I am pleased to announce that the Animal Nightlife album Shangri-la, published only on vinyl in 1985, has been released for the
first time as a deluxe double CD (with one disc of
inspired re-mixes) on Cherry Pop Records
CLICK THROUGH TO READ
ANDY POLARIS ON THE MAKING OF SHANGRI-LA
IN PHILADELPHIA
WHAT’S IN SHANGRI-LA
THE DELUXE EDITION, 2016,
FROM CHERRY POP RECORDS
The vinyl album has long been deleted and this year’s newly remastered digital Deluxe Edition consists of the album in its original form, plus a second CD containing other singles and extended remixes that were originally available only on 12-inch, including a favourite remix of Native Boy by reggae producer Dennis Bovell. Providing backing vocals on Mr Solitaire, which was recorded in London, is Paul Weller (ex-Jam and later leader of The Style Council), along with David Joseph (Hi Tension, one of the early Brit Soul bands to enjoy chart success). Sadly, a vocal arrangement by Whitney’s mother Cissy Houston on the track Preacher Preacher has not been included and was a joyous sound. (This appeared in its orginal mix only on the European vinyl release.) The Deluxe Edition CDs come with a 16-page booklet with exclusive early live photos and a perceptive biographical interview written by Lois Wilson from Mojo magazine.
DISC 1: SHANGRI-LA
1. NATIVE BOY
2. WAITING FOR THE BAIT TO BITE
3. PERFECT MATCH
4. LOVE IS JUST THE GREAT PRETENDER ’85
5. INSOMNIAZZ
6. BETWEEN LOVERS
7. AFTER HOURS
8. BASIC INGREDIENTS
9. THROW IN THE TOWEL (ALL OVER NOW)
10. BITTERSWEET
DISC 2: BONUS TRACKS
1. PREACHER, PREACHER
2. MR SOLITAIRE (12″ version)
3. LAZY AFTERNOON
4. LOVE IS JUST THE GREAT PRETENDER ’85 (Undressing Remix)
5. PREACHER, PREACHER (TAKE ME TO THE CHURCH) (A Remix)
6. BASIC INGREDIENTS (12″ version)
7. LOVE IS JUST THE GREAT PRETENDER ’85 (12″ version)
8. NATIVE BOY ’83 (Dennis Bovell Remix)
9. MR. SOLITAIRE (Panther Remix)
10. PREACHER, PREACHER (Altered)
WHAT THE REVIEWS SAY TODAY
Shapers of the 80s
Lois Wilson supplies some nicely informed sleeve notes identifying Animal Nightlife’s role as innovators when the UK’s thriving underground changed the face of nightclubbing. Animal Nightlife’s swing sound with an electronic twist enjoyed its moment as the hippest trend in music while Polaris penned his own brand of torch song.
godisinthetvzine
Shangri-la in its entirety is possibly one of the easiest listens of the entire decade, sharing both a political and musical ethos with Paul Weller’s band of the time, The Style Council. Indeed, Weller himself was a fan, and even provided backing vocals on their biggest hit.
Three Amazon customers
* Most underrated band of the 80s.
* Three instrumental tracks give us full-on blasts of jazz… Kick off with Disc 2, Track 4: L-O-V-E. Swoon to Andy’s slinky voice, thrill to Billy’s sax and take lessons in syncopation from Paul, Leonardo and Steve. Then get down and dirty with stand-out Track 6, Basic Ingredients.
N-i-i-i-cccce.
* With gems such as Preacher Preacher and Native Boy, this is a fantastic package with the music sounding great.
WHERE TO BUY
Buy Shangri-la direct from Cherry Pop Records in time for Christmas
Buy Shangri-la from a competitive selection of retailers via Amazon
Aug 28, 2017 at 5:21 pm
Why was Mighty Hands Of Love excluded as a bonus single? It was released in the same time frame. I’d love to get this on CD.
LikeLike
Nov 1, 2017 at 4:13 pm
Hi Nigel sorry pretty useless at word press. The reason was due to the fact the song is owned by a different company which is the reason the original Love is the Great Pretender is not included.I hope you liked the deluxe version of Shangri la released last year.
LikeLike