Since we’re in quite the ambient mood these few days, it’s nice to be able to concentrate a little on the genre. After I had announced that I would be doing an Ambient series of articles, it was commented that the Esoteric label out of the UK would be delivering remasters of six Vangelis titles, some of which are highly anticipated, and a few with bonus tracks.
Getting right to it, Esoteric Records have Heaven and Hell, Albedo 0.39, Spiral, Beaubourg, Direct, and Page Of Life, all slated for reissue on November 25.
Reported by Elsewhere, an independent Vangelis web-site, (and brought to my attention by Dave S.), these six RCA and Arista titles are expected to be newly remastered, and actually supervised by Vangelis himself. Of the six, Page Of Life will add in “Sing With Your Eyes”, while the bonus of “To The Unknown Man (II)” is attached to Spiral.
All of these albums will be housed in Deluxe Digipak sets.
I’m in!
This is good news! However, where is China? If ever there was a back catalogue worthy of the Steve Wilson 5.1 treatment it is that of Vangelis!!
These reissues cover the Sony owned albums (ex RCA / Arista). China was a Polydor release. Chariots of Fire is the only album from that label to see a reissue thus far.
Thanks for posting this. There is also a documentary DVD coming out on October 28th. The information for that is further down in the news of the website you linked. I’m really looking forward to that too, since he is very much a recluse.
I’m looking forward to these releases. However, the icing on the cake would be for SACD issues. The recent Mobile Fidelity “Blade Runner soundtrack” is immaculate and well worth the money, if you have the right equipment.
On the other hand, I agree with David (above) that Vangelis would be welcome as new 5.1 mixes. Maybe SW can get around to these after he is finished with Jethro Tull – and whatever else he is working on (more ELP please… and someone should give him the Led Zeppelin tapes).