Hot on the heels of their nostalgic album West Coast Band, Canadian rock veterans 54•40 proudly announce the impending release of their remastered Green Album in a deluxe vinyl bundle. Originally released in 1986, their second album — officially self-titled but affectionately known by its colourful nickname — marked a pivotal moment in the band’s history.
“After recording our first album Set The Fire, we went through a period of discovery,” the bandmembers recall in a press release. “The songwriting was starting to flow, and our band vision was becoming clearer. It started with the last couple of songs written for Set The Fire recorded by Dave ‘Rave’ Ogilvie. Those songs — A Big Idea and What To Do Now — would lead to defining ourselves as 54•40, the rock combo (two guitars, bass and drums). We went back to Mushroom Studios with Rave and recorded the Green Album in late 1984. Baby Ran, I Go Blind, Take My Hand and other songs all emerged during this time.
“Signing to a record company wasn’t exactly on our radar in 1984, but we were actively promoting and touring north-south as far as Highway I-5 would take us. Seattle, Portland and in particular San Francisco became a second home for the band. Eventually shows in Los Angeles led to record company interest. After much deliberation, Warner Brothers Records became our first label home. They would put out the Green Album with the suggestion that we mix the album with Dave Jerden (Rolling Stones). The label committed to the next album, which was half written at the time of signing. This was a big breakthrough for us and a turning point opportunity.
“The rest is history, so they say. Baby Ran became a hit song for us. I Go Blind, despite not being released as a single in the U.S.A., became a hit for us and a massive international hit for Hootie & The Blowfish a decade later. Our thanks to Phil and Darryl, Rave, Felix and Kevin, our partners in business but mostly thanks to our fans that have embraced our band and songs.”
Carefully curated to immerse fans in the nostalgia of the Green days, the deluxe vinyl bundle offers a treasure trove of 54•40 memorabilia. The bundle includes not only the re-mastered vinyl but also alternate versions and previously unreleased songs, along with photos, posters, stickers, and other memorabilia from the band’s early years. The bundle features:
• 180-gram white translucent vinyl audiophile LP with updated reimagined inner gatefold
• 7” single for Baby Ran and I Go Blind
• 24” x 36” poster, folded in album jacket
• Three 8”x 10” black and white photographs
• 11” x 17” pink vintage show poster
• 5.5” x 3.5” band sticker
• Vintage postcard
• Reproduction of original album sleeve
In addition, fans will have access to a digital trove of content, including high-quality WAV files of all album tracks, re-mastered and MP3 versions, and three previously unreleased songs. The digital package also features album artwork, archival photos, and exclusive posters and stickers. Also available: A limited-edition 14” x 20”print by Phil Comparelli on 100% cotton rag paper, signed and numbered.
Watch a video for the set above, pre-order the set HERE, and keep up with 54•40 on their website, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
