Wendy & Lisa

Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman rose to international fame as part of Prince's band, The Revolution, in 1984. Having appeared in Purple Rain, and played on the accompanying soundtrack, they were slowly edged out of the band after they raised their concerns about the non-musicians being brought into the fold while on tour. By the end of the Hit N Run - Parade tour, The Revolution was disbanded and the celebrated keys and guitar players found themselves out on a limb. However, by 1986 they had signed their own record deal and were taking their first steps towards prominence on their own terms. While the duo may not have achieved the timeless classic status of their former frontman, their consistently solid releases achieved minor hit status and the duo have gone on to become acclaimed soundtrack score writers. With their first two albums having found new audiences with their re-releases over the last few years, their 1990 album Eroica has also been given the deluxe re-issue revamp, but does it add anything to the original release?

Lisa Coleman states within the liner notes that they personally view Eroica as the truest reflection of what they had hoped to achieve on record. While their first two albums had suffered at the hands of record label direction, they had been allowed greater freedom for the third release, which was rewarded with their highest album chart position - peaking at #33.

Sonically a fusion record, this has elements of rock, pop, funk, soul and R&B, all delivered with intelligent and thought provoking lyrics and killer vocals. Had this had the commercial impact it deserved at the time of release, this really would have been a career defining collection of hits that would have set them on the path for the acclaim they truly deserved.

Having been remastered for the re-release, fans of the original release will be impressed by the castly improved sonic quality of this re-release. While they will remember the tbrob of Staring at the Sun, the tender intimacy of Don't Try To Tell Me and the phenomenal bass drive of Skeleton Key, this will be blown away by just how amazing they sound on the remaster.

While the collection is accompanied by a collection of impressive edits and remixes, it is the B-sides Stones and Birth and Balance, as well as Lisa Coleman's piano improvisations that make the second disc a worthwhile addition.

Although the listening focus will be on the original album, as a set it is a worthwhile investment for fans both new and old.