Up to Our Hips [Deluxe Edition]

by The Charlatans

Overview

Having experienced initial fame and its hasty retreat, the Charlatans (perhaps somewhat self-consciously) set out to create a classic-rock-inspired album, fusing everything from Dylan and the Stones to whatever else caught their fancy. 1994's Up to Our Hips was produced by Steve Hillage, who made a career ranging from wacked-out hippie ramblings in Gong to the clean, inspired synth/Krautrock surge suffusing his production for Simple Minds. One thing he contributed to the Charlatans was more active percussion. While Flood didn't hide the drums on Between, on "Come In Number 21" Jon Brookes' work feels strong and punchy for the first time. While production is a touch more straightforward than on Between, Hillage otherwise let the Charlatans be the Charlatans; where changes are apparent, it's more in the name of atmosphere than attention-getting, especially on the echoed, rumbling funk instrumental "Feel Flows" (excellent Martin Blunt bass and Rob Collins clavinet on this one). The band stretches with the lovely, acoustic stomp "Autograph"; Mark Collins' guitar work is, increasingly, a larger part of the band's sound than Rob Collins' Hammond, but both worked well together. The laid-back lead single "Can't Get Out of Bed"'s lazy Exile on Main Street vibe and the equally groovy "Patrol" and "Jesus Hairdo" showcases both of their work to good effect, especially on the breaks between chorus and verse. Add to these strong new classic rock leanings a more insistent and mix-forward vocal performance by Tim Burgess, and it's clear the band have found a new direction that suits them well. [The 2024 reissue of the album adds a second disc that's made up of single B-sides, the unreleased organ-led rocker "Full of Culture", a pair of songs recorded for the radio, and alternate takes of "Feel Flows" and "Can't Get Out of Bed."] ~ Ned Raggett

Product Details

Release Date:	11/08/2024
Label:	Beggars Banquet Us
UPC:	0607618264727

Tracks

Disc 1

1. Come in Number 21
2. I Never Want an Easy Life If Me and He Were Ever to Get There
3. Can't Get Out of Bed
4. Feel Flows
5. Autograph
6. Jesus Hairdo
7. Up to Our Hips
8. Patrol
9. Another Rider Up in Flames
10. Inside-Looking Out

Disc 2

11. Subterranean
12. Full of Culture
13. Out
14. Up to Our Hips [Recorded live for the Steve Lamacq and Jo Whiley Show]
15. Stir It Up [Altermate Instrumental Mix]
16. Withdrawn
17. Feel Flows [Alternate Mix]
18. You & Everybody
19. Don't Let It Stand AKA Can't Get Out of Bed
20. Another Rider Up in Flames [Recorded live for the Steve Lamacq and Jo Whiley Show]

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Charlatans   Primary Artist
Steve Hillage   Guest Artist
Peter Scammell   Director
Tim Burgess   Vocals,Percussion
Jon Brookes   Drums,Percussion
Martin Blunt   Guitar (Bass),Fender Jazz Bass
Mark Collins   Guitar,Epiphone,Harmonica,Percussion,Fender Jaguar,Guitar (12 String)
Rob Collins   Organ,Piano,Vocals,Clavinet,Wurlitzer,Organ (Hammond),Vocals (Background)

Technical Credits

Steve Hillage   Producer,Programming,Mixing
The Charlatans   Producer
Dave Charles   Mixing,Engineer,Producer
Tim Burgess   Composer,Photography
Jon Brookes   Composer
Martin Blunt   Composer
Mark Collins   Composer
Jonathan Leong   Engineer
Alison Fielding   Design,Original Sleeve Design
Hunt Anders   Design,Original Sleeve Design
Kim Tonelli   Photography
Rob Collins   Composer
Tom Sheehan   Photography
Alison Bell   Photography
Simon Dawson   Engineer