissist
      7. Goodbye Albert
      8. Far Away Island
      9. Avalon
      10. The Heights
      Bonus tracks
      1. The Rabbi
      2. The Swan
    • Vinyl LP
      1. The Ballad
      2. St. Charles Square
      3. Barbaric
      4. Russian Strings
      5. The Everglades (For Leonard)
      6. The Narcissist
      7. Goodbye Albert
      8. Far Away Island
      9. Avalon
      10. The Heights

Sex Pistols / Anarchy in the UK 7″ red vinyl

Posted on by Paul Sinclair

The Sex Pistols debut single Anarchy in the UK is being made available as a limited edition red vinyl seven-inch single next month.

The single was the only track issued under the band’s deal with the EMI, before they were dropped after their controversial appearance Bill Grundy show appearance.

This is the first time the single has been officially made available on coloured vinyl. It comes in a plain black sleeve replica, as per the original (there were some die-cut red EMI sleeves too), and will be limited to 4576 units (45 RPM and 1976, if you’re wondering). Each will be individually numbered and we’re promised more single replicas to come.

This is only available by Universal D2C (Direct to Consumer channels) and will be released on 9 June 2023.

Tracklisting

Anarchy in the UK Sex Pistols /

      1. Anarchy In The UK
      2. I Wanna Be Me

Kylie Minogue announces a new album called ‘Tension’

Posted on by Paul Sinclair

Kylie Minogue will release a new studio album, Tension, in September.

The 11-track album is described as “a record of euphoric, empowered dance floor bangers and sultry pop cuts”.

Discussing ‘Tension’, Kylie says, “I started this album with an open mind and a blank page. Unlike my last two albums there wasn’t a ‘theme’, it was about finding the heart or the fun or the fantasy of that moment and always trying to service the song. I wanted to celebrate each song’s individuality and to dive into that freedom. I would say it’s a blend of personal reflection, club abandon and melancholic high.”

‘Padam Padam’ is the first single from Tension

Various formats are now available via the Kylie shop including a deluxe CD with 3 bonus tracks and an exclusive silver vinyl LP. The Kylie store deluxe CD is in DVD-sized ‘mediabook’ packaging. On other stores this deluxe will be CD-sized. Orange vinyl is exclusive to the Kylie shop and RSD/indie stores.

50 signed test pressings will be gone like a shot and all the bundles come with a SIGNED print. Amazon in the UK have an exclusive transparent pink vinyl edition.

Tension is released on 22 September 2023 via BMG.

Kylie shop highlights

Compare prices and pre-order

Kylie Minogue

Tension - Amazon exclusive pink vinyl LP

Shop Price gbp Stock
Amazon ca   44.69 Order
Currency:
Limited silver vinyl is exclusive to the Kylie shop

Tracklisting

Tension Kylie Minogue /

        1. Padam Padam
        2. Hold On To Now
        3. Things We Do For Love
        4. Tension
        5. One More Time
        6. You Still Get Me High
        7. Hands
        8. Green Light
        9. Vegas High
        10. 10 Out Of 10 (with Oliver Heldens)
        11. Story

      Bonus tracks

        1. Love Train
        2. Just Imagine
        3. Somebody To Love

The Human League / Secrets reissue

Posted on by Paul Sinclair

The Human League’s 2001 album Secrets is being reissued in August.

The album was well received critically at the time, but was a commercial disaster thanks to the financial difficulties of record label Papillon, who ultimately went bust shortly after the album came out.

Demon are reissuing this album as a 2LP half-speed mastered edition, with the album pressed on 180g black vinyl which are housed in poly-lined sleeves. This comes with an OBI-strip and 4-page insert.

Unlike the vinyl, the 2CD set comes with bonus tracks; 14 remixes, the same ones as on the 2CD from 2018. The difference this time around is the presentation, with the label opting for their new deluxe seven-inch CD packaging which comes with with an 8-page booklet which includes the lyrics and credits. Recent Suede and Donna Summer releases have followed a similar pattern in terms of the physical products.

Secrets will be reissued on 11 August via Demon Music.

Compare prices and pre-order

Human League

Secrets - 2CD edition in deluxe seven-inch packaging

Shop Price gbp Stock
Amazon uk   22.99 Order
Amazon fr   30.52 Order
Amazon it   31.02 Order
Amazon es   30.77 Order
Amazon ca   36.03 Order
JPC de   26.99 Order
Currency:
The 2CD of Secrets comes in deluxe 7″ packaging (click image to enlarge)
The half-speed mastered 2LP vinyl edition of Secrets (click image to enlarge)

Tracklisting

The Human League / Secrets 2CD reissue in deluxe seven-inch packaging

Secrets The Human League / 2CD in deluxe 7″ packaging

    • CD 1
      1. All I Ever Wanted (Dave Bascombe Mix)
      2. Nervous
      3. Love Me Madly? (Dave Bascombe Mix)
      4. Shameless
      5. 122.3 BPM
      6. Never Give Your Heart
      7. Ran
      8. The Snake
      9. Ringinglow
      10. Liar
      11. Lament
      12. Reflections
      13. Brute
      14. Sin City
      15. Release
      16. You’ll Be Sorry
      17. Tranquility
    • CD 2
      1. All I Ever Wanted (The Das Kompressor Vanity Case Mix)
      2. All I Ever Wanted (Original Version – Toy Mix)
      3. All I Ever Wanted (Oliver Lieb’s Main Full Vocal Mix)
      4. All I Ever Wanted (Oliver Lieb’s Alternative Mix)
      5. All I Ever Wanted (The Vanity Case Instrumental Mix)
      6. All I Ever Wanted (Alter Ego Remix)
      7. All I Ever Wanted (Op:L Bastards Mojo Mix)
      8. You’ll Be Sorry (Marc Anthony Radio Mix)
      9. You’ll Be Sorry (Marc Anthony Black & Blue Mix)
      10. You’ll Be Sorry (Marc Anthony Dub Mix)
      11. You’ll Be Sorry (Karaoke Mix)
      12. Love Me Madly? (Voice of Buddha Mix)
      13. Love Me Madly? (Zenn Eternal Countdown Mix)
      14. Love Me Madly? (Cuzco Mix)

R.E.M. / Vinyl reissues

Posted on by Paul Sinclair

Craft Recordings will reissue two R.E.M. albums on vinyl, in July.

Around The Sun from 2004 was the band’s sixth studio album to top the UK album charts and features tracks like ‘Leaving New York’ (the band’s last top 10 hit in the UK), ‘Aftermath’, ‘Electron Blue’, ‘Wanderlust’ and ‘The Outsiders’. It was the last in a trio of records (with Up and Reveal being the other two) co-produced by Pat McCarthy

Collapse Into Now is being reissued on vinyl

Collapse Into Now was R.E.M.’s 15th and final studio album and was in recorded in Berlin, New Orleans, and Nashville and co-produced by Jacknife Lee. It includes the singles ‘Überlin’, ‘Oh My Heart’ and ‘It Happened Today’.

Both album were cut by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio and are pressed on 180g black vinyl at Memphis Records Pressing. Exclusive coloured vinyl pressings are available via REM’s website.

Around the Sun and Collapse Into Now are both issued on 17 November 2023 (was 3 November, then before that, 1 September, and before that, 14 July) via Craft Recordings.

Tracklisting

R.E.M. / Around the Sun 2LP vinyl reissue

Around the Sun R.E.M. / 2LP vinyl

    • LP 1
      Side A
      1. Leaving New York
      2. Electron Blue
      3. The Outsiders
      Side B
      1. Make It All Okay
      2. Final Straw
      3. I Wanted To Be Wrong
    • LP 2
      Side C
      1. Wanderlust
      2. Boy In The Well
      3. Aftermath
      Side D
      1. High Speed Train
      2. The Worst Joke Ever
      3. The Ascent Of Man
      4. Around The Sun

Tracklisting

R.E.M. / Collapse Into Now vinyl reissue

Collapse into Now R.E.M. / vinyl LP

    • LP
      X-Axis
      1. Discoverer
      2. All the Best
      3. Überlin
      4. Oh My Heart
      5. It Happened Today
      6. Every Day Is Yours To Win
      Y-Axis
      1. Mine Smell Like Honey
      2. Walk It Back
      3. Alligator_Aviator_Autopilot_Antimatter
      4. That Someone Is You
      5. Me, Marlon Brando, Marlon Brando And I
      6. Blue

Steely Dan / Countdown to Ecstasy vinyl reissue

Posted on by Paul Sinclair

Mastered by Bernie Grundman from original analogue tapes • Personally overseen by Donald Fagen

Steely Dan’s second album, 1973’s Countdown to Ecstasy, will be reissued on vinyl later this month.

The album features the singles ‘Show Biz Kids’ and ‘My Old School’ although neither could repeat the commercial success of ‘Do It Again’ or ‘Reelin’ in the Years’ which respectively reached the top 10 and top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972. Countdown to Ecstasy saw Donald Fagen take over all lead vocal duties after David Palmer, who’d sung a few tracks on 1972’s Can’t Buy A Thrill, left the band.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxXfNZWjot4

This release continues a reissue campaign started in November last year when their debut album was reissued. Universal Music have been most forthcoming with details, so we know that all the albums are being mastered by Bernie Grundman from the original analog tapes except for 1977’s Aja, which will be mastered from an analog, non-EQ’d, tape copy, and Gaucho, which will be sourced from a 1980 analog tape copy originally EQ’d by Bob Ludwig. Lacquers for have been cut by Alex Abrash at his AA Mastering studio from high-resolution digital files of Grundman’s new masters and pressed at Precision.

These Universal Music releases are 180g 33RPM vinyl pressings but there are also some Ultra High-Quality Vinyl (UHQR) 45RPM versions available via Acoustic Sound’s Analogue Productions (they are also issuing this series of titles on stereo-only SACD). I’m sure this premium vinyl will sound great, but in the UK at least you need to pay £220 for a copy!

Countdown to Ecstasy will be reissued on 26 May 2023 via UMR/Polydor.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE…

Tracklisting

Countdown to Ecstasy Steely Dand / vinyl reissue

    • Side A
      1. Bodhisattva
      2. Razor Boy
      3. The Boston Rag
      4. Your Gold Teeth
      Side B
      1. Show Biz Kids
      2. My Old School
      3. Pearl of the Quarter
      4. King of the World

Paul Young / The Crossing coloured vinyl – unboxed!

Posted on by Paul Sinclair

The forthcoming coloured vinyl reissue of Paul Young’s 1993 album The Crossing is ‘unboxed’ by SDEtv. Pre-order a copy exclusively signed by Paul Young only via SDE.

The Crossing is released by 7a Records and the SDE signed exclusive coloured vinyl will ship a week earlier than the official release on 9 June 2023.

Pre-order by going direct to the SDE shop using this link or via the buy buttons (with ‘pre-order on them) below.

EU SHIPPING NOTES: If you are ordering from the EU please be aware that that goods may be subject to import VAT when they arrive from the UK. The prices the SDE shop charge you do not include VAT

Tracklisting

The Crossing Paul Young / Coloured vinyl LP

    • SIDE A
      1. Hope In A Hopeless World 4:20
      2. Now I Know What Made Otis Blue 4:00
      3. Bring Me Home 4:04
      4. The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter 4:21
      5. Won’t Look Back 5:24
      6. Only Game In Town 4:21
      SIDE B
      1. Love Has No Pride 3:46
      2. Down In Chinatown 5:36
      3. Half A Step Away 5:01
      4. Follow On 4:10
      5. It Will Be You 4:41