There was a psychedelic re-awakening of sorts in the late 1980’s, due in part to the pervasive cultural trend towards retrospective of the late-1960’s “Summer of Love”. In the midst of this, there appeared the psych-pop of The Dukes of Stratosphear. The Dukes were a spin-off of the much-loved British pop/punk act XTC, whom many consider the most important British rock act of the 1980’s. Though they worked feverishly to cloak themselves in anonymous monikers and lack of fanfare for the release of their first EP, 25 O’Clock, people would eventually come to figure out that the Dukes were alter-egos of Andy Partridge and co.

The Dukes of Stratosphear went on to release the full-length Psonic Psunspot and, later, repackage the two releases together as Chips from the Chocolate Fireball.

Though they’ve been out of print for some time, they’ve returned for a visit. Nearly twenty years later, Andy Partridge’s very own APE Label has reissued these beloved psych-pop albums, proving they’re just as bright and inviting today as they were tongue-in-cheek vogue during the “Summer of Love” renaissance 20 years ago. Enjoy these two tracks from the release.

The Dukes of Stratosphear – Brainiac’s Daughter
The Dukes of Stratosphear – My Love Explodes

_{* This LIMITED EDITION packaged CD comes in a HARDBACK digibook featuring brand new artwork and the booklet includes new sleeves notes by Andy, Colin and Dave Gregory and exclusive archive photos.}

_{* Includes 9 extra tracks of demos and extra recordings including “Black Jewelled Serpent of Sound{Radio Caroline edit}”, “Open a Can of Human Beans”, “Tin Toy Clockwork Train”, and the VIDEO for “MOLE FROM THE MINISTRY”.}