Long overdue review, as I’ve (re)discovered many an audio delight through the wonderful reissue programme of the fiercely independent imprint that is Cherry Red Records. Bizarrely though, having over the years procured any number of Various Artist compilations (I recall “Surrender To The Rhythm” as my first ever Cherry Red purchase), as well as remastered and expanded editions by Procol Harum, Danny Wilson and Little Feat amongst others, it is yet another undervalued group’s box set that I have chosen to feature.
Hothouse Flowers was a group I first heard when they released the single ‘Don’t Go’ way back in 1988 (yes, I had to check) and I already owned the first three CDs in the catalogue. So, when I got wind of the 8CD Box Set “The Older We Get – The London Years” I was intrigued. What caught my attention was the additional material. Firstly, the four CDs (including the first three that I already own) on London are all included with bonus tracks on each – “People”, “Home” and “Songs From The Rain” are all present and correct and, yes, the additional material does make them worthwhile purchases for a nerdy boring old f**t like me 🎙️🎷🎙️. The fourth of the CDs (“Born”) is new to me and, whilst I concur with most who generally argue it’s a very different take on the Hothouse sound, I will refrain from serious judgement until I’ve listened to it a few more times.
Clearly, as we completists gather in our darkened rooms, it is the ‘other’ four CDs that truly make the purchase worthwhile. Each one is sequenced after the released CD and are called (in order) “Bonus Tracks”, “B-Sides & Live”, “B-Sides & Extra Tracks” and “Demo Versions”. These include many single versions, rare B-sides (naturally), and live versions, plus an entire disc of previously unreleased demo versions sourced from the London Records tape archives all offering fans a deep dive into the band’s creative journey from over the years. The sound quality of the live material is variable and as far as this cloth-eared elderly gentleman can tell, no remastering has taken place, but is these tracks that justify the purchase price.
As an example, but not necessarily typical, that aforementioned initial single ‘Don’t Go’ has single edits, acoustic renditions and live cuts, which may be overkill for some (most) but not for me. The live tracks are from Manchester and Berlin from 1988 and 1987 respectively. Hearing the band playing live showcases them in all their glory and gives a glimpse into why they gained such a strong following, although I would concede that the sound quality is far shy of what I was expecting. The final CD is the host of extras that are a set of never previously released demo versions. As far as these go, this stuff is I think for the completists, although the appeal here is that a lot of these demos have never been released. I actually like to hear developing versions of ‘Movies’, ‘Hardstone City’ ‘Shut Up And Listen’ and the like but I can accept this might be an acquired taste.
Might be a touch too much for many then (and even I ended up waiting for the 20% off offer) but overall it gives a fine account of all the music that cemented their reputation for soulful, heartfelt rock infused with Celtic influences (and Van Morrison is never too far away, which can be nothing but a plus). Finally, anyone ready for their take on ‘Suspicious Minds’, Forever Young’ and ‘Kansas City’ – well, they’re all here as well!!