Ultravox

The Collection – Deluxe Edition

(Chrysalis)

By the time singer/guitarist Midge Ure joined Ultravox for 1980’s Vienna, none of the London synth-pop band’s prior three albums had charted in the UK. That all changed with the addition of the charismatic Scottish frontman, who would eventually spearhead Band Aid with Bob Geldof. Immediately, the group landed in the top 30 at home with insistent alt-rocker “Sleepwalk,” and what would become its highest charting, biggest selling single, the majestic “Vienna” (anti-nuclear war anthem “Dancing with Tears in My Eyes” would also reach the British top 5 in 1984).

Although Ultravox’s brand of dramatic, sometimes spiritual music shamefully never caught fire in America, college radio stations and MTV here would help provide the musicians with a cult following. All told, Ultravox notched 10 top 20 hits, and five studio albums went gold or platinum in the UK.

This newly remastered box set sounds superb and provides a fine overview of Ultravox’s glory days. Every single is represented, including five not on the original Collection - three off 1986’s U-Vox and two from the 2012 reunion effort Brilliant. Highlights include an intense “The Voice,” the racing “Sleepwalk,” a sleek, enrapturing “Reap the Wild Wind” and luxurious ballad “Lament,” plus “Vienna,” “Dancing with Tears in My Eyes” and the simmering, U2-evoking “Flow.”

The 4CD edition (limited to 5,000 units worldwide) is a real treasure trove for serious fans, comprising all the Ure-era B-sides, unreleased and alternative versions, live tracks (a scorching “New Europeans,” the Celtic “Rise” stand out), plus some newly created 12” extended dance versions mixed by Ure, Steven Wilson, and others. More than four hours of footage is on two Blu-ray discs containing music videos, alternative versions, live performances, and appearances on the BBC’s “Top of The Pops.”

Also available: digital and streaming; 2LP black and 4LP clear vinyl.

Tears for Fears

Songs from the Big Chair

(Universal Music Enterprises)

Tears for Fears already stood out from the new wave pack thanks to the riveting, atmospheric 1983 debut The Hurting (UK hits: “Pale Shelter,” “Change” “Pale Shelter”). But it was Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith’s more technicolor pop on sophomore album Songs from the Big Chair – a true juggernaut – that broke their career wide open.

Certified 5x platinum, it went to #1 here and spawned back-to-back chart toppers in “Shout” and “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.” “Head Over Heels” (#3) and “Mother’s Talk” (#27) were also ubiquitous on the radio and MTV from 1984-86.

Now, to mark the 40th anniversary of this true Eighties classic, a cool-looking limited edition transparent red 2LP vinyl was released with the original unused artwork and tracks previously unavailable on vinyl. The album jackets feature studio credits, photos and amusingly – details of the UK marketing campaign touting British tour dates, album prices in pounds sterling for LP, chrome cassette and CD, music video plans, and slogan “This album will run and run!”  

Among the tracks making their vinyl bow: “Shout” (Alternative Mix), “The Working Hour” (Piano Version), “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” (Alternative Single Version), “Mother’s Talk” (Early Mix), “Broken” (Demo), and “Listen” (Clean Intro). Tears for Fears collectors will definitely want to obtain any of the new editions.

Also available: 3CD deluxe, a limited edition 1LP Coke bottle clear vinyl, limited 1LP picture disc. The deluxe has assorted mixes, edits, extended and alternate versions and more. 

Fine Young Cannibals

FYC 40

(London Records)

When Fine Young Cannibals initially emerged with its eponymous album in 1985, the unique soulful vocal style of Roland Gift perked up people’s ears in a major way (as in, Who IS this guy?). Catchy melodies from former Beat members Andy Cox and David Steele were a big part of the draw. “Johnny Come Home” went top 10 pop in the UK and top 10 dance in the US. A compelling cover of Elvis Presley’s “Suspicious Minds” also proved successful in England.

Enter 1989 follow up The Raw and the Cooked, where the British trio opened up their sound more to incorporate blue-eyed soul, modern dance, and doo-wop elements. They wisely got Prince associate David Z to co-produce some songs and Talking Heads’ Jerry Harrison on an infectious take on the Buzzcocks’ “Ever Fallen in Love?”

Lately the band’s influence has been felt through prominent placements of signature hit “She Drives Me Crazy” in FX series “The Bear,” “Johnny Come Home” in the film “All of Us Strangers,” and the former in a Chanel handbag ad campaign.

This new collection offers hits and album tracks, new and rare remixes, promo videos, and live performances on video depending on the format: 1CD, 2CD, 2LP, 4CD/DVD.