Psurroundabout Ride ［CD+Blu-ray Disc］

The title of Psurroundabout Ride hints at the calling card of this, the second compilation of the complete works of the XTC side project the Dukes of Stratosphear. Where 1987s Chips from the Chocolate Fireball helpfully combined 1985s 25 OClock and 1987s Psonic Psunspot on a single CD, this 2019 CD/Blu-ray set offers it all: the original stereo mixes of the EP and LP, plus the later recordings Open a Can of Human Beans, Black Jewelled Serpent of Sound (Radio Caroline Edit) and Tin Toy Clockwork Train, along with demos of all of 25 OClock and six key Psonic Psunspot songs, plus brand-new 5.1 and stereo mixes from Steven Wilson. The key attraction are the new Wilson mixes. Wilson has a proven track record remixing the XTC catalog -- hes also worked with King Crimson, Yes, and Chicago, among others -- but the Dukes records are something of a sticky wicket, since half of their appeal lies in how original producer John Leckie saluted and satirized classic 60s psychedelic productions. The playful 5.1 mix captures that spirit, but the new stereo mixes dampen the mischief; theyre too open and bright, so they feel less like excavated relics from the summer of love. Since Psurroundabout Ride also offers hi-res versions of the original mixes, the inclusion of the new stereo mixes isnt a drag, and its also a delight to have the demos along with the instrumentals, which help highlight the song constructions and the clever arrangements. All told, its enough rare and good stuff to warrant a purchase from Dukes fanatics. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine