The Wild Swans - Magnitude (The Sire Years) (1988/2007)

‘Revolutionary Spirit’, the last single for Liverpool’s influential Zoo label, created quite a stir for the Wild Swans back in early 1982. A moving slice of uplifting pop, set against guitar and synthesizer, the song looked set to elevate the band alongside those other Zoo graduates Echo And The Bunnymen and the Teardrop Explodes. However, the song’s over-loud production did result in a loss of sound quality, and it could be argued that this prevented healthier sales. However, Paul Simpson (vocals, ex-Teardrop Explodes), Jerry Kelly (guitar, ex-Systems), Gerard Quinn (keyboards) and Alan Wills (drums) disbanded shortly afterwards, with the nucleus of the band going on to form the moderately successful Lotus Eaters. Nevertheless, ‘Revolutionary Spirit’ became a cult favourite, and after the recording of a John Peel BBC Radio session was warmly received in September 1986, the band decided to re-form. Bringing Home The Ashes was issued in 1988. Like its single offspring, ‘Young Manhood’ and ‘Bible Dreams’, the album hinted at the Wild Swans’ originality without really leaving a lasting impression. The more psychedelic-tinged Space Flower, produced by Ian Broudie, also failed to revive fortunes.