First time on vinyl
New artwork by Monica Richards
New mastering by George Emmanuel (Pentagram Studio)
“Soft I wait each night
I remember the thought of your skin
The touch of your voice whispering my name
Why did we drift apart
I hold it close to my breath
Your sustenance Your goodbye kiss
But you I can’t live without you
‘Cause I gave you my heart
My heart…” – Drown by Strange Boutique
Strange Boutique rose out of the ashes of the Washington DC punk scene. Singer Monica Richards (who later formed the legendary goth band, Faith and the Muse), drummer Danny Ingram and guitarist Fred “Freak” Smith were looking to spread their wings beyond the harDCcore scene they had helped nurture as members of original DC punk bands: Madhouse, Youth Brigade and Beefeater. After finding bassist Steve Willett, the group quickly developed a sound that surged with the energy of the DC post-punk scene while embracing an unexpected sense of melody.
Their onstage energy was electric and immediate; a combination of tethered chaos (Fred), mesmerizing charm (Monica) and a cracking rhythm section (Danny and Steve) that made the whole thing move. With acclaimed live shows, including a short UK tour opening for Killing Joke, Strange Boutique had found its own unique sound, and entered the studio in February, 1991 to record their long-awaited debut album, “The Loved One“.
The album, which featured a new recording of their 1989 EP favorite “Quicksand Minds“, was released on their own Bedazzled Records in the Fall of 1991. Creating their very own eclectic brand of powerful, guitar-driven ethereal pop, with a touch of world music influence and mystical imagination, Strange Boutique had its own style. “The Loved One” was originally embraced by reviewers as “a swirling aural heaven – soaring guitars, ethereal vocals, and a pulsating rhythm section.”
In the years since its initial release, “The Loved One” has garnered a new generation of fans, thanks to the resurgence of interest in original post-punk, as well as the viral and perpetual nature of social media. “The Loved One” includes Strange Boutique’s beloved viral song “Drown”, as well as defining tracks “A Happy Death”, “We Treat The Blindness” and “Quicksand Minds”. Remastered for vinyl by Pentagram Music, enjoy the ethereal wave/dream pop sound of Strange Boutique.
Side A:
1. Terpsichore / 2. Quicksand Minds / 3. We Treat The Blindness / 4. Remedios The Beauty / 5. A Certain Euphoria
Side B:
1. A Happy Death / 2. De Milo / 3. The Flatterer / 4. Drown / 5. Black Sun
