Haircut One Hundred - Pelican West (Deluxe Edition) (1982/2016)

Note: this release was originally purchased as an LP, later replaced by a CD, later replaced by the brand spankin' new double disc 2016 Deluxe Edition. Back on December 19, 2010, for this blog's 100th post, I reviewed my original copy of this CD for this blog.

First, let's tackle the packaging: looks good and the liner notes include a new essay by Michael Silvester along with a complete band discography. I was hoping for lyrics, but no dice. Still, B for effort. However, I give the Cherry Pop label an A for transparency:

Musicwise, this has been called "the happiest album that ever existed" and I find it very hard to disagree with that opinion. Since 1982, this album has been in heavy rotation around here and easily makes my proverbial desert island list. For more on the original album and my personal discovery of it, click here for my original post. Also, Classic Pop magazine recently did a wonderful piece on the album in its "Classic Albums" feature series.

Press of the time:

• Stereo Review: "the best band yet to result from the current British infatuation with funk"
• Record World: "sophisticated, attractive work"
• Trouser Press: "airy treats that caress the ear like a soothing tropical breeze."
• Billboard: "The music and hooks are irresistible"
• Robert Christgau (C+)
• Rolling Stone (★★): "melodies have a light-hearted gait, and the hooks are often arrestingly direct"
• Smash Hits (8½ out of 10): "Check out the winning vocals, the sturdy, flexible rhythm section, creamy saxophone, the poignant, exhilarating and thoroughly British songs."

And here's the band "live tweeting" about this recording on Tim's Twitter Listening Party: https://timstwitterlisteningparty.com/pages/replay/feed_92.html

Album chart peaks:

• US Billboard Top 200: #31
• Billboard Rock: #41
• CashBox: #52
• Rolling Stone: #26

Pinbacks from my personal archives

Tracks: I bought this deluxe edition because it was advertised as having "previously unreleased tracks" so I'm putting that claim to the test this morning. Who am I kidding - I woulda bought it anyway but let's check track availability:

Disc One (original album tracks 1-12):

1. Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl) - also on A, B*
2. Love Plus One - A, B, C
3. Lemon Firebrigade - A
4. Marine Boy - A, B
5. Milk Film - A
6. Kingsize (You're My Little Steam Whistle) - A
7. Fantastic Day - A, B
8. Baked Bean - A, B
9. Snow Girl - A, B
10. Love's Got Me In Triangles - A
11. Surprise Me Again - A
12. Calling Captain Autumn - A
13. Boat Party (b side of Favourite Shirts) - A
14. Ski Club (b side of Fantastic Day) - A
15. October Is Orange (Day 1 & 2) (b side of Nobody's Fool) - A
16. Nobody's Fool - B

Disc Two:

1. Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl) (12" version) - also on A, C
2. Love Plus One (12" version) - previously unavailable on CD!
3. Fantastic Day (12" version) - previously unavailable on CD!
4. Nobody's Fool (12"version) - A, C
5. Calling Captain Autumn (special extended version) - previously unavailable on CD!
6. Boat Party (12" version) - previously unavailable on CD!
7. October Is Orange (Day 1 & 2) (12" version) - previously unavailable on CD!
8. Ski Club Of Great Britain - previously unavailable on CD!
9. Marine Boy (12" version) - previously unavailable on CD!
10. Love's Got Me In Triangles (special extended version) - previously unavailable on CD!
11. Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl) (extended version) - previously unavailable on CD!
12. Fantastic Day (live) - C
13. Calling Captain Autumn (12" version) - C

All those new mixes bring a big smile to my face! Wish I'd had 'em when I was 16.

*Previously revisited for the blog:

1. Pelican West Plus
2. The Best of Nick Heyward & Haircut 100
3. The Greatest Hits of Nick Heyward & Haircut 100