The Teardrop Explodes

This Collectors' Choice release, which should be titled A Nice Pair, combines the Teardrop Explodes' two proper studio albums, 1980's spectacular Kilimanjaro and 1981's somewhat disappointing Wilder. Though both albums had been out of print for an extended period of time in the U.S., it is rather odd that this would see release a year after the remastering and individual reissuing campaign in the U.K. by Mercury. This package sticks to the album material by providing no bonuses, and although it fails to mention it, it seems to share the excellent 24-bit remastered sound boasted on the covers of the U.K. reissues. If you want the full album's worth of bonus tracks and expanded liners provided on the Mercury reissues, those editions are definitely worth seeking out. But if you just want the albums proper without all the bells and druid whistles (the liners here reproduce those of the vinyl issues; you'll need a magnifying glass to read the lyrics), this one-stop purchase will save you a handful of bucks. Regardless of your choice, you will be getting some top-rate new wave. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide