ULTRAVOX RAGE IN EDEN (REMASTERED DEFINITIVE EDITION) DOUBLE ALBUM REISSUE CHRYSALIS, EMI RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 22, 2008 REVIEW: NOVEMBER 6, 2008

One of my earliest music memories is the "Vienna" album by the British band with perhaps the coolest name ever: Ultravox. When I found it I was captured by the look and sound of the album. With its minimal, white cover it took me into the world of electronic music.

And now, some years later, the Ultravox back catalogue will be released in "remastered definitive editions", focusing on the second incarnation of the band with Midge Ure. This is a double disc package, with the second disc containing old live tracks, B-sides, demo versions and even recordings from their rehearsals. It is also fun to see that they got the opportunity to use the classic album cover again

"Rage in Eden" is the follow-up to "Vienna" and it’s on this album that you really realize that this group was more than a one-hit-wonder. The album is packed with great pop songs, all with a nice touch of new romantic and new wave. The sound on this album is just amazing to begin with and it sounds great in this new edition. The haunting intro in "We Stand Alone" is better than ever, "The Thin Wall" is clean, grandiose, beautiful and "The Voice" is simply amazing. This is synthpop that manage to both appeal to the masses while keeping its integrity.

On the bonus disc we find the B-sides from the singles and also some previously unreleased tracks from a show at Hammersmith Odeon in 1981. Last, but not least, there are two tracks that feature songs in progress, named "Work in Progress Mix". This is very fun and interesting to hear.

What makes Ultravox so great is the ability to mix between cold synthpop and guitar driven new romantic while keeping it danceable. The album does sound old, you can tell that it’s from 1981, but the music isn’t outdated but fresh still today. This is a very nice version of a classic album and the remastered definitive editions is a must buy. I wish that all other bands that re-release their old materials did it with this much effort.

TOBIAS ELIASSON