The Charlatans’ ‘Up To Our Hips’ Set for 30th Anniversary Reissue

The Charlatans’ Classic ‘Up To Our Hips’ Gets a 30th Anniversary Revamp

The Charlatans are set to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their landmark album Up To Our Hips, with a deluxe reissue that promises to transport both ardent fans and curious newcomers back to the band’s formative years. Originally released in 1994, this expanded edition will be available in digital, vinyl, and CD formats through Beggars Arkive on November 8, 2024.

Curated by the band’s enigmatic frontman, Tim Burgess, this newly polished edition includes the original tracklist accompanied by an impressive collection of ten bonus tracks. These additions shine a light on the band’s less-explored territory, including live BBC session recordings from the likes of Steve Lamacq and Jo Whiley, B-sides, alternate mixes, and previously unreleased outtakes—all offering a more intimate glimpse into the band’s creative process during a critical transitional period.

"This record is dedicated to both Rob [Collins] and Jon [Brookes]," Burgess shared in a poignant statement. "I hope the expanded edition allows the listener a never-seen-before sneak peek behind the curtain at a record being made by a band in crisis." This sentiment echoes through the original album’s grooves, which showcased The Charlatans’ departure from the buoyant pop sounds of their earlier work and embraced a darker, more sonically textured journey.

The lead single “Can’t Get Out of Bed” set the tone for the album’s exploration of discontent and disillusionment, laying the groundwork for fan favorites such as “I Never Want An Easy Life If Me And He Were To Get There” and “Jesus Hairdo.” The reissue features newly commissioned artwork designed by Nik Void, capturing the album’s insistence on introspection while maintaining its vivid, energetic spirit.

Up To Our Hips marked a pivotal moment for The Charlatans, a band that navigated personal turmoil and the perils of fame, evolving their sound in the process. This anniversary reissue not only serves as a timely reminder of the band’s influential role in the Britpop and alternative rock scenes, but it also re-establishes Up To Our Hips as a cornerstone of their storied discography.

As fans eagerly anticipate the expanded edition, it’s clear that Up To Our Hips—both in its original form and its enhanced counterpart—holds a timeless position in the hearts of music enthusiasts. Get ready to rediscover the depths of The Charlatans’ artistry as they invite us to delve beyond the surface once again.

Written by 92.9 The Torch