1990's Swagger by The Blue Aeroplanes is an album I return to over and over again, both in life and here on the blog. I've had a brief track from it for a Sunday Short, I've had a longer number for a Monday Long Song, I've had a B-side from an accompanying single and I made the whole thing an early entry onto the Every Home Should Have One master list. I bloody love it, basically.
And now it's time for a Blue Friday post. This is What It Is, from halfway through side two. And yes, that is Michael Stipe on "Ohhhh, ohh oh" backing vocals, thanks for asking.
All of which serves to remind me, and by extension you, of the fact that the Blue Aeroplanes have a new best-of compilation out this very day. You can, and should, grab your copy of Magical Realism right here.
Thanks for the tip-off, I'll check out the Best Of.
ReplyDeleteExcellent. Although, if you haven't got Swagger already, I'd get that first. Every home should have one!
DeleteI do
Delete:)
DeleteGot to love a bit of Blue Aeroplanes
ReplyDeleteOh yes!
DeleteGoosebumps!
ReplyDeleteYes! It's that good. You should try the whole album...
DeleteI love Swagger. A friend taped it on one side of a C90 cassette with a couple of B-sides to pad out the 45 mins.
ReplyDeleteI finally - finally! - got my own physical copy last year, the double vinyl reissue on Past Night From Glasgow. The original album’s on the first three sides, with side D featuring 6 bonus tracks.
I guess it would be a strange listening experience if you’re used to the original vinyl with six songs per side, but as my C90 had them all run together, it makes sense to my ears.
So, on this version, What It Is closes Side 2. And it works.
If you’ve worn out your copy and need to replace, I’d highly recommend the PNFG reissue. Sleeves, liners & notes, vinyl… it’s a thing of beauty.
If it's what I think, there's gold in those bonus tracks. World View Blue (acoustic) and the Aeroplanes' cover of Sweet Jane for starters, right?
DeleteSadly not Sweet Jane, but bang on with World View Blue.
Delete1. S.T.R.A.N.G.E. (Out-take from 'Swagger')
2. Razorwalk. (From the 'Jacket Hangs' EP)
3. Different Now (From the 'Jacket Hangs' EP)
4. Big Sky (From the 'Jacket Hangs' EP)
5. You Are Loved (From the 'Loved' EP)
6. World View Blue (Acoustic version) (From the "Loved' EP)
DeleteIt’s belatedly dawned on me that the C90 didn’t even contain the full album! I’ve just realised that the “bonus B-sides” were Veils Of Colour and Arriving, but it’s missing Weightless and The Applicant from the album.
I am not worthy!
A great selection of extras. Got to get yourself Weightless though!
Delete