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Berntholer \ Merry Lines In the Sky [LTMCD 2403]

An enhanced CD anthology by Berntholer, the Belgian group whose 1984 single My Suitor remains a cult classic. In 1982 the band released their first single, Japanese Garden, but made greater waves the following year with My Suitor, a haunting cello-led torch song initially released on the Blue Feather label. In the UK, the single became a favourite of legendary BBC radio DJ John Peel. Berntholer subsequently recorded a third single, You Grabbed Me By the Hand, as well as a clutch of excellent demo tracks which revealed a unique and highly individual collective talent at work. However a combination of bad luck and internal dissent meant that no further music was released on record. Until now.

This CD gathers together all Berntholer studio recordings made between 1983 and 1985, and also includes an extended QuickTime audio visual section featuring video clips for My Suitor, Exterior Nuit and The Choice. The artwork includes detailed sleevenotes and archive photos.

Tracklist:

1. My Suitor
2. Pardon Up Here
3. Lunacies
4. Emotions
5. You Grabbed Me By the Hand
6. Private Hotel
7. The Curtain Long
8. Kingdom Mine
9. Map Your Eyes
10. Shape the Rain
11. Merry Lines In Skies
12. A Distance
13. Simulation
14. Japanese Garden
15. The Others
16. My Suitor
17. Exterior Nuit
18. The Choice

CD is currently out of print.

Merry Lines In The Sky [LTMCD 2403]

Reviews:

"The striking combination of light clssical undertones, effervescent acoustic guitars, bubbling bass and Drita's quirky lyrics ensure a shimmering 61 minutes" (The Big Takeover, 09/2004)

"A loving collection of songs by a terrific band that created diverse and easily digestible music. For those who take pleasure in reading surreal short stories, rich in detail, and listening to songs that weave warm tales using unconventional melodies, Merry Lines in the Sky is a perfect addition to the CD rack" (delusions of adequacy.com, 12/2004)

"A definitive collection, lead by My Suitor, a cello-driven slice of sweetly downbeat chamber pop" (Brainwashed, 2005)

"Fantastique, mes amis. A little spellbinder" (NME, 10/1984)