Like the Siddeleys, the legend of Reserve continues to grow this century. Frontman Torquil Macleod's band has popped up on two of Firestation's compilations ('The Sound of Leamington Spa, Volume 2' and the 'Still Mad At Me?' box) as well as Cherry Red's 'C88' box. Firestation also went all out in 2013 with 'Beneath the London Sky,' a 23-track collection of just about every scrap Reserve recorded in and out of the studio. If you like your '80s jangle as much as I do, there isn't anything here that you wouldn't want, but there is nothing like having the original, and I have wanted the four-track "Two Hearts Beat In A Hole" 12" from Sombrero for years. Thank you for finding it in Spain, Santa, but I think it must have had a tough trip on your sleigh. The vinyl looks perfect, but the surface noise is going to take a bit of work to clean up.
My favorite song from Reserve is one about the tower at All Saints Church in Notting Hill called "The Sun Slid Down the Tower." It first appeared on that split Sha La La flexi, and the song was recorded again with a different lineup as one on the three B-sides on "Two Hearts Beat In A Hole." As excited as I am to finally possess this coveted 12", I have to admit there is something missing from that original recording used on the flexi. It lacks the oomph, somehow. What do you think?
"The Sun Slid Down the Tower" (Sha La La flexi version)
"The Sun Slid Down the Tower" ("Two Hearts Beat In A Hole" 12")
6 comments:
It sounds like Santa had you on his good list last year Brian! Listening to the two versions, I'd have to agree that the rawer flexi recording takes it. The 12" version is ok, but a bit too polite to these ears.
I'm jealous Brian, nobody buys me vinyl or any music at Christmas.
Don't know these at all, very jangly and very good. I concur with both of you.
btw - has the snow hit you yet? Saw a warning for it your way a couple of days ago
Reserve came and went pretty quickly, Drew. A bigger deal now than they ever were when still around. Credit goes to Firestation for caring about these things and to the 21st century popularity of the Siddeleys. Torquil Macleod worked with Johnny Johnson in the band's earliest incarnation. As for the weather, forecast says it will happen overnight with a couple of more chances during the week. Everyone is hoping for a snow day tomorrow.
Joining your conversation 3 years later(!) to agree that the flexi version is a lot better.
Torquil, I still pop on the blog once in a while to kill spam comments. Seeing you here today is a big smile. Thanks for taking the time. I can't even begin to tell you how many untold hours of pleasure your music has given me. Yes, I still find the flexi version is better, but the 12" EP has its charms and finds a spot on the turntable often. Take care.
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