Hello again Sprout fans, sorry for neglecting the site lately - it's been a busy month! Quite a backlog has built up since I was last on, so get yourself settled in and prepare for a long haul.

First, the Japanese release of LCTWWM had no bonus track at all, thanks to everyone who emailed in to report that. Forum member blueroses5327 took things a stage further, writing to Sony's Japanese headquarters, who told us the bonus track 'project' was 'aborted.' Another dream down the pan!

However, there are a couple of releases to get excited about - first there is this excellent looking release involving orchestral versions of classic pop songs, including 'Andromeda Heights.' You can even listen to samples on the link; though no word on a worldwide release yet. Thanks to forum member Porky for spotting this.

Also, Mark Magrs' book, set in County Durham, about a young lad who loves the Sprouts, is now out in paperback, apparently revised and updated! For more info see this forum thread, or check it out on amazon here.

Next up, Martin (from the band) emailed in having noticed that Sondre Lerche's track 'I Cannot Let You Go' is crammed full of Sprout references. You should be able to listen to it here, on the 'featured tracks' player. He also reported that a key line from legendary unheard Sprout song 'Snowy Rents a Dog' is: 'The loveless lonely sometimes jog, but poor old snowy, rents a dog.' I felt like I should pass that on.

And now, news of a live Sprout appearance! (Almost.) Thomas Dolby 'twittered' a report that Martin and Wendy would be 'guest stars' at his gig in London on February 28th, which has since been confirmed. Before you all rush to book tickets, I should mention they will only be playing/singing on one song, the charmingly named 'I Scare Myself.' Some sort of streaming will allegedly be available on the net, but we'll keep you informed.

James Fogle has recorded two brilliant versions of the Sprout song 'Dublin,' which you can hear on his myspace here, or download here and here. Oh, and John Green sent in guitar tabs for the acoustic version of 'Appetite' and 'Music is a Princess,' which you can see by clicking the titles. I think that's enough Sprout stuff for now - but I have seven new(ish) interviews to upload here soon, so do remember to check back.

Great stuff, Jamie.

I should add, that another line from "Snowy Rents A Dog" goes like this:

“I’m scared she’ll plan while I’m asleep, and act it out like Meryl Streep.”


Seven interviews? Hm...? Get them up! :P

So there's life outside Rollmo's recent LCTWWM-thread. Thanks, Jamie! Enchanted by that line from Snowy Rents A Dog (is yours for real, River? Where'd you get it from?).

Don't dream its over , "Truck 1 tune recording schedule" may still turn up sometime , somewhere.

I still remember the person who told me it was called 'social engagement!'

Just recieved this email about the remastered editions, thought it was one for the forums rather than the site:

Japanese reissues of Jordan and Swoon arrived yesterday from CDJapan. i used my Yamaha CDC697 changer through RX797 receiver through Infinity RS625 speakers to compare with my Sony European editions.

SWOON "I Never Play Basketball Now"
-louder volume
-lead vocals less compressed,better separated
-cymbals silkier, less harsh
-bass more articulated
-background vocals silkier, less compressed
-kick drum has more punch

JORDAN "Wild Horses"
-louder volume
-lead vocal silkier
-bass more articulate in subwoofer frequencies
-snare drum more accurate, better separation
-lead vocals and keyboards better separation, smoother

The improvement in Swoon is more significant and noticeable than Jordan. i don't think any remixing has been done, as Martin's bass on Jordan still needs a boost.

Current economic concerns considered, i'm glad i have these. Thought you might want to share this info with fans trying to decide whether to order or not.

That's from Brad Bowman.

Thanks for the info Jamie, i will definitely order these now as my amp only goes up to 11.

Do you really think I would make up something like that, Rae?

It's from a Paddy interview in 1988, and then quoted by John Birch in his book.

Thanks! I haven't looked at The Book in a long time.

It's a beaut!