Long lost “second album” ‘Real’ is now available on streaming services. ‘Real’ includes the previously unreleased 12-inch version of ‘Berlin’, and what would have been its B-Side, ‘Rhythm Of The Real Thing’.
The cover artwork is from a 1983 photo by Paul Cox, reworked by Estuary English design house. Keen eyed fans may notice that while the original film stock included the brand name ILFORD FP4, this has been carefully tweaked for our sleeve, and now reads CROYDON CR7.
Here are the original tape boxes. The handwriting is that of engineer Phil Bodger. It actually tells us that ‘Berlin’ was going to be Polydor single POSP569, and the extended version was going to be POSPX569, so they got as far as allocating catalogue numbers.
The previously unreleased second album until USM found the original tapes for the album. All synths and stuff. Lovely.
Two other songs from the same era are in circulation – ‘Germany’ and ‘Goodnight Paris’ though they were not in the ‘Real’ plans. For years we carried this artwork, which was knocked together by freeworld from an uncredited photograph from the era. Since I’m still fond of it it can stay for now . . .
I have been waiting for ‘Real’ to be released and listening to it in full for 14 years! I love it and it’s interesting to hear where Kirsty was musically 40 years ago.
Do we know the playing credits for the album at all please? The bass is very 1983 Paul Young, which makes me think Pino Palladino/Laurie Latham et al?
I would love to know myself who the Bass player is, it sounds to busy for Pino Paladino, but he was everything back in the day. If its not listed, you could probably email and ask him.
While it could be Pino, my first thought was Mick Karn, especially since the chorus of “Camel Crossing” is reminiscent of Japan. While he was busy in 1982 and 1984, it appears that he didn’t have a lot going on in between so he probably had time to play on Kirsty’s album. Also, the producer had a bit of a connection to Japan, if I’m looking at the correct Dave Jordan on Discogs. He co-produced the Immigrants album for Sandii and the Sunsetz which was released in 1982. David Sylvian contributed backing vocals for two songs and played synth on one of them. Another possible bass player is John Giblin. If someone was able to contact Jordan, maybe he could shed some light.
Wooohooo! Finally released! The album is fantastic.