March Violets
The Palace Of Infinite Darkness (5cd)
The March Violets came out of Leeds in the early '80s, label-mates of Sisters Of Mercy. Releasing six indie singles, they were a constant presence in the UK indie charts, hitting the top two with 'Snake Dance' and 'Deep' and no. 1 with 'Walk Into The Sun.' They never recorded an album - their '80s long-players, 'Natural History In The UK' and 'Electric Shades' in the USA, were compilations. Eventually they signed to a major label and were groomed for a USA breakthrough, performing in the 1987 'Some Kind Of Wonderful' movie. However, they were asked to make too many compromises and split up. Here is their entire 1980s independent catalogue in both original and extended versions, together with six BBC Sessions - 23 tracks with 9 unreleased songs. Plus the set has two CDs of yet many more unreleased sessions, one from the early years 1982-84, and one covering 1985-87. The collection chronicles their development with lead singers Simon Denbigh, Rosie Garland and Cleo Murray, backed by bassist Lawrence Elliot and guitarist Tom Ashton. CD1: Play Loud Play Purple (Complete Singles 1982-85) CD2: Play Louder Play Purpler (Extended Versions & Eras) CD3: Big Soul Kiss (The BBC Recordings 1982-84) CD4: Infinite Darkness (Unreleased Rarities 1982-84) CD5: Silver Lining (Unreleased Rarities 1985-87)