Spandau Ballet - Reformation [3CD Remastered Box Set] (2002)

REFORMATION isn't merely a hits collection (the single-disc GOLD: THE BEST OF SPANDAU BALLET had already done a fine job on that score). It contains enough rarities to make the hearts of Spandau maniacs leap with delight.
The early New Romantic scene was focused on clubbing and dancing, and Spandau's extended 12" mixes were an important element of the band's sound; a wealth of those are captured here, exhibiting the band in all its synth-riffing, bass-popping, white-funk glory. Demo versions of early singles "To Cut a Long Story Short" and "The Freeze" help illuminate how the band's sound first came together. Live version of later, more commercial material ("I'll Fly for You," "Highly Strung") show the degree to which Spandau Ballet eventually became arena-friendly pop stars, but there's more than enough choice early material on REFORMATION to keep the most uncompromising of Spandau fans extremely satisfied.