Erasure - Erasure (2022 Expanded Edition) (1995/2022)

Two CDs. Digitally remastered and expanded deluxe hardback book edition. Includes bonus CD that includes 15 tracks including four brand new remixes, classic archive mixes, original B-Sides, live recordings, demos, and rarities. Originally released in October 1995, the band's seventh album, Erasure, was produced by Thomas Fehlmann of The Orb and Gareth Jones (Depeche Mode, Wire, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds) and mixed by the legendary Francois Kevorkian (Kraftwerk, Depeche Mode) Featuring the singles 'Stay With Me', 'Fingers & Thumbs (Cold Summer's Day)' and 'Rock Me Gently' (featuring Diamanda Galas).
Having continued course on I Say I Say I Say without adding much to its overall reputation, Erasure took a surprising turn on its self-titled album. With statements at the time indicating Clarke claimed inspiration from the complexity and reach of prog-rock keyboard experiments, the duo entered a less pop-friendly turn for this extensive record. Clarke definitely aims for a more spacy atmosphere throughout Erasure, assisted by sometime Orb compatriot Thomas Fehlmann. While the catchy hooks with which Clarke made his name remain, the arrangements show more grandiose reflections and less full-on dancefloor fun, more Jarre than Moroder. Songs are often much longer than the quick, punchy numbers the duo became known for, sometimes getting a bit lost along the way as a result. Bell, to his credit, matches Clarke's ambitions well, trying different vocal deliveries, especially with his trademark backing vocal overdubs -- "Rescue Me" being a great example of that. While the overall results don't lead to a fully spectacular record, it's certainly Erasure's most experimental, an indulgence that pays off in surprising ways. One of the more interesting features of the album is who helps out on it -- the London...

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