Wendy & Lisa - Eroica (Special Edition) (2017)

Having lent their esoteric funk-folk stylings to Prince & The Revolution during the late legend’s purple reign of the early-80s, Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman left the band to pursue their own maverick musical path in 1986. Fan-favourite Eroica, their third and final album for Virgin Records, saw the duo hit a new creative peak – drawing on influences ranging from Sly Stone to Joni Mitchell to create a vibrant psychedelic-funk- folk sound that was uniquely their own.

After the disappointing Fruit at the Bottom, Wendy & Lisa hit a peak with their third album, Eroica. Containing some of the best music of their careers, it also is a perfect synthesis of the dance club beats of Fruit and the well-developed songwriting of their debut. "Staring at the Sun" and "Mother of Pearl" show compositional and arranging complexity that is positively breathtaking. What's more, the musicianship is at a peak, containing some of the best playing the duo has ever done, including a fiery Wendy Melvoin guitar solo in "Turn Me Inside Out." Lyrically, there is more depth as well. "Mother of Pearl," about broken relationships, and "Valley Vista," about a bittersweet childhood memory, have a far darker edge than the lighter material of Fruit. Even the love songs have more of a bite as well. Eroica is a perfect introduction to Wendy & Lisa's formidable talents.

Having lent their esoteric funk-folk stylings to Prince & The Revolution during the late legend’s purple reign of the early-80s, Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman left the band to pursue their own maverick musical path in 1986. Fan-favourite Eroica, their third and final album for Virgin Records, saw the duo hit a new creative peak – drawing on influences ranging from Sly Stone to Joni Mitchell to create a vibrant psychedelic-funk- folk sound that was uniquely their own.

Included on this Special Edition double-CD of 22 digitally-remastered tracks are:

The original 1990 album including the singles ‘Strung Out’, ‘Rainbow Lake’ and ‘Don’t Try To Tell Me’, written and produced by Wendy & Lisa. Includes guest contributions by k.d. lang, Eric Leeds of The Family/Madhouse and Wendy’s prolific jazz composer father Michael Melvoin.

Bonus tracks on Disc Two include single mixes and rare b-sides as well as Lisa’s ‘Piano Improvisations’ EP – originally issued as a bonus 3” disc with a limited edition issue of original album. Hardcore Prince fans will know ‘Minneapolis #1’ better as ‘Visions’ - the opening track to The Revolution’s unreleased final album Dream Factory.

Includes a comprehensive booklet featuring single sleeves, lyrics, exclusive interview and track-by- track liner notes from ex-Attitude editor Adam Mattera and Lisa Coleman.

The original Purple Rain line-up of The Revolution – Wendy & Lisa, bassist Brownmark, keyboardist Dr Fink and drummer Bobby Z. - have recently reunited and are touring the US.