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One of the success stories of the ‘80s, T’Pau, see their 1987 multi-platinum debut album Bridge of Spies reissued as a 2CD / 1DVD deluxe edition. The album reached the UK No.1 spot and spent six months on the US Billboard chart. The 80s classic, “China In Your Hand” spent five weeks as UK number 1. This multi million-plus selling debut album started a journey that would further generate Top 10 Platinum selling albums Rage and The Promise and a raft of hit singles... The expanded edition of Bridge of Spies features a remastered version of the original album, singles, B-sides, hard-to-find remixes, live tracks and demo sessions including the previously unreleased fan favourite ‘Maggie’. It also includes a DVD featuring a T’Pau live concert from London, recorded in 1988 and all six promotional videos, digitised. I bought this album on its original release back in 1987, loved it, played it to death, put it in a cupboard and forgot about it. When I heard a 3-CD remastered and extended release was planned I was curious as to why on earth anyone would want to buy this. For starters, if you want the original you can pick it up online for pennies, and was there really that much extra material to warrant two additional discs. This treatment is usually reserved for bands with a bit more clout. T'Pau were only raised ever so slightly above 'one hit wonder' status - despite what the synopsis at the head of this page says, I defy you to find anyone who bought their second, third, fourth or fifth album. And while I liked them, I was very aware of how uncool that was. My main concerns were met when I listened to this new release. Firstly, for some reason, Carol Decker's vocal's don't sound as in tune with the music as I remember, I don't know if this is a problem with the remastering, or my memory/hearing being shot to hell, but on occasion I was left wincing at the sound. We didn't received the DVD for review, so I can't comment on that, but the additional tracks on the second CD aren't really worth owning unless you are the hardest of hardcore fans. Although, having said that, I was impressed with the presentation, and 'Maggie' is worth owning. Don't get me wrong, it's interesting to hear different versions of songs you know well, but they're only really a novelty - the alternate remixes are only likely to be listened to once for curiosity. Still, I'm impressed that the label has gone that extra mile to release so much additional content for those that care. Those that remember this fondly and want to repurchase might be better advised to pick up a second hand copy of the original. This is a release for those that still have T'Pau posters on their bedroom wall and a ton of T'Pau related issues of Smash Hits and Look In. Track listing: CD 1 6 Nick Smithson Buy this item online
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