THE CHARLATANS Schallplatten & CDs

Review: To celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Charlatans' pivotal album Up To Our Hips, Beggars set to release an expanded edition on vinyl. This reissue retains the full original tracklist while adding ten bonus tracks, all curated by frontman Tim Burgess. The collection will feature live session recordings from the BBC, B-sides, alternate mixes, and unreleased outtakes, offering fans a unique glimpse into the band's creative process during a tumultuous period. Originally launched in 1994, Up To Our Hips marked a significant shift in the band's sound, veering away from the upbeat pop of their earlier works towards a darker, organ-driven aesthetic. Inspired by influences such as the Small Faces and Bob Dylan, the album's lyrics reflect the pressures the band faced internally. With its signature blend of driving Hammond organs, soulful rhythms, and Burgess' evocative vocals, The Charlatans have solidified their status as a lasting force in British music. This anniversary edition, complete with new artwork by Nik Void and pressed on '[etrol blue" bio vinyl.

Review: On its original release in 1994, Up To Our Hips marked something of a sonic departure for the Charlatans. Heavily influenced by Mod and psychedelic music of the 1960s, it saw Tim Burgess and company push organs to the fore, more densely layer their guitars, and develop a nostalgic "Britpop" sound fully in keeping with the nostalgic 'Cool Britannia' vibes of the era. 30 years on, it remains one of their strongest and most entertaining 'classic' albums - as this fully remastered and expanded reissue proves. This time round, the original album is backed by 10 additional cuts - a mixture of rarities, B-sides, demos and live recordings. It should be seen as the definitive version of one of the band's standout moments.