Snapper

Albums don’t come much more steeped in British whimsy than this 1968 concept album by the seminal mod quartet. Unfortunately, its unapologetically English bent is probably what kept it from catching on in the U.S., even as it zoomed up the British charts. The second half of the album might still not translate to American ears since its narration by U.K. comedian Stanley Unwin is filled with near-incomprehensible Cockney wordplay. But it’s easy for anyone to comprehend the tuneful, rocking songs like “Song of a Baker” and the British hit “Lazy Sunday.” This latest box set reissue goes all out, reproducing the circular sleeve of the original with a circular container as well as three discs of music. The album is presented in
mono and stereo mixes and there’s a disc of previously unreleased rehearsals and rare mixes. In all, it’s a comprehensive package, although completists might wish for the single edit of the exquisitely soulful “Afterglow” and the alternate U.S. LP mix. Still, there’s enough great music here to confirm that this remains a genuine British rock classic, and the first-rate mastering, which eschews overcompression, makes it a pleasure to listen to. And boy, could Steve Marriott ever sing.