When we last mentioned the great but under-appreciated Be Bop Deluxe, Esoteric Records were unleashing a remastered and thoroughly expanded edition of Sunburst Finish (1976) (here). That edition even provided a DVD of higher quality audio files, 5.1 Surround mixes, and a few appreciated videos. Bill Nelson and band didn’t last long as a recording entity. But in four years of existence, Be Bop Deluxe delivered five excellent studio sets (Axe Victim – 1974, Futurama – 1975, Sunburst Finish – 1976, Modern Music – 1976, Drastic Plastic – 1978) and a great live set (Live! In The Air Age – 1977).
On April 26, Esoteric applies that same quality to Futurama with a 3CD/DVD Box. Like Sunburst Finish, Futurama will be presented here with a new remaster, a collection of 36 bonus tracks, high quality mixes and 5.1 Surround mixes, as well as a handful of BBC live recordings (see below for details).
A 68-page booklet is packed into the box set that includes tons of photos, memorabilia, a new essay by Bill Nelson, and plenty of credits and acknowledgements. The box will also see a record store poster replica, postcards, and album track sheets.
This new remastered edition will also be issued in a 2CD set with new remaster and the 2019 remix of the original album.
Futurama – Be Bop Deluxe (Limited Edition 3CD/DVD Box)
CD1 (Futurama Original Stereo Mix Remastered)
01 Stage Whispers
02 Love With The Madman
03 Maid In Heaven
04 Sister Seagull
05 Sound Track
06 Music In Dreamland
07 Jean Cocteau
08 Between The Worlds
09 Swan Song
Bonus Tracks
10 Between The Worlds (Single Edit)
11 Lights (Outtake)
CD2 (Futurama New 2019 Stereo Mix)
01 Stage Whispers
02 Love With The Madman
03 Maid In Heaven
04 Sister Seagull
05 Sound Track
06 Music In Dreamland
07 Jean Cocteau
08 Between The Worlds
09 Swan Song
Bonus Tracks
10 Between The Worlds (Single Edit)
11 Lights
12 Music In Dreamland (Phonogram Studios version – Previously Unreleased)
13 Between The Worlds (Alternate Single version – Previously Unreleased)
CD3 (BBC Live Radio Recordings)
BBC Radio One “John Peel Show” – March 11, 1975
01 Stage Whispers
02 Sister Seagull
03 Maid In Heaven
04 Lights
BBC Radio One “In Concert” – May 23, 1975 (Previously Unreleased)
05 Stage Whispers
06 Third Floor Heaven
07 Adventures in A Yorkshire Landscape
08 Sister Seagull
09 Piece Of Mine
10 Maid In Heaven
11 Axe Victim
DVD (96kHz/24-bit 5.1 Surround Mix, 96kHz/24-bit Remaster, 96kHz/24-bit 2018 Stereo Mix of Futurama, Videos)
Original Album in 5.1/Stereo
01 Stage Whispers
02 Love With The Madman
03 Maid In Heaven
04 Sister Seagull
05 Sound Track
06 Music In Dreamland
07 Jean Cocteau
08 Between The Worlds
09 Swan Song
Bonus Audio
10 Between The Worlds
11 Music In Dreamland (Phonogram Studios version)
Video
01 Maid In Heaven (Old Grey Whistle Test -July 19, 1975)
02 Sister Seagull (Old Grey Whistle Test – July 19, 1975)
03 Maid In Heaven (Previously Unreleased Promo Video)