In 2003, the three-disc
Reformation anthology heralded a sunny day for hardcore fans of New Romantic heroes
Spandau Ballet. This isn't merely a hits collection (the single-disc
Gold had already done a fine job on that score). It contains enough rarities to make the hearts of
Spandau maniacs leap with delight. The early New Romantic scene was focused on clubbing and dancing, and
Spandau's extended 12" mixes were an important element of the band's sound; a wealth of those are captured here, exhibiting the band in all its synth-riffing, bass-popping, white-funk glory. Demo versions of early singles "To Cut a Long Story Short" and "The Freeze" help illuminate how the band's sound first came together. Live versions of later, more commercial material ("I'll Fly for You," "Highly Strung") show the degree to which
Spandau Ballet eventually became arena-friendly pop stars, but there's more than enough choice early material on
Reformation to keep the most uncompromising fans extremely satisfied. ~ Jim Allen