The Circle & The Square [Bonus Tracks]

Personnel: Ginny Clee (vocals); Matthew Cang (guitar); Neil Taylor (electric guitar); Helen Tunstall (harp); Bobby Valentino , Alexander Balanescu (violin); Julian Close (flute, saxophone, programming); Viktor Sebek (accordion); Bruce Nockles (trumpet); Phillip Eastop (flugelhorn); Martin Noakes (piano); David Motion, Alan Park, Gary Hutchins, Gavin Povey (keyboards); Alison Lee (vibraphone, marimba, percussion); Chris Wyles (drums, percussion).
Audio Mixers: David Bascombe; Chris Huges; Ross Cullum; Stephen W. Tayler.
Recording information: AIR (1986); Eden (1986); Eel Pie (1986); JAM (1986); STrongroom (1986); Tapestry (1986); VM Studios (1986); Woolhall (1986).
Illustrator: Helen Jones.
Photographer: Paul Rider.
One of the most sublimely spiritual albums ever made, Simon Toulson-Clarke and Julian Close's masterpiece of new wave, pop and world music (long before it was trendy) has become somewhat of a cult sensation with its re-release (complete with bonus tracks) in 2008. Though known primarily for the hits, "Lean on Me" and "For America," there is not a bad track among this lot. It is a hypnotically beautiful record, as endlessly listenable as it is perfectly performed. Legendary producers David Motion and Phill Brown lend a hand to fine-tuning this classic album's sheen. This is that rare album wherein the listener is left humming every single song. A perfect record -- and that is, indeed, an accomplishment. ~ Tomas Mureika