Stackridge is a British progressive rock band that split up in 1976. By 1999 they were back for another round, as it turns out a final round. They managed to stick around for another 16 years, releasing two studio records and a few live recordings. This set focuses on this period specifically and is the final piece of the Stackridge puzzle. Esoteric Recordings had certainly put a great effort into restoring the band’s recording and reintroducing them to a younger audience.
“The Reunion Years 1999-205” include the two studio records and a live recording. The total of 4 CDs concludes all things Stackridge. Although, never say never; who knows what treasures the vaults may hold? In 1999, Stackridge surprised everyone by reforming and releasing the “Something for the Weekend” album. It shows a slightly different side of the band, but still very much in touch with Stackridge roots. In 2008, the band followed it up with “A Victory for the Common Sense,” which turned out to be their final studio recording. Both albums came and went, and once the initial run of copies wore off, they became rarities. It’s great to get them back as a part of this set. “The Final Bow, Bristol 2015,” documents the band’s final live performance and finally brings their long journey to an end. It’s a great show, very emotional, and certainly closing the curtain on the band. Now, Stackridge is retired and a part of many great British bands that never quite made it big but certainly delivered the goods and enjoyed a very loyal cult following.
Both studio records are expanded, and many bonus tracks are added to each CD. Hearing all of those extra songs definitely paints a complete picture. Stackridge was a great band; they believed in what they did, and the music was very sincere. They were very skilled musicians who were able to move around within their field with ease and impressive results. This final stage of the band shows another dimension of Stackridge. This band never stood still; they took chances and pushed their music into a variety of different areas. They always managed to collect great dividends musically. The fans certainly loved them for it and stuck with the band to the very end. Stackridge, we salute you!
Mark Kadzielawa
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