The Bolshoi – “Country Life” (Released 3rd May 2024)

Description

//Beggars Banquet//

£34.99 – 2xLP, Limited Edition Orange and Green Coloured Vinyl

The Bolshoi released three albums during their existence, but they also recorded a fourth album that was never officially released during their tenure. Provisionally titled Country Life, it was released in 2015 as part of a limited 5-CD box set. We are excited to now release it on vinyl for the first time. Country Life consists of demos recorded for the album, and many of these only survived on reference cassettes but were digitally restored. We are especially thrilled that Trevor Tanner has recorded a brand new acoustic reimagining of the song “Dolores Jones” made specifically for this release.

The Bolshoi were different. Their songs were dark and subversive, sufficient evidence for many critics to corral them under the ‘Gothic’ banner at the time of their debut – but they really only “flirted” with Goth. They oozed dark, pensive lyrics supported with inventive pop-goth guitar making them nearly impossible to categorize.

The suburban surrealism of the lyrics was rooted in the stories from characters on the fringes of society rather than brooding romantics, with an undercurrent of boredom, inadequacy and violence. Not the usual themes for pop success!

Based in London, the band consisted of Trevor Tanner (lead vocals, guitar), Nick Chown (bass), Jan Kalicki (drums) and Paul Clark (keyboards). With powerful live shows, The Bolshoi built a substantial following before disbanding in 1988.

Tracklisting:

A1. World In Action &
A2. Under the Shed %
A3. What’s Your Favourite Colour #
A4. Country Life $

B1. We Don’t Want Him Here #
B2. Boy From The Nursery World %
B3. Long Tall Sally in a Black Dress #
B4. Too Late &

C1. Out There in the Distance &
C2. Castaway +
C3. Dolores Jones *
C4. Yee Hee #

D1. Madame Hecate #
D2. Last Chance for the Slow Dance $
D3. Everything Is Done for You Today &
D4. Dolores Jones 2023 (Re-imagined acoustically by Trevor Tanner)

& = demos August 1988
% = recorded at Matrix Studios 1987
# = recorded at Falconer Studios March 1988
$ = demos January 1988
+ = demo March 1988
* = out-take from Lindy’s Party sessions