The Belle Stars, an all-girl band that emerged from the two-tone/ska revival scene in the early 1980s, is making a comeback with a new 3CD, 7-inch-sized box set titled 'The Belle Stars'. This release, curated by Edsel, offers a comprehensive look at the band's discography, including their self-titled debut album, non-LP singles, and a live album. The box set is a treasure trove for fans, featuring a generous expansion of the band's original material and a deep dive into their musical journey. With a unique blend of pop and ska influences, The Belle Stars left an indelible mark on the music scene, particularly with their self-written hit 'Sign of the Times' and their rendition of 'Iko Iko'.
The band's story begins with a group of five talented musicians who came together after the dissolution of The Bodysnatchers. Guitarists Stella Barker and Sarah-Jane Owen, alto saxophonist Miranda Joyce, keyboardist Penny Leyton, and drummer Judy Parsons formed the core of The Belle Stars, with bassist Lesley Shone and lead singer Jennie Matthias completing the lineup. Their early singles, produced by Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley, showcased a sound that appealed to both pop and ska audiences, but unfortunately, they failed to chart. This led to a shift in their musical direction, with a focus on cover versions that would eventually propel them to success.
The Belle Stars' breakthrough came with their self-written track 'Sign of the Times', produced by Peter Collins. This song not only topped the U.K. Singles Chart but also made a significant impact in the U.S., reaching No. 75 on the Hot 100. The band's success continued with their rendition of 'Iko Iko', which became a top-forty hit and later gained renewed popularity through its inclusion in the Tom Cruise/Dustin Hoffman drama 'Rain Man'. The band's unique blend of pop and ska, coupled with their powerful vocals and catchy melodies, resonated with audiences worldwide, resulting in seven top-75 entries on the U.K. Singles Chart and a successful self-titled studio album.
Edsel's new release takes fans on a comprehensive journey through The Belle Stars' musical evolution. It includes the original studio LP, mastered by Phil Kinrade, along with eighteen non-LP sides, all nine 12-inch remixes, and two remixes of 'Iko Iko' that coincided with the song's resurgence in popularity. The box set also features 'Live Signs, Live Times', a concert recorded at the Birmingham Odeon in 1983, and three songs produced by Anne Dudley for an abortive second album. The packaging is thoughtfully designed, with a 7-inch format, a ten-page booklet containing photos, credits, and a brief note, making it a must-have for any fan of The Belle Stars.
In conclusion, 'The Belle Stars' box set is a testament to the band's enduring legacy and their significant impact on the music industry. It offers a comprehensive exploration of their musical journey, allowing fans to appreciate the depth and diversity of their work. As an expert editorial writer, I highly recommend this release to anyone interested in the evolution of pop and ska music during the 1980s. The Belle Stars' story is a fascinating one, and this box set provides an excellent opportunity to delve into their rich musical history.
