Sad Lovers and Giants - The Mirror Test

[roc51]

This just in via the official Sad Lovers and Giants website:

09/11/09 After successful re-releases of Epic Garden Music and Feeding the Flame, SL&G are now working on re-mastering The Mirror Test for re-release in January 2010.

No word on any additional bonus tracks (the original CD version was and expanded version of the original vinyl release w/singles & b-sides)

Although not officially stated, Cherry Red owns the rights of the Midnight Music back catalogue (Sad Lovers and Giants original label) and reissued the albums above, so I would presume this will be the case here.

For the uninitiated, The Mirror Test was the first release after the departure of Tristan Garel-Funk, who went on to form The Snake Corps, and the first to feature Tony McGuinness (now 1/3 of electronic giants Above & Beyond). This new lineup is the primary core of the band that has been in existence over the course of the past 22 plus years. The Mirror Test boasts a smoother sound, retaining the intricate post-punk leanings and vast soundscapes the band has come to be known for. A fantastic entry point (as is Epic Garden Music & Feeding The Flame), this CD has been out of print since its initial release in 1987. Personally along side the first two albums, this ranks as one of my all-time favourites.

If you are a fan of bands like The Chameleons or For Against, you will love this band - if you want top-notch songwriting, intricate soundscapes, mood-inducing, thought provoking music, this is for you. Criminally underrated and unknown throughout their original existence, do yourself a favour and discover what one of music's best kept secrets and reward yourself with the music of Sad Lovers and Giants.

[shred]

I like you roc51! SLAG, For Against, The Chameleons!!

I'm still discovering new SLAG stuff, however. A good friend of mine from Maryland is a massive fan keeps me in the loop with them.

[Barmy]

Were these remasters or repressings? I have the original CDs and they sound great.

[roc51]

In regards to the Epic Garden Music & Feeding The Flame reissues, these were straight repressings with new liner notes by Garce & the band, photos & other niceties...really nice packages for the fans.

The CDs don't sound any different from the original pressings, but I personally have retired my Midnight Music CDs and listen to these in both physical & digital form. The original releases are now highly sought after collectors items.

The Mirror Test has been mentioned as being remastered, so we will see how this ends up. The liner notes should be superb...hopefully plenty of recollections & nice rare photos (Feeding the Flame had recollections from the remaining original members).

The pattern on the reissue campaign has been for January & August releases - Epic came out in Jan 09, Feeding in Aug 09, so this fits the pattern.

If we are lucky, we will get another reissue in August - hopefully perhaps the 4th & 5th albums Headland & Treehouse Poetry as a 2 on 1, or the ultra rare rarities collection Les Annees Vertes (includes the bands only John Peel Session, demos, live & EP tracks) - but we will wait and see.

Sales for the reissues have been stellar according to Cherry Red & the band, so hopefully the entire back catalogue will soon be in print again.