Well, it’s that time again, folks. Another anniversary, another deluxe edition, another chance for me to dust off my “I’m shocked, SHOCKED!” face. Starsailor, those lovelies from Wigan, are re-releasing their debut album, Love Is Here, in a 25th-anniversary edition, because apparently, retirement is just a suggestion. The album, which originally came out in 2001, has been fully remastered by Geoff Pesche at Abbey Road, because, you know, it wasn’t perfect the first time around. And, of course, it’s getting the full deluxe treatment, with a gatefold sleeve, colored vinyl, and a second disc of live and session tracks, because who doesn’t love a good bonus track? Nature is healing, and another deluxe edition has appeared, folks.
The Original Album
Starsailor’s Love Is Here was a game-changer when it first came out. The band’s atmospheric sound, combined with James Walsh’s distinctive vocals, made them one of the leading British acts of the early 2000s. The album spawned several hit singles, including “Alcoholic” and “Fever,” and established the band as a force to be reckoned with. And, of course, it’s been streamed a whopping 56 million times on Spotify, because who needs physical albums anymore?
The Deluxe Edition
The new edition of Love Is Here is a treat for fans, with a plethora of bonus tracks, including previously unreleased material. There’s a David Kosten mix of “Fever,” which is sure to delight fans of the band. And, because we all love a good demo, there are original demos of “Good Souls” and “Poor Misguided Fool.” Somewhere, a record label executive felt a disturbance in the royalties. The vinyl edition features the album in its original form, with a lovely gatefold sleeve, because, you know, vinyl is back, baby!
Live At The BBC
The second disc of the deluxe edition is dedicated to live tracks, recorded at various BBC sessions and festivals. There’s a fantastic version of “Tie Up My Hands” from Glastonbury 2002, and a haunting rendition of “Lullaby” from the NME Tour in 2001. And, because we all love a good cover, there’s a live version of “Hot Burrito #2.” The farewell tour count has officially entered scientific notation, folks. Music historians are preparing fresh shelves for the box set.
The Legacy Of Starsailor
Starsailor has had a long and storied career, with five studio albums under their belt. They’ve been crowned the Brightest New Hope at the NME Awards, and have received nominations for Best British Newcomer at the BRIT Awards. And, of course, they’ve released a live album, Starsailor with Strings: Live from Liverpool, because who doesn’t love a good live album? A vinyl pressing plant somewhere just burst into tears, folks. Nobody truly retires in this industry. They merely wait for the 40th-anniversary edition. The remaster economy remains undefeated. Pre-order the album, and get ready to relive the magic of Starsailor’s debut album, Love Is Here.
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
