Republica - Republica [2LP, Indie Red & Black Cornetto Vinyl]

Republica's self-titled debut brought Saffron Sprackling's unmistakable vocals into the crossover between alternative rock and electronic dance music. The 1996 album produced the international hit "Ready To Go" and the UK Top 10 single "Drop Dead Gorgeous," making the British band a fixture of the era's radio and club playlists. This 30th anniversary vinyl record edition pairs the original album with a full live performance recorded in 1997.

"Ready To Go" combines a driving dance beat, distorted guitar and a chant-like chorus, while "Drop Dead Gorgeous" moves between sharply delivered verses and a bigger, melodic refrain. "Bloke" leans into the band's guitar-led rock side, and "Bitch" pairs a forceful vocal with electronic rhythms. "Out Of The Darkness" offers another example of the band's balance of rock instrumentation and programmed dance beats and guitar. Side B also includes "Holly (Radio Mix)" and the original UK mix of "Ready To Go."

The bonus LP documents Republica's 1997 Day At The Races concert at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre. Nine songs include live versions of "Drop Dead Gorgeous," "Bloke," "Ready To Go" and "Holly." Six performances briefly appeared on CD that year, while the other three debut here. All nine were mixed and mastered from the original multitrack sources, documenting the complete concert.

• Format: 2LP
• Standout tracks: Ready To Go, Drop Dead Gorgeous, Bloke, Bitch, Out Of The Darkness
• Pressing details: Indie Exclusive, Limited Edition, 30th Anniversary Reissue, Red & Black Cornetto Vinyl, Bonus Live LP
• Genre/style: Alternative Rock, Electronic Rock, Dance-Rock, Alternative Dance
• UPC: 198029547214

The set brings the studio recordings of "Ready To Go" and "Drop Dead Gorgeous" together with the band's live performances from Crystal Palace. It also includes the original UK mix of "Ready To Go" and three concert recordings previously unavailable on CD.

* The Spotify track list may not exactly represent the tracks and audio of this LP edition.

Track List:

Side A:

1. Ready To Go
2. Bloke
3. Bitch
4. Get Off
5. Picture Me

Side B:

1. Drop Dead Gorgeous
2. Out Of The Darkness
3. Wrapp
4. Don't You Ever
5. Holly (Radio Mix)
6. Ready To Go (Original UK Mix)

Side C: Live At Crystal Palace, 1997

1. Drop Dead Gorgeous
2. Bloke
3. Bitch
4. Get Off

Side D: Live At Crystal Palace, 1997

1. Picture Me
2. Ready To Go
3. Out Of The Darkness
4. Wrapp