Themes
A 25-CD box set. Exhaustive is an understatement
Set to tour again this autumn, with the promise of a
full rendition of their 1982 classic New Gold Dream 81-82-83-84
(& the frankly less compelling prospect of Deacon Blue as their support), it's time due respect was given.
A reissue of the 1990 original, with the addition of a fifth volume taking the story up to 1992,
Themes comprises over eight hours album tracks, remixes & live-cuts.
Volumes 1 & 2, covering '79 to '84. are glorious, with
The American,
I Travel,
Love Song &
Promised You A Miracle revealing the band at their curious, art-rocking best.
Although threatening from the mid-80's on to drown in its own bombast, on re-evaluation much of the stadium-era music still works.
The only real gripe? That there is, inexplicably, no room for their early classic, Changeling.
David Buckley
Mojo
4/5
|