The seminal album plus some additional tracks (a little behind schedule)
Electronic music adapting to different to styles; Motown, Rock, Reggae, funk, metal all got the Colourbox as Martyn and Steven Young played with those different styles creating a varied and satisfying album with nothing else sounding like it in August 1985. Lorita Grahame must be included as she provides all the soulful vocals. (Also Ian Robbins)
“Just Give ‘Em Whiskey.” is crammed with samples from the likes of Westworld and The Prisoner, one of my favourites.
The first cover appears with “Say You” of U-Roy’s dancehall classic.
The single, “The Moon Is Blue” proves that they had a great ear for a tune. It’s Ronettes with synths that waltzes into your ears. The sampling/guitar/rock/dance masterpiece
Prefer the darker and edgy funk of “Inside Informer” shame bout the long fadeout. “Punch” keeps it loose and funky. ABC v Freeez.
“Suspicion” and “Manic” (with guitar solo by William Orbit) blast in and then are over far too quick. “You Keep Me Hanging On” is faithfully covered and is the albums longest track. Sampled guitars are blended with a bold synth bass. Prefer it to Kim Wilde’s version.
Original closing track, “Arena” has additional tablas by Chris Karan, a closing ballad with an epic feel. Plenty of sampled pipes. Could be a Bond theme.
Now for more experimental / eclectic tracks with the heavily sampled and stuttering,”Edit The Dragon” – the fight effects.
“Hipnition” returns to the reggae vibe, Grace Jones anyone ? But what with the sudden ending, cutting the song off ? Putting dance beats to a Punt and Dennis (?) sketch.
Two mixes of “Arena” and “Manic” with latter getting the deserved extended treatment, with bolder beats and more Orbit guitars.
“Fast Dump” shows more playful sampling and funk influences, they loved their choppy edits.
The last track goes into Rock territory , shredding guitar and pounding drums. Yet another style explored and a great track.
https://pixeldrain.com/u/MxmcZSxp
https://krakenfiles.com/view/d4lyAc0C4c/file.html
| Sleepwalker | 2:15 |
| Just Give ‘Em Whiskey | 4:18 |
| Say You | 3:57 |
| The Moon Is Blue | 4:36 |
| Inside Informer | 4:25 |
| Punch | 5:00 |
| Suspicion | 4:27 |
| Manic | 2:26 |
| You Keep Me Hanging On | 5:37 |
| Arena | 4:22 |
| Edit The Dragon | 2:43 |
| Hipnition | 3:06 |
| We Walk Around The Streets | 0:24 |
| Arena II | 5:00 |
| Manic II | 5:53 |
| Fast Dump | 5:40 |
| Sex Gun | 4:08 |
myvinyldreams 
I loved this album from the first moment. Bought it with the bonus remix EP. Got every CD. Then got the all-encompassing box a decade or more ago in pre-order for $30 only to see it skyrocket in value within a year! An all time best band, especially in the turgid mid-80s when everyone else was stumbling… (Bowie, Simple Minds, Heaven 17, Human League, OMD) and hard! Hard to believe that it’s not been reissued.
A classic that none of my current friends (some musicians and producers) knew about.
Sacré Bleu!!
Thank you!
Grabbed me a couple of songs, thanks Mike B… That Moon is Blue song is delicious and I like the instrumental Sleepwalker… Hard to believe core members of this group later did MARRS (which I didn’t like).
Lo – Yes, M|A|R|R|S wasn’t half as interesting as what Colourbox did under their own name. It’s no wonder the event of that record (and it’s wild success) split the band up.
No Worries Mate!👍
One of the great underrated bands
Thank you.
Sounds more like Hale and Pace than Punt and Dennis.
Good shout !