The debut album by Sugar has received countless critical accolades since its original release in 1992. Frontman Bob Mould had sung and played guitar for visionary midwest punks Hsker D, openly acknowledged by the likes of Nirvana and The Pixies as a huge influence. Following their break-up and two well-received solo albums, Sugar saw Bob return to a band set-up in partnership with the powerful rhythm section of David Barbe and Malcolm Travis. Previewed by an extensive campaign of packed out, energetic live shows, the band was truly a force to be reckoned with. Issued in Europe by the iconic Creation Records, Copper Blue s ebullient collection of richly melodic and anthemic songs saw Bob triumphantly reclaim an alternative rock legacy he had helped create. The NME named it their Album Of The Year. Twenty years on, this modern classic has been lovingly remastered from the original tapes and is now presented in this expanded edition including b-sides, radio sessions, a full length live concert, promo videos and TV appearances. An extensive booklet contains rare photos, memorabilia, and exclusive new interviews that tell the story behind the album in the band's own words. Review The music and influence of the pioneering Minneapolis hardcore band Hsker D was investigated brilliantly in Michael Azerrads 2001 book on the 80s alternative underground, Our Band Could Be Your Life. But for Bob Mould, Hsker D was his lifeand going on the stories, tales of financial penury, addiction and interminable band squabbling, it was a pretty miserable existence His work with Sugarthe power trio he formed in 1992, four years after Hsker Ds demisefeel like an attempt to wash away the angst of the post-punk years, to try on a sunny expression and see how it felt. And while Sugar were themselves short-lived, their music, particularly that collected on excellent debut album Copper Blue, sounded like salvation. Copper Blue hit it big, selling hundreds of thousands of copies and scoring NMEs 1992 Album of the Year. In part, this was down to timing. The alternative rock movement that Hsker D helped usher in was booming, thanks to the stratospheric success of Nirvanas Nevermind. But Copper Blue also contains some of Moulds brightest, most brilliant writing. Subject-wise, it is not exactly light: the Pixies-esque A Good Idea is the tale of a man who drowns his lover, and The Slim recounts the death of a friend from AIDS. But the arrangements froth with melodies, gold-plated choruses stretch out a mile, and an expanded instrumental palettewitness the synthesisers and harpsichords that adorn the lilting, 60s-tinged Hoover Dammean each song comes out gleaming with a rare lustre. This generously expanded edition brings with it a wealth of extra material, including numerous B sides (including a fine solo mix of the breezy, acoustic If I Cant Change Your Mind), a four-track BBC session and, on a second disc, a live set from the Cabaret Metro in Chicago. Those that adore Copper Blue are also directed towards the following years Beaster EP, songs from the same sessions but of a darker hue. Similarly reissued in expanded form it presents proof that, even on sunnier days, Mould still had angst to burn. --Mike Diver This link will take you offin a new window About the Artist TRACKLISTING: DISC ONE: "COPPER BLUE" 1. The Act We Act 2. A Good Idea 3. Changes 4. Helpless 5. Hoover Dam 6. The Slim 7. If I Can't Change Your Mind 8. Fortune Teller 9. Slick 10. Man on the Moon B-SIDES 11. Needle Hits E 12. If I Can't Change Your Mind solo mix 13. Try Again 14. Clownmaster BBC RADIO SESSION 15. If I Can t Change Your Mind 16. Hoover Dam 17. The Slim 18. Where Diamonds Are Halos DISC TWO "LIVE AT THE CABARET METRO, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, 22nd JULY 1992" 1. The Act We Act 2. A Good Idea 3. Changes 4. Running Out Of Time 5. Helpless 6. If I Can't Change Your Mind 7. Where Diamonds Are Halos 8. Hoover Dam 9. Beer Commercial 10. Slick 11. Anyone 12. Clownmaster 13. Tilted 14. Armenia City In The Sky 15. JC Auto 16. The Slim 17. Dum Dum Boys 18. Man On The Moon DISC THREE - DVD: PROMO VIDEOS 1. Helpless 2. Changes 3. If I Can t Change Your Mind TV APPEARANCES 4. Helpless Live on The Late Show UK 5. Interview MTV UK 6. Interview MTV US 120 Minutes
