In Strict Tempo, vol. 55: Reissues of the Year 2024
I’ve mentioned before how much I enjoy the annual End-of-Year-List season, so I thought I’d publish my own lists this year. I’m going to split it into two, with reissues coming this week, then the main In Strict Tempo Albums of the Year list to follow in a couple of weeks.
Basically I’m just being lazy and trying to string this content out over two newsletters…
But I digress: Reissues. For some, the lifeblood of the music industry, for others a cash grab for records that are already clogging up the sale bins. A well-done reissue of something that’s been unavailable for ages with original artwork and detailed sleeve notes is a valuable thing. Even the “deluxe reissue” with alternate mixes and remixes and stuff can be interesting, although aimed more at your traditional ‘superfan’ than the casual buyer. Then there’s the dross, the anniversary reissues of the usual suspects that come round every few years. They add no value to anyone other than to take up capacity at the pressing plants, but they’re always pretty obvious when they pop up (normally around Record Store Day, but that’s another conversation).
I’ve picked out some of my favourite reissues from this year, presented here in no particular order, and with some context from me as to why I’ve chosen to include them. You might know these all already, but I hope someone will find something they weren’t aware of.
This replaces the usual new music playlist this week as I’m currently away, but I’ll do a final roundup next week before my Albums of the Year on the 20th. In Strict Tempo will then take a short festive break before returning in January.
GAS - GAS [Kompakt]
Couldn’t not have this in there could I? The album that set the blueprint for dub techno in the mid-90’s, out of print for almost 30 years. I paid a fortune for an original copy of this, the reissue is worth every penny. A bit clubbier than the later GAS albums (the forest-y ones), but still essential in every single way.
CH-BB - CH-BB [Soulsheriff Records]
My mate Ben has been tweeting asking for a reissue of this every year since Twitter began. The reissue Gods appeased him this year, with one condition: Everyone leaves Twitter and goes to Bluesky. You’ll find me there. Anyway. another foundational album here, this time for what we now know as EBM. Nine of these tracks were released back in 1981 on cassette, but the rest has laid unheard in a Dusseldorf vault for 40+ years. Get your ears round this.
Sandwell District - Where Next? [Point of Departure]
If Feed Forward hadn’t have come out at the end of last year it would have been on this list, but rules are rules. After the surprise of that at the end of 2023 it was a double surprise to see this double LP get a release earlier in 2024. There’s nothing new on here, but it’s a nice selection of alternative versions and mixes. Rumours abound there’s new SD material coming soon, I’m keeping everything crossed.
Aphex Twin - Selected Ambient Works II [Warp]
Another one people had been calling out for for years, Warp finally relented and reissued SAW II this year. And yes, it’s got Stone In Focus on it so everyone’s happy (except those people who spent £400 on an original). A really nice package here, proper heavyweight vinyl, a set of stickers and sleeve notes, and basically everything you’d want from a reissue. The less said about the £40 cassette tape version the better though…
Two Lone Swordsmen - Still My World [Rotters Golf Club]
If Warp repressed all the original Two Lone Swordsmen gear I would literally set up a direct debit to them tomorrow. Or I would if I didn't have most of it already (someone sell me Further Reminders at a good price please!). This was originally pressed on CD in Japan for the clothing brand Emigliano Zegna, and shock - it’s largely ambient, although there’s some clues as to the direction they’d go in for From The Double Gone Chapel a year later.
New Order - Brotherhood [Warner]
It’s really sad to see what New Order have become, fighting amongst themselves when back in 1986 they were easily one of the best bands in the world. When you hear the Cure still putting out incredible new music it’s clear we were robbed of that potential by Sumner & Hook’s constant squabbling. Saying that - I’m not sure Peter Hook has the time to write new music in between writing the forewords for basically every single book on Factory/The Hacienda that gets published. New Order were a bit of an unusual case in that they never seemed to put their best singles on any albums. They made an exception here - Bizarre Love Triangle one of the best pop songs ever written is the centrepiece of the record.
Squarepusher - Ultravisitor [Warp]
Another reissue hit from Warp this year, Squarepusher’s Ultravisitor reissued with a bonus 12” EP. This is probably Squarepushers most “mature” album. I hope you understand what I mean by that. It’s still fierce and frantic, but does away with some of the scatty energy of his other albums. It’s a great introduction to a fascinating artist if you’re unfamiliar.
John Cale - Paris, 1919 [Domino]
Didn’t think you’d see this here did you? Velvet Underground man John Cale’s classic Paris, 1919 given the reissue treatment by Domino. I used to listen to the CD of this loads, it was always a good comedown comfort blanket to me. He did an incredible cover off LCD Soundsystem’s All My Friends back when that got released that is just haunting really, the age in his voice suits the subject matter perfectly. I digress, it was nice to be reminded of this album again, and to spend some time listening to it with a clearer head. It was like an old friend.
Shinichi Atobe - From the Heart, It’s A Start, A Work of Art [DDS]
I’ve always found it funny this one, like out of context the title reads like a Caretaker album, even though it’s a Public Enemy lyric. Still it’s some of the best techno music you’ll hear, and it makes a late inclusion into this list, on that alone. Originally recorded as a follow up to his Chain Reaction 12” back in 2000, it took 17 years for these to finally hear the light of day, and they were really worth the wait.
Robert Rental - Mental Detentions [Dark Entries]
It wouldn’t be In Strict Tempo without something noisy in there would it? Dark Entries know what they’re doing when it comes to the reissue game, and this one is 45 years in the making. Made with fuck-all equipment, fuck-all budget, and fuck-all consideration for what anyone else was doing at the time it’s a nice counterpoint to the CHBB record in that it wears it’s Germanic influences on it’s sleeve.
Reducer - Reducer [Downwards]
A proper curveball from Karl O’Connor’s Downwards this, a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it tape from Northampton’s Reducer, having sat lost in the vaults for almost 40 years. Check it.