Sisters (The Bluebells album) explained

Sisters
Type:	Album
Artist:	The Bluebells
Cover:	TheBluebellsSisters.jpg
Released:	10 July 1984
Studio:	Highland Studios, Inverness Jam Studios, London
Genre:	Indie pop new wave jangle pop
Label:	London Records (UK) Sire Records (USA) Last Night From Glasgow
Producer:	Colin Fairley, Bob Andrews, Elvis Costello, Alan Shacklock
Prev Title:	The Bluebells
Prev Year:	1983
Next Title:	Second
Next Year:	1992

Sisters is the debut album by Scottish indie pop band the Bluebells, released in 1984.^{[1] [2]}

The only "proper" full-length album released by the band during their short career (1983's The Bluebells was a mini-album released in the U.S. showcasing their singles), Sisters featured remixed versions of earlier singles "Cath" and "Everybody's Somebody's Fool" as well as the contemporary singles "I'm Falling" and "Young at Heart". The album reached No. 22 on the UK Albums Chart in August 1984.^[3]

In 2020, it was announced that the album would be re-released by Last Night From Glasgow, on their Past Night From Glasgow label, on vinyl and CD.^{[4] [5]}

Critical reception

The Rolling Stone Album Guide called Sisters "highly accomplished and truly smart pop." Trouser Press deemed it "utterly wonderful," writing that the songs are "subtly shaded with country fiddles and mandolins, ringing guitars, a light bouncy beat and choruses that you’ll be humming all the way home."^[6] NME listed it as the 50th best album of 1984.^[7]

Track listing

All songs by Robert Hodgens, except where noted. All songs produced by Bob Andrews and Colin Fairley, except where noted.

Original release

1. "Everybody's Somebody's Fool" – 3:40
2. "Young at Heart" (Robert Hodgens, Bobby Valentino, Siobhan Fahey, Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward) – 3:24
3. "I'm Falling" (Robert Hodgens, Kenneth McCluskey) – 5:12
4. "Will She Always Be Waiting" – 4:10 Produced by Elvis Costello and Colin Fairley
5. "Cath" – 3:07
6. "Red Guitars" – 3:14
7. "Syracuse University" – 4:30
8. "Learn to Love" – 3:35 Produced by Alan Shacklock
9. "The Patriot Game" (Dominic Behan) – 4:00
10. "South Atlantic Way" – 5:38

Cassette version

The track "Holland" stands for "Hope our love lasts and never dies".

Side one

1. "Everybody's Somebody's Fool" – 3:40
2. "Young at Heart" (Robert Hodgens, Siobhan Fahey, Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward) – 3:24
3. "I'm Falling" (Robert Hodgens, Kenneth McCluskey) – 5:12
4. "Will She Always Be Waiting" – 4:10 Produced by Elvis Costello and Colin Fairley
5. "Cath" – 3:07
6. "Holland" (Kenneth Mccluskey, David McCluskey) – 3:30

Side two

1. "Red Guitars" – 3:14
2. "Syracuse University" – 4:30
3. "Learn to Love" – 3:35 Produced by Alan Shacklock
4. "The Patriot Game" (Dominic Behan) – 4:00
5. "South Atlantic Way" – 5:38
6. "Aim in Life" (McCluskey) – 3.02 Produced by Elvis Costello

Personnel

• Kenneth McCluskey – lead vocals, harmonica
• Neil Baldwin – bass (2, 6, 7, 10)
• Robert Hodgens – vocals, guitar
• Craig Gannon – guitar (1, 6, 7, 10)
• David McCluskey – drums
• Bobby Valentino – violin
• Laurence Donegan – bass (2–5, 8, 9)
• Russell Irvine – guitar (2–5, 8, 9)
• Ray Russell – string arrangements

Technical

• Derek Ridgers, Paul Cox – photography
• Peter Barrett – artwork
• Recorded at Highland Studios, Inverness and Jam Studios, London; mixed at Abbey Road Studios and Red Bus Studios, London

Notes and References

1. Web site: The Bluebells: Exile on Twee Street. November 11, 2014.
2. Book: KRAMPERT, PETER. The Encyclopedia of the Harmonica. March 23, 2016. Mel Bay Publications. 9781619115774 . Google Books.
3. Web site: BLUEBELLS | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company. www.officialcharts.com.
4. Web site: 'No matter what happens, people want to listen to new music' – Ian Smith of Last Night From Glasgow . The Herald . 21 March 2020 . 11 May 2020.
5. Web site: LNFG invites you to a Past Night From Glasgow . Last Night From Glasgow . 11 May 2020.
6. Web site: Bluebells . Trouser Press . 14 March 2021.
7. Web site: 1984 Best Albums And Tracks Of The Year. . October 10, 2016.