Don't be blue

Introduction

Whatever happened to Deacon Blue? If you haven't followed them for the last 20 years, then that might be a question you are asking yourself. If you are a child of the late 1980s/early 1990s then you'll at least be familiar with the work of Ricky Ross, Lorraine McIntosh, James Prime, Dougie Vipond, Ewen Vernal and Graeme Kelling. They were part of the Scottish music scene at its height (arriving at around the same time as bands like Wet Wet Wet and Hue and Cry).



Their first album, Raintown, was released in 1987, followed by 1989's When the World Knows Your Name, their most successful. A double album of rarities, B sides and other tracks followed (Ooh Las Vegas) and then 1991's Fellow Hoodlums, which drifted slightly towards the popular indie sound of the time.

In 1993 they hooked up with dance producers extraordinaire Paul Oakenfold and Steve Osborne, to produce Whatever You Say, Say Nothing, an album which turned off many fans despite being critically acclaimed. The more electronic and processed sound did not go down well with many loyal and older fans.

In 1994 they released a greatest hits album and broke up.



In 1999 they returned with an album of new material mixed with old songs, Walking Back Home, which was followed by 2001's Homesick.

Graeme Kelling died from cancer in 2004, but the band decided to keep going and in 2006 there was another "greatest hits" album featuring several new tracks.

In 2007 they toured the UK, and this CD + DVD package is the result, recorded at the Edinburgh Playhouse on 11th November 2007. The DVD itself was released previously, but no CD was released at the time. This package is a chance to own both at a very competitive price.



The tracklisting is the same for both CD and DVD:-

1 Your Constant Heart
2 Your Town
3 Your Swaying Arms
4 Chocolate Girl
5 Every Time You Sleep
6 Raintown
7 Loaded
8 Queen of The New Year
9 James Joyce Soles
10 When Will You (Make My Telephone Ring)
11 Real Gone Kid
12 Wages Day
13 I'll Never Fall In Love Again
14 Dignity
15 Fergus Sings The Blues

The DVD also contains Homesick as a bonus track (as ever, I fail to see why this wasn't inserted back into the main feature instead of being tagged on as an extra).

However, from the night in question we are missing Bethelem's Gate, The One about Loneliness, The Day that Jackie Jumped the Jail, Twist and Shout and All Over The World.

CD Audio

Nothing to complain about here, the sound quality is very good and it's all mixed well.

DVD Video and Audio

A 1.78:1 anamorphic transfer which all looks great. You know what to expect from a music DVD, band on stage, shots of the audience etc.

And a PCM stereo soundtrack. How quaint. I didn't know DVDs still came with these but evidently they do. I would have absolutely loved to see a multi-channel soundtrack here but perhaps the lack of a major label has played quite a role in this, so I'll just be grateful that the one we get sounds fine.



The DVD contains a bit more than the CD, as there's some between song "banter" and introductions to some songs from Ricky Ross, as well as the odd bit of extended performance (e.g. during Fergus Sings The Blues) which has been edited from the CD. It's not more than a few minutes though.

DVD Extras

The DVD features an interview with the band, as individuals and collectively and they talk about subjects such as the history of the band and memorable gigs. Interesting and worth watching. There's also some soundcheck footage which shows the band practising/warming up in the soundcheck - this is quite a rare thing on a music DVD and is to be applauded. Finally there's a photo gallery.

Conclusion

An excellent live CD + DVD brought together at a very good price. Fans of the band should snap this up straight away, and if you used to be a fan in the 1980s but didn't enjoy the 1990s output then you'll enjoy this one too, as will any more casual fan of the band.

Very good musicians singing and playing very good songs. The classic songs (Dignity, Raintown, Real Gone Kid etc.) mix well with the newer material (the sublime Every Time You Sleep from Homesick).

If this wasn't on your Christmas present list already, it should be now. An excellent addition to any Deacon Blue collection. You could buy the DVD on its own if you want, but buy this package instead as you get the CD thrown in and its currently cheaper!