In history, there is a wide swath of great bands and artists enjoyed by a devoted cult audience, but ignored by the mass of music lovers. One of those vastly overlooked bands with a phenomenal centerpiece was Be Bop Deluxe. Formed in 1972, Bill Nelson‘s visionary prog band released their first album in 1974. That album was Axe Victim. It was followed by increasingly inventive music over four more studio sets (Futurama – 1975, Sunburst Finish – 1976, Modern Music – 1976, and Drastic Plastic – 1978). Their run of classics was capped off with the release of a dramatic live set, Live! In The Air Age! – 1977. During these six recordings, only Bill Nelson remained as a core member of Be Bop Deluxe.
On November 16, Esoteric, a subsidiary of UK’s brilliant label, Cherry Red Music, will release a strong 3CD/1DVD definitive reissue of Sunburst Finish. IT will feature not only a new remaster of the original tracks, but will also explore this classic with the addition of an otherworldly extensive 39 bonus to cement the definitive collection.
The first two CDs provide Sunburst Finish as a remaster of the original mix (CD1), and a brand new 2018 Stereo mix (CD2). The third CD delivers nine BBC live recordings. The first two CDs will add in bonus tracks as well. A DVD is packaged in with a 5.1 Surround Sound mix, as well as high resolution (96kHz/24-bit) sets of both the original mix remastered, and the new 2018 Stereo mix. To add to DVD storage space, two Old Grey Whistle Test videos are included as well as a previously unissued Harvest Records promo video.
To cap off the box, a 68-page book with photos, essays, notes, memorabilia, and credits will accompany the limited edition set. There will be included a replica 1976 Sunburst Finish tour program, some postcards, and a replica poster.
In addition to the 3CD/DVD set, a truncated 2CD reissue will be made available. It will house the first two CDs as noted below.
Sunburst Finish – Be Bop Deluxe (Limited Edition 3CD/DVD Box)
CD1 (Sunburst Finish Original Stereo Mix Remastered)
01. Fair Exchange
02. Heavenly Homes
03. Ships In The Night
04. Crying To The Sky
05. Sleep That Burns
06. Beauty Secrets
07. Life In The Air Age
08. Like An Old Blues
09. Crystal Gazing
10. Blazing Apostles
Bonus Track
11. Ships In The Night (A-side Single Edit)
CD2 (Sunburst Finish New 2018 Stereo Mix)
01. Fair Exchange
02. Heavenly Homes
03. Ships In The Night
04. Crying To The Sky
05. Sleep That Burns
06. Beauty Secrets
07. Life In The Air Age
08. Like An Old Blues
09. Crystal Gazing
10. Blazing Apostles
Bonus Tracks (Previously Unreleased)
11. Ships In The Night – Version 1
12. Beauty Secrets – Version 1
13. The Mystery Demo
14. Crystal Gazing (Alternate Vocals)
15. Crying To The Sky – Version 1
16. Ships In The Night (Alternate Vocals)
CD3 (BBC Live Radio Recordings)
BBC Radio One “In Concert” – January 15, 1976
01. Life In The Air Age
02. Sister Seagull
03. Ships In The Night
04. Maid In Heaven
05. Third Floor Heaven
06. Blazing Apostles
BBC Radio One – John Peel Show session – February 10, 1976
07. Crying To The Sky
08. Piece Of Mine
09. Blazing Apostles
DVD (96kHz/24-bit 5.1 Surround Mix, 96kHz/24-bit Remaster, 96kHz/24-bit 2018 Stereo Mix of Sunburst Finish, Videos)
01. Fair Exchange
02. Heavenly Homes
03. Ships In The Night
04. Crying To The Sky
05. Sleep That Burns
06. Beauty Secrets
07. Life In The Air Age
08. Like An Old Blues
09. Crystal Gazing
10. Blazing Apostles
Video
01 – Ships In The Sky (Old Grey Whistle Test)
02 – Fair Exchange (Old Grey Whistle Test)
03 – Ships In The Night (Unreleased 1976 Harvest Records Promo Video)