One of Rock’s more shamefully underrated bands are Barclay James Harvest. Originating in the late ’60s, when many of the English prog bands were starting to take root, BJH showcased an admirable ability to produce compelling and listenable music. Their first album, the S/T album gave the band their first official foray in recorded music, and helped to establish them with a core of fans. By 1976, BJH had amassed a strong collection of albums that include one of my favorites, Octoberon,
Octoberon was issued between Time Honoured Ghosts (1975), and Gone To Earth (1977). Both of those albums were excellent inclusions and Octoberon was no different. Therefore, it’s great news to discover that Esoteric Records will revisit Octoberon with a new Stereo remaster and 5.1 Surround mix. And let’s not forget the reputation of Esoteric to uncover sessions-based extras to expand on the album.
On July 21, Esoteric will release a 2CD/1DVD Deluxe Edition of Octoberon that will feature music worked on from the original masters. To further the definitive nature of this album, another in the long list of revisited BJH titles undertaken by the label, the DVD will feature films from this important timeframe as well as new Stereo mixes and high audio upgrades (see list below).
Along with this set will be a booklet with new liner notes, more photos, and restored classic artwork.
Octoberon – Barclay James Harvest
CD1 (24-bit remastered STEREO)
01. The World Goes On
02. May Day
03. Ra
04. Rock N’ Roll Star
05. Polk Street Rag
06. Believe In Me
07. Suicide?
Bonus Tracks
08. Ra (1st Mix)
09. Rock N’ Roll Star (1st Mix)
10. Polk Street Rag (1st Mix)
11.Suicide? (1st Mix)
CD2: (New STEREO Mix)
01. The World Goes On
02. May Day
03. Ra
04. Rock N’ Roll Star
05. Polk Street Rag
06. Believe In Me
07. Suicide?
Bonus Tracks
08. Rock N’ Roll Star (Marquee Studios Version)
09. May Day (Version with Alternate Intro)
DVD (New 5.1 Surround Mix / 96kHz-24-bit STEREO Mix / 96kHz/24-bit Original Mix)
01. The World Goes On
02. May Day
03. Ra
04. Rock N’ Roll Star
05. Polk Street Rag
06. Believe In Me
07. Suicide?
Bonus Track
08 – May Day (Version with Alternate Intro)
VIDEO
Two Octoberon Promo BBC Old Grey Whistle Test videos:
09. Rock N’ Roll Star
10.The World Goes On