Kilimanjaro (Deluxe Edition)

A great neo-psychedelic, post-punk release that kicked off the ‘80s in high style — and gave the world their first look at singer Julian Cope — Kilimanjaro brought great fun to its serious mix of sharp, clever lyrics, ebullient keyboard lines and spirited, breezy drumming. The playing gives a true lightness of being to songs with deep Krautrock ties and/or hazy connections to the 13th Floor Elevators. Quite simply, the band turned everything it touched into something shiny and new. This Deluxe Edition is pure heaven. It includes all the greatness of the original album and throws in singles, John Peel Sessions and Mike Read Sessions, where the band can be heard in the live setting. Cope is already on fire. “Reward,” “Sleeping Gas” (here in its studio version and an extended live stretch-out), “Bouncing Babies” and “Treason” are pure pop for adventurous people. The keyboard line of “Books” is unforgettable. The atmosphere of “Poppies” is an obvious inspiration to U2. “The Great Dominions” echoes the fantastic early work of Pink Floyd. There is simply an embarrassment of riches here.