Album
The Bluetones
Expecting to Fly (extended edition)
Mercury (label)
09 March 2009 (released)
26 March 2009
I always thought the Bluetones should have reached greater heights than they did. This, their 1996 debut, is a much overlooked gem from the Britpop era. Whilst upon it's release it knocked none other than 'What's the Story (Morning Glory)' off the top spot, mention the Bluetones to most people now and you'll more often than not get a blank look.
Whilst we have here the infectiously catchy trio of singles, 'Bluetonic', 'Cut Some Rug' and 'Slight Return'. For me this album could practically all have been released as singles such are the quality of the songs. From Brooding opener 'Talking to Clarry', through to the excellent 'Carn't be Trusted' and the finisher 'Time and Again' theres hooks aplenty and great melody courtesy of Mark Morriss' Distinctive vocals.
Whilst personally I find it difficult to find fault in the original album, This half arsed attempt at repackaging the album into an expanded edition is extremely disappointing. On disc one we get the original album apparently remastered. After comparing it to my original copy I can't notice much difference, however there was nothing wrong with the original production of it so I'll let that one pass.
The real let down is the lack of effort thats gone into the extra tracks. Disc 2 consists of a selection of Radio 1 sessions and a handful of live tracks,many of which are repeated from one session to the next. Although it's nice to hear these alternate versions, compare this to a lot of the Deluxe editon re-releases out there at the moment and this is shown up as a poor effort indeed. I've bought loads of these repackaged CDs myself lately, and if you look at re-releases by the Cure and Pavement for example, they manage to squeeze as much on 2 discs as possible, generally you get the original album,all the b-sides from the singles, alternative versions, session tracks, live tracks, the lot. For me, having a comprehensive collection of everything remotely connected with the album is fantastic, and from a collectors point of view and means I don't think twice about shelling out for an album which I essentially already own.
Bearing in mind the amount of time they've been going, realistically the Bluetones aren't going to pick up many brand new fans, therefore this repackaged set is surely aimed at Existing fans. So Where are the B-sides?, Where are the two brilliant singles which sandwiched the album? ( 'Are you blue or are you blind' and 'Marblehead Johnson') and where is the enticing thick glossy booklet and deluxe packaging?
Apparently in addition to this release there's a digital only release of the Bluetones live at Reading Festival 1995. Why only a digital release??? You can squeeze a hell of a lot onto 2 cds. Arrgghhh, it's so frustrating!
If you've managed to get through this review and you're a britpop fan who missed out on the Bluetones the first time round,then buy this album. If you're buying this album the second time around then prepare to be disappointed!
5/5 for the original
1/5 for the extra stuff
Whilst we have here the infectiously catchy trio of singles, 'Bluetonic', 'Cut Some Rug' and 'Slight Return'. For me this album could practically all have been released as singles such are the quality of the songs. From Brooding opener 'Talking to Clarry', through to the excellent 'Carn't be Trusted' and the finisher 'Time and Again' theres hooks aplenty and great melody courtesy of Mark Morriss' Distinctive vocals.
Whilst personally I find it difficult to find fault in the original album, This half arsed attempt at repackaging the album into an expanded edition is extremely disappointing. On disc one we get the original album apparently remastered. After comparing it to my original copy I can't notice much difference, however there was nothing wrong with the original production of it so I'll let that one pass.
The real let down is the lack of effort thats gone into the extra tracks. Disc 2 consists of a selection of Radio 1 sessions and a handful of live tracks,many of which are repeated from one session to the next. Although it's nice to hear these alternate versions, compare this to a lot of the Deluxe editon re-releases out there at the moment and this is shown up as a poor effort indeed. I've bought loads of these repackaged CDs myself lately, and if you look at re-releases by the Cure and Pavement for example, they manage to squeeze as much on 2 discs as possible, generally you get the original album,all the b-sides from the singles, alternative versions, session tracks, live tracks, the lot. For me, having a comprehensive collection of everything remotely connected with the album is fantastic, and from a collectors point of view and means I don't think twice about shelling out for an album which I essentially already own.
Bearing in mind the amount of time they've been going, realistically the Bluetones aren't going to pick up many brand new fans, therefore this repackaged set is surely aimed at Existing fans. So Where are the B-sides?, Where are the two brilliant singles which sandwiched the album? ( 'Are you blue or are you blind' and 'Marblehead Johnson') and where is the enticing thick glossy booklet and deluxe packaging?
Apparently in addition to this release there's a digital only release of the Bluetones live at Reading Festival 1995. Why only a digital release??? You can squeeze a hell of a lot onto 2 cds. Arrgghhh, it's so frustrating!
If you've managed to get through this review and you're a britpop fan who missed out on the Bluetones the first time round,then buy this album. If you're buying this album the second time around then prepare to be disappointed!
5/5 for the original
1/5 for the extra stuff