The Belle Stars, an all-girl band from the 1980s, is making a comeback with a new 3CD, 7-inch-sized box set titled 'The Belle Stars'. This release is a generous expansion of their debut LP, offering a comprehensive look at the band's discography. The Belle Stars emerged from the two-tone/ska revival band The Bodysnatchers, with a unique sound that appealed to both pop and ska audiences. Despite initial chart failures, the band found success with covers and self-written songs, including the hit 'Sign of the Times' and 'Iko Iko'.
The new box set includes the original studio LP, mastered by Phil Kinrade, along with 18 non-LP sides, 9 12-inch remixes, and 2 remixes of 'Iko Iko'. It also features 'Live Signs, Live Times', a concert recorded at the Birmingham Odeon in 1983, and 3 songs produced by Anne Dudley for an abortive second album. The band's final Stiff single, 'World Domination', is notably absent from the release.
The Belle Stars' music is a fascinating blend of pop and ska influences, with a strong focus on covers and self-written songs. The band's success with 'Sign of the Times' and 'Iko Iko' is particularly interesting, as it showcases their ability to create hits from both original and cover material. The new box set is a must-have for fans of 1980s pop and ska, offering a comprehensive look at the band's discography and a chance to rediscover their unique sound.
Personally, I think the release of 'The Belle Stars' is a fantastic opportunity to revisit the music of a band that was ahead of its time. The band's blend of pop and ska influences, combined with their strong focus on covers and self-written songs, makes them a fascinating listen. I'm particularly interested in exploring the band's early singles, such as 'Hiawatha' and 'Slick Trick', which showcase their unique sound and potential for chart success. The new box set is a great way to rediscover the band's music and appreciate their impact on the 1980s music scene.
