About this item

The Bolshoi released three albums during their existence, but they also recorded a fourth album that was never officially released during their tenure. Provisionally titled Country Life, it was released in 2015 as part of a limited 5-CD box set. We are excited to now release it on vinyl for the first time. Country Life consists of demos recorded for the album, and many of these only survived on reference cassettes but were digitally restored. We are especially thrilled that Trevor Tanner has recorded a brand new acoustic reimagining of the song “Dolores Jones” made specifically for this release.

The Bolshoi were different. Their songs were dark and subversive, sufficient evidence for many critics to corral them under the 'Gothic' banner at the time of their debut - but they really only "flirted" with Goth. They oozed dark, pensive lyrics supported with inventive pop-goth guitar making them nearly impossible to categorize.

The suburban surrealism of the lyrics was rooted in the stories from characters on the fringes of society rather than brooding romantics, with an undercurrent of boredom, inadequacy and violence. Not the usual themes for pop success!

TRACK LISTING

1. World In Action 
2. Under The Shed 
3. What’s Your Favourite Colour 
4. Country Life 
5. We Don’t Want Him Here 
6. Boy From The Nursery World 
7. Long Tall Sally In A Black Dress 
8. Too Late 
9. Out There In The Distance 
10. Castaway 
11. Dolores Jones 
12. Yee Hee 
13. Madame Hecate 
14. Last Chance For The Slow Dance 
15. Everything Is Done For You Today 
16. Dolores Jones 2023