The Cult were one of the defining groups of late 80s Alternative rock. When they recorded the follow up to their breakthrough album, Love, they were not too satisfied with the results. They re-recorded the album with Rick Rubin and left the previously recorded material on the shelf. Electric Peace sees both versions of the album reissued for the first time together. Here's what Beggars Banquet had to say: In 1985, The Cult enjoyed breakthrough success with the single "She Sells Sanctuary" and the album Love, establishing them as a new breed of Alternative rock band. When it came to recording a follow-up, the band booked into The Manor studios in Oxfordshire with Steve Brown again producing the album. By the end of October 1986 the album was recorded, the masters assembled and it was given the title Peace. However, the band was not happy with the final results, which seemed too polished. Appreciating the rawness of Run-D.M.C.'s "Walk This Way," the band contacted producer Rick Rubin to re-mix the lead track, "Love Removal Machine." Rubin agreed to work with the band but only on condition that the track was entirely re-recorded. The result was a sparse, dry, riffing version that captured the sonic excitement the band were looking for. Enthused by the results, the decision was made to abandon the expensive Peace recordings and re-record the entire album in New York with Rick Rubin. The new tracks would become The Cult's third album, re-titled Electric, and sold millions. Tracks from Peace were used as single B-sides and some of the alternative versions were issued on an early CD – The Manor Sessions, but it wasn't until the limited Rare Cult box set in 2000 that fans got to hear the full album correctly sequenced. The box rapidly sold out, so Peace has been unavailable for 13 years.

• includes the original Electric album and the rare Peace album side by side
• black double vinyl pressing
• housed in gatefold jacket w/ printed inner sleeves
• original release year: 1987
• music label: Beggars Banquet 2013

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 08/2013

ALSO AVAILABLE

• The Cult: Electric - Indie Exclusive Colored Vinyl LP
• The Cult: Sonic Temple - 30th Anniversary Vinyl LP
• The Cult: Love Vinyl LP
• The Cult: Ceremony - Indie Exclusive Colored Vinyl 2LP