While the best known Supertramp album in the world is easily Breakfast In America, the 1978 classic that dropped four high-charting singles, there is without a doubt, love for previous release, Crime Of The Century, issued three albums prior back in 1974. With Crisis? What Crisis? (1975), and Even In The Quietest Of Moments…(1977) caught in the middle, attention for Crime Of The Century never really waned, and, in fact, became more popular because of the two singles, “Bloody Well Right”, and “Dreamer”. In many fans’ hearts, Crime Of The Century is as warmly received as Breakfast In America, and just as essential.
On December 8, in the UK, Crime Of The Century will be given the royal 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition treatment with the reissue of the title in a 3LP vinyl Box, as well as a 2CD Deluxe Edition. The 180-weight, 3LP set will especially shine as it will add in two 8 x 10 picture cards, an eight-page booklet with photos, an essay, and other notes, and a download rights card. there will also be a single LP set with just the original songs remastered.
The bonus tracks to this set will audio performance tracks from their March, 1975 appearance at London’s Hammersmith Odeon (see below for show track-list).
While the 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of Crime Of The Century is only slated for the UK at this time, there is no doubt the title will become available across the waters in the US very shortly. I will keep a close eye out for its addition, and update this page.
Hammersmith Odeon show track-list
01. School
02. Bloody Well Right
03. Hide In Your Shell
04. Asylum
05. Sister Moonshine
06. Just A Normal Day
07. Another Man’s Woman
08. Lady
09. ‘A’ You’re Adorable
10. Dreamer
11. Rudy
12. If Everyone Was Listening
13. Crime Of The Century
There is also an indication that this will be released in a hi-rez blu-ray (high fidelity pure audio). Unfortunately most likely in stereo only (no 5.1 mix). This was actually floating around as a “future release” back when I got the BIA Blu-ray last spring.
Bill, how is that BIG Blu-ray Audio?
I think the BIA Blu-ray sounds great but I’ve heard others say they didn’t think it was that much of an improvement. Then there are others that swear that the sacd from Japan is the gold source.
You know how these things go. It is a matter of opinion and taste. All I can say is that I am glad I picked it up, I’ve listened to it may times, and I think it sounds better than the cd.
That’s why it would be nice if all of these Blu-ray releases had a 5.1 mix. It would be an obvious enhancement that would make the debate as to whether or not it’s worth buying go away (although a debate to the worthiness of the 5.1 mix would continue amongst those that have nothing better to do).
I guess I will be the first to say this no 5.1 mix damn
Yeah, I’d bet it doesn’t have the live stuff either. Probably just the original album. That means I will probably have to get the cd too.
Great article about one of my favorite albums. The article mentions that the box set will be available in the UK only. I have seen several press releases in the US that state it will be available here, too. Can’t wait to get this early Christmas gift for myself. I have been a huge fan of Roger Hodgson’s for years. His songs off the album – Dreamer, Hide in Your Shell, School, and If Everyone Was Listening are songs I never tire of hearing. A bit of trivia – many people are not aware that although Roger and Rick shared writing credit, they actually wrote and composed separately with each singing their own songs.
I saw Roger in concert earlier this year and cannot wait to see him again in Detroit next month. He sang all of his classics – Dreamer, Breakfast in America, The Logical Song, Give a Little Bit, Take the Long Way Home, School, Fool’s Overture, It’s Raining Again, and so many more. That pristine voice of his is even better today than on my vinyls, if that’s possible, and his band sounds better than Supertramp in their heyday. Check out this video I found on his channel – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMLNeSbtVN0.
P.S. Breakfast in America was released in 1979, not 1978.
Could you send me the press release, Eleanor?
Hi, here is a US press release from four days ago – http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20141017005908/en/Supertramp-Release-Crime-Century-December-9-2014#.VEXgwkvF9uY. It is my understanding from various reports I saw that the box set will be available in the UK on Dec. 8 and in the US on Dec. 9. The press release was also on Roger Hodgson’s Facebook page on Oct 16 – https://www.Facebook.com/RogerHodgson.
Also, here are Roger’s November tour dates for the US and Canada for fans who want to see the original singer/songwriter of Supertramp’s greatest hits (yes, I’m a huge, longtime fan) –
November 4 – Wabash, IN – Honeywell Center
November 6 – Detroit, MI – MotorCity Casino Hotel
November 7 – Niagara Falls, NY – Seneca Niagara Falls Casino and Resort November 8 – Ridgefield, CT – Ridgefield Playhouse
November 9 – Bethlehem, PA – Sands Bethlehem Event Center
November 11 – Huntington, NY – The Paramount
November 14 & 15 – Rama, ON, Canada – With Orchestra – Casino Rama
Very cool- and yeah, Roger Hodgson is superb live in concert. Its amazing how his voice has endured and became stronger over the years. And must say his 4-piece band is beyond amazing, together they put their all into the music and its just a great experience. I’ve seen so many shows over the years and Roger is among the very top…
It’s a great day for Supertramp fans!..
Can’t wait to compare the sound of the new CD amp; Blu-Ray to my
MFSL Ultradisc II 24K CD… On a related note, the other new release version(s) “floating around” were to be a Japanese SHM-SACD and
Platinum SHM-CD – but they appear to be cancelled/postponed indefinitely.
I was really looking forward to hearing Crime in the SACD format,
but the new 40th Anniversary re-masters will surely do – for now…