Boxset

Art of Noise? This Mortal Coil? Cocteau Twins? Dead Can Dance? Bel Canto? The Sundays? Dream Academy? Everything But The Girl? Kate Bush? XTC? All About Eve? Divine Comedy? Ilya? Air? Azure Ray? Goldfrapp? - Shelleyan Orphan were contemporaries with some of these and had something in common with all of them. That something being that they were original, inventive, charmingly ideosyncratic and wilfully out of step with musical fads or fashions. They followed their own vision, which was unconcerned with world domination or chart success. At a time of big band noise and hair (despite Caroline Crawley's impressive Titania tresses!), they were seemingly difficult to market or perhaps sell as a pop 'brand' - unlike Madonna, George Michael, Duran Duran et al. Their initial sound was a mixture of beautiful English folk harmonies with exclusively classical instrumentation and arrangements. The lyrics for first album Helleborine were heavily steeped in classical literature and poetry, which were largely impenetrable for the pop music audience (even an indie / alternative one). This, when taken with the band name and image, led to premature and lazy labels of a hostile press - 'chamber punk', 'baroque pop', 'pre-Raphaelite' and 'middle class music', which proved hard to shake. Some would place them as a typical 4AD label band and Caroline Crawley was invited to improvise vocals on several tracks for the Blood album with This Mortal Coil. But it didn't stop there. Over time their work evolved from the strictly classical template, as a beautiful hybrid of genre hopping and musical styles. Later efforts evoked string arrangements more akin to the classic layered soul/disco sounds, with elements of jazz. Latterly their work showcased a broader cinematic texture, particularly on Humroot and the final album (oddly not included here).So, to the box set. It includes the first three remastered albums from the Rough Trade label, 'Helleborine', 'Century Flower' and 'Humroot'. All cover art reproduced on card sleeves with inner disc sleeves including lyrics. Helleborine in particular, benefits from a cleaner sound. It is true that in contrast to the sleeve note showing the US version track running order, the actual sequence follows the original UK version, but seeing as I already had the US edition, then for me it is a small error and the US remixed version of 'Anatomy of Love' is included on the Bonus disc anyway. Some say they never quite recaptured the same magic as on their debut here, but music has to evolve (earlier 70's bands like ELO had started with experimental ponderous arrangements, before learning how to use string arrangements successfully in hit pop songs, extending the idea from the Beatles, etc.). As gorgeously lush a curiosity as this album is, Shelleyan Orphan were right to move forward. Century Flower, after all, is what bagged them their prestigious slot supporting the Cure later. Still plenty of arrangements and instruments, but use of electric guitar, drums and saxaphone took the music in a rockier direction. While the strong harmonisation remained in evidence, the lyrics were simplified and less abstract. More importantly, they were easier to relate to and distinguish in the vocal delivery (my main criticism of Helleborine). All of which served to make for broader appeal and raise the band's profile somewhat, certainly on the US college circuit and in Europe. It seems they were unable to capitalise on this, but I gather that despite a soaring,excellent (too) Cure-like potential hit single in 'Burst' (written during the afore-mentioned support slot), it was never released as such, even though there was a video on MTV rotation. It's parent album Humroot suffered from lack of promotion in the wake of Rough Trade's protracted financial troubles and eventual disintegration. A pity, because the sound had evolved yet again (all kinds of World Music and Philly soul sounds lurked in the mix).Those are the albums. The box set also sports two additional discs - a 19 track bonus CD of B-sides, demos and radio sessions, plus a DVD of 6 video clips (including the legendary The Tube renditions of 'Anatomy of Love' and 'Epitaph, Ivy and Woe'). Highlights on the bonus CD are an extended 'Cavalry of Cloud' medley with Ann Dudley (from Art of Noise - listen out for beautiful piano solo about 2/3 in), original vinyl B-sides 'Harmony Drone' (with rollicking folky fiddle) and 'Theme' with Geoffrey Bayldon (anyone remember the 70's Catweazle character from children's TV series?) thesping his way through poetry to gentle plucked harp accompaniment and background fade-in/out harmonies, and best of all - two unreleased later demos 'Hide My Smile' and 'Space' with Caroline in bluesy jazz vocal improvisation mood. That could have been a very interesting direction to follow, after 2008's excellent We Have Everything We Need' comeback album (This was of course preceded by the equally intriguing Babacar project, before Shelleyan Orphan reformed - minus the familiar string arrangements, but with more exotic world music instruments and great lead vocals from Caroline). I also liked the alternate monitor mix version of 'Dolphins' - nice strings and trumpet, very soulful.In truth, there are many missing curiosities, non-album or remixed versions of album tracks. RECORD COMPANY TAKE NOTE: For completeness, these would include:Tangled Perpetual - B-side to Cavalry of Cloud 7" and 12" singleOne Hundred Hands (for Strings) - B-side to Cavalry of Cloud 12" single, alternative to album versionIce - from Acoustic Christmas or New Edge Muzik compilation CDJoey - Nick Drake cover from Brittle Days tribute compilation CDSuffer Dog - from Liberator: Artists for Animals compilation CDWho Loves the Sun? - from Heaven and Hell volume 2, Velvet Underground tribute compilation CDTar Baby - B-side to Shatter 7" and 12" single, live versionSealed With a Kiss - Brian Hyland cover included on Century Flower (Japan-only, extra tracks)Shatter - alternative mix, included on Century Flower (Japan-only, extra tracks)Between Two Waves - US alternative mix, included on Century Flower (either on Japan-only, extra tracks, or US Columbia release)Impossible Eyes - from Jemaur Tayle demo that surfaced on eBay some years ago (no official release - thanks for alerting me, Greg)Burst - more percussive alternative mix, included on the Burst EP or Waking Up CD compilation'Buzzin Fly' cover from the Tim Buckley tribute compilation Sing a Song for You).KCRW, Snap #906, Santa Monica 07.09.1989 - radio show live studio performance with six piece band, then supporting The Cure during 'The Prayer' tour. This is circa SO's 'Century Flower' release, with tracks including The Silent Day, Summer Flies, A Few Small Hours, Tubular Bells / Hello (piano solo medley), Shatter, Tar Baby, Burst, Between Two WavesI should also mention the personal handwritten letter that Jem Tayle wrote in light of Caroline's Crawley's passing last October. He didn't have to share that, but you will find it both moving and touching. I do hope friends rally round and there is more music in his future.Despite the track omissions and the mix-up between Helleborine US tracklisting in the CD notes and actual UK track order on the disc, this is still great value for money and a box set worthy of Shelleyan Orphan - thank you!

This is a great box overall for a wonderful band, but just like the recent Kitchens of Distinction box, this set also has some issues:1) The Helleborine disc plays the UK track order, despite the booklet giving the US order. It's one of many glaring errors and typos scattered throughout this set, as if OLI rushed it during production, despite the seeming eternity from its proposal to it ending up as finalized product.2) It's missing songs. Sure, the bonus disc is great, but had some related tracks been tacked on to the end of their respective albums, it could've also perhaps included these - in order to be the fully complete representation/boxed set that it really could've (should've?) been:1. The 2 b-sides from the Cavalry Of Cloud 12": Tangled Perpetual & One Hundred Hands (For Strings).2. The live b-side from the Shatter 12": Tar Baby.3. The bonus tracks from the Japanese version of the Century Flower CD: Shatter (Remix Version), Between Two Waves (Remix Version) - aka the "US Remix" & Sealed With A Kiss.4. Burst (Remix).5. Suffer Dog (from Various - The Liberator - Artists For Animals); Ice (from Various - Acoustic Christmas or Various - New Edge Muzik); & Who Loves The Sun (from Various - Heaven And Hell: A Tribute To The Velvet Underground ‎- Volume Two).[edit - added July 30, 2017]6. Two more from comps.: Buzzin' Fly (from Various - Sing A Song For You: Tribute To Tim Buckley) & Joey (from Various - Brittle Days - A Tribute To Nick Drake).

While subsequent releases by Shelleyan Orphan have their remarkable charms, this first one exists in a sublime world of its own. The English Romantics surely would have recognized kindred spirits in this music! It's not merely ethereal & lovely, but emotionally intense as well, with the strings & woodwinds contributing a real richness & depth rather than mere surface prettiness. Add to that the voice of Caroline Crawley, sounding like some Siren calling through ocean mist & moonlight, and you have a quietly stunning album. Precious? Pretentious? Well, if so, then in the best possible way! It's like some luscious, exotic dessert -- not for everyday consumption, and certainly not for everyone -- but once tasted, never forgotten. Highly recommended!

Excellent , beautiful , Eccentric , moving , this is a must - have ! Best box set in ages. The lead singer caroline crawley passed away in spring of 2017. Cause is unknown. She has a incredible body of work.....this mortal coil...cocteau twins, the cure...op8...lisa germano...etc. I hope she gets peace from this Ugly World.....her music is a wonderful BEAUTY..... Thank You...CAROLINE!!!!!!

This is one of my dollar bin finds and what a find. Shelleyian Orphan make a kind of song oriented, rustic folk.This reminds me a small amount of Fairport Convention, but Orphan is a modern band with shiny digital production. Still, the soft singing is extremely melodic, and the subtle strings and reads have complex arrangements that add a genuine baroque quality to this album. The group seems to emerge from the A&M Phil Ochs, Fairport and Nick Drake school of 1960s orchestral folk.Nothing on Helleborine will make you draw a direct line to any of this music, but the impulses are firmly there, and Shelleyan Orphan use these underpinnings to make their music work

I couldn’t be happier with this purchase. It’s a gift to my ears.

Can't get this stuff digitally online (at least, I couldn't find it). Classic CD from this band. Worth finding a used copy of you can!

Bargain price, but some issues. It's just very nice to have Helleborine on CD. The Helleborine disc plays the UK track order, the DVD doesn't play in US BluRay players. But all in all, a bargain and beautiful package.

After years of waiting, this box set is a welcomed treasure for fans, plus a brilliant way for new listeners to own these beautiful albums. The CD of rare tracks is also excellent (the full BBC session would have been good), and finally a DVD of that classic Tube appearance! Shelleyan Orphan leave a very special legacy, and in the light of Caroline's death, this boxset is a lovely dedication to her memory. Thank you for finally releasing it.

Helleborine sounds huge but intimate, an album of such catastrophic beauty that you have to whisper it's name for fear of being whisked away and never seen again. Back in '87, Caroline and Jem seemed like time travellers whose machine had broken down in an unfortunate year and were determined to make the best of it. They didn't belong and neither did I, but here we all are still.

シェリアンオーファンの1STアルバムです。イギリスのインディーズ　ラフトレードからリリースされたものです。男女　2人組のボーカルグループです。バックはチェロ、バイオリン、ハープ、ピアノ、オーボエなどの生楽器となっております。非ロックな音楽内容です。（リズムを刻むドラム等のパーカッションは使用していません）２nd以降はエレキ楽器を使用したりリズムを刻むドラムが入ってきます。