The Teardrop Explodes – “Culture Bunker 1978 – 82” (Released 8th December 2023)

The Teardrop Explodes were an English post-punk/neo-psychedelic band formed in Liverpool in 1978. Best known for their Top Ten UK single “Reward” (which is still a staple of 1980s alternative pop compilations), the group originated as a key band in the emerging Liverpool post-punk scene of the late 1970s, the group also launched the career of group frontman Julian Cope as well as that of keyboard player and co-manager David Balfe (later a record producer, A&R man, and founder of Food Records).

Along with other contemporary Liverpudlian groups, The Teardrop Explodes played a role in returning psychedelic elements to mainstream British rock and pop, initially favouring a modernised version of lightly psychedelic late 60s-influenced beat-group sound and later exploring more experimental areas. In addition to their musical reputation, the band (and Cope in particular) had a reputation for eccentric pronouncements and behaviour, sometimes verging on the self-destructive. These featured strongly in contemporary press accounts and were later expanded on in Cope’s 1993 memoir Head On.

These sets compile all the bands singles as well as 4 discs of unreleased of rare studio and live out-takes – Compiled by long time band publicist Mick Houghton who gained exclusive access to Julian Copes archive, these recordings show the evolution of one of the most influential bands of the Era from beginning to end. As well as some rare live shows.

The book contains an essay and time-line from Mick who has interviewed Julian amongst others to recall the time when the band had the world at their feet and contains rare memorabilia from the time. The tracks have been re-mastered by Andy Pearce where ever possible from original tapes and cassettes.