One easy way that bands make money from their back catalogues is to re-issue old albums in ‘Deluxe Edition’ sets. Throw in an extra track here, gently refreshed artwork there, and you’ve an instant collectible that will have the most ardent fan drooling in anticipation to add to their collection. I’ll admit, I’m disappointingly, a sucker for re-issued albums, as they’re essential to have on the shelf to complete that particular artist or band’s discography.
I’d like to think that Saint Etienne isn’t just in it for easy money, though. Certain people would disagree, but I’ve just taken delivery of the first two of the band’s re-issued releases, and just looking at them, they’re so much more than just a cynical way to make money. Bob, Pete and Sarah have plans to release their whole back catalogue in 2CD, new artwork, bonus track formats, and are even playing each album in its entirety live.
The first Et re-issues (hitting stores on 18 May) are their debut Foxbase Alpha from 1991, and Continental, from 1997. Widely regarded as one of their finest long players, Foxbase Alpha introduced the Saint Etienne sound to the masses, and includes hits such as Only Love Can Break Your Heart and Nothing Can Stop Us. Taking the deluxe edition route, all of the re-packaged CDs are called, er, ‘Deluxe Editions’, and feature unseen photos and memorabilia from the period of their release, as well as plenty of alternative versions of well-known tracks, and most excitingly, a sprinkling of unreleased songs.
On Foxbase Alpha, the hitherto understudies include Sally Space (which the band had all but forgotten about), the very ‘90s sounding Chase HQ, and The Reckoning, surely inspired by soundtrack supremo John Barry. There’s also the dub-tastic Speedwell and Winter in America, the wistful Parliament Hill and the 12�? version of early hit Kiss and Make Up (alongside a Sarah Cracknell version). This little lot, the other bonuses and the original re-mastered album proper should ensure there’s something for everyone.
Sounding fresh even after 18 years, Foxbase Alpha is clearly a fan favourite; the band had to recently add another live date to their album tour schedule to accommodate disappointed groupies. The Saint Etienne Deluxe Editions come in slipcases and plastic wallets, while Foxbase Alpha also comes as a very special edition box set, limited to 1,000 copies. Go grab yourself a slice of pop history.
Tags: Music, Saint Etienne