ON THE TURNTABLE: The Bluetones – Expecting To Fly (25th Anniversary Box Set Edition)

ON THE TURNTABLE: The Bluetones - Expecting To Fly (25th Anniversary Box Set Edition)

Short, sharp and frank reviews from a confessed vinyl junkie. I’ll be posting my most loved records and most recent purchases right here for your perusal every week.

Reissue of the debut album from Hounslow’s most famous sons. Originally released in ‘96, The ‘Tones debut was highly praised by both the media and the public, having already gained the band a Number 2 single in the UK charts a month before the release with the insanely catchy ‘Slight Return’.

These lads certainly weren’t a one-hit-wonder, mind. The musicianship throughout the album was a different level to many other bands around at the time, and Mark’s softly sung vocals perfectly matched the intricate playing.

The album kicks off with the sound of a plane taking off, no doubt about their home town, and it just builds beautifully from there. It’s such a difficult album to pick stand out tracks from because they’re ALL standout, but ‘A Parting Gesture’ will get a special mention because this reviewer attempted a cover of it in the only band I’ve ever sung in back in my Sheffield days.

The boxset also includes another three LP’s of B-sides (from singles of the era, all of which are also superb), demos and home recordings. Many years later, this reviewer was also lucky enough to work with Mark on a solo show and a full band gig, so I’m pleased to say, not only are they brilliant at what they do, but they’re also lovely chaps too. The box set is well worth spending that little extra on. You certainly won’t be disappointed.

Listen to ‘Expecting To Fly’ – BELOW:

INTERVIEW: The Bluetones’ Mark Morriss on the 25th Anniversary of ‘Expecting To Fly’

Xsnoize Author
Sean Crossey 86 Articles
Seán is based in Manchester; his favourite artists include James Brown, MF Doom, The National, Bon Iver, Radiohead, Eric B & Rakim, Aretha Franklin, Serge Gainsbourg, John Lennon and Public Enemy. Sean has also been a promoter, DJ and a failed musician. Nowadays he resides in the Northern Quarter of Manchester and is a vinyl junkie, sneaker collector and MCFC fan.

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