The Saint Etienne reissue campaign has been a godsend, but the hindsight provided by these final two albums reveals only one more diamond in the rough. Alex Wisgard investigates.
Reissues
Arab Strap – The Week Never Starts Around Here / Philophobia
This cunted circus never ends! Thank god.
The Boo Radleys – Giant Steps / Wake Up! (Box Sets)
The Boo Radleys were always a bold, inventive band, saddled with a song that speaks nothing of their wider work, and these releases are an ideal way to explore them further.
Chin Chin – Sound of the Westway
In the current trend of lo-fi bedroom demos it’s sort of a fitting time to re-release a record Frankie Rose would probably give her tattooed left arm to record.
Bright Eyes / Neva Dinova – One Jug Of Wine, Two Vessels
Reissues don’t always have the best of intentions. However, when they bring to light material as good as this, they can be forgiven, according to Erik Thompson.
Galaxie 500 – Today / On Fire / This Is Our Music
Although none of these three albums quite merit classic status, those yet to subject themselves to the Galaxie 500 experience should definitely investigate these reissues.
Pre-Band of Horses group get reissue treatment
There was life BEFORE Band of Horses. It took the shape of Carissa’s Wierd, and they’re getting the reissue treatment this Summer.
Virulence – If This Isn’t A Dream… 1985-1989
Virulence are essentially the gnarled roots of the great, dirty beast of a rock band we now know as Fu Manchu – this is a collection of all their recorded material. John Skibeat reviews.
Matthew Friedberger – Winter Woman / Holy Ghost Language School
Adam Nelson can’t understand the reason behind reissuing these early works by Fiery Furnaces mainman Matthew Friedberger. However, there’s plenty to enjoy, in patches, over these two works.
Saint Etienne – Fox Base Beta
Richard X has got his mitts on Saint Etienne’s 1991 album. And the results are the cherry on top of the Fox Base cake. Catriona Boyle reviews.
The Feelies – Crazy Rhythms / The Good Earth
The Feelies were a bunch of geeky minimalists who’ve finally had the reissue treatment on their two albums. Tom Whyman reviews.
Kraftwerk – 12345678 The Catalogue
On the release of the reissued vinyl editions of the Kraftwerk back catalogue, Chris Marling takes a stroll back through the Krautrock masters output…
Red Fox Chasers – I’m Going Down To North Carolina: The Complete Recordings of The Red Fox Chasers [1928-31]
Perhaps not for every casual listener, The Red Fox Chasers’ anthology provides a fascinating insight into a past popular culture that proves incredibly charming.
The Gun Club – Reissues: Miami | Death Party | The Las Vegas Story
Jack White famously asked why The Gun Club’s songs weren’t taught in school. As their albums get the reissue treatment, Steve Lampiris asks the same question…
Nirvana – Bleach
Perhaps the only way to appreciate “Classic” albums undergoing the reissuing treatment, is to roll up your sleeves and look at the technical details of what’s actually being remastered…
Motley Crue – Dr. Feelgood
Dr. Feelgood stands on it’s own though as the apotheosis of hair metal, an amalgamation of pop melodies, loud guitars and excess that signifies absolutely nothing else.
