14 Iced Bears - 14 Iced Bears (Optic Nerve) Ltd Col 2LP

Original album plus 12 track bonus LP including all tracks from their first three singles

The 14 Iced Bears were formed within a vibrant indie scene in Brighton in 1985 by Robert Sekula and drummer Nick Emery, with a punky, DIY pop ethic that held melody as key and technical expertise as less of an issue . They wrote catchy pop songs, recorded with a ramshackle charm that reflected their passion for sixties garage and psychedelia. Inspired by bands like The Byrds, and Velvet Underground this set them apart from their C86 contemporaries.

They were spotted at their first gig by-ex Television Personalities bassist Mark Flunder, he decided that he wanted to put out a 14 Iced Bears single on the fledgling Frank Records and Inside, was released in late 1986. On hearing it, legendary BBC 1 Radio 1 DJ John Peel booked them in for a session. His enthusiasm was evident. He made it one of his sessions of the year and praised each track in turn after playing it. ,Balloon Song was featured in the session and the single version which fronted the bands second single, The Importance of Being Frank EP further consolidated their following. The band toured England and Europe and the press was ecstatic. The late 80s revival of classic guitar-based pop was kind to the 'Bears, and Sekula's talent at penning catchy, twisted melodies earned them a coveted spot as one of the best of the lot. A third single sealed the deal, the raucous Come Get Me on the seminal indie label Sarah Records.

The band went on the release their self-titled debut album in 1988; it was a masterpiece of psychedelic pop that turned a lot of heads with it's ambition and skilled songcraft. The album betrayed the influence of sixties psychedelia on the group and became a hit on US college radio.

FORMAT: Limited edition double album pressed on colour vinyl. Gatefold sleeve, printed inners.

Tracklist:

LP1

TAKE IT
HOLLAND
TRAIN SONG
MOTHS
HAY FEVER
FLORENCE
SPANGLE
DUST REMAINS
CUT
SURFACER

LP2

COME GET ME
SURE TO SEE
UNHAPPY DAYS
IF I SAID
MILES AWAY
BALLOON SONG
TRAIN SONG (Different Version)
LIKE A DOLPHIN
LIE TO CHOOSE
BLUE SUIT
CUT (Different Version)
INSIDE

Optic Nerve OPT4.023