Tidal Blues / Weekend In Wales

a reissue of the first studio album by cult duo alison statton and spike, featuring vocalist alison statton (young marble giants, weekend) and guitarist spike (weekend, reptile ranch). recorded between london and cardiff in 1994, 'tidal blues' is a collection of songs produced and co-written by alison and spike. its essentially an acoustic set, recorded with a six piece band including phil moxham (young marble giants) as well as rachet byrt (viola), andrew moxham (drums), harry becket (trumpet) and paula gardiner (double bass). the result? statton and spike combine matisse-style sketchiness with swaying nods to pre-rock pop. more focused than weekend, there's a spare sureness to the tunes, and alison's vocals hold a new and careful self-confidence. long unavailable, 'tidal blues' was previously released on vinyl japan in 1994, and has now been digitally remastered with five bonus tracks from the more overtly jazzy 1991 ep 'weekend in wales'. the cd also boasts upgraded artwork and detailed liner notes. on ltm.