Richard Hawley — Standing at the Sky's Edge [2× Vinyl LP]

Richard Hawley — Standing at the Sky's Edge [2× Vinyl LP]

Details

• Format: 2× Vinyl LP, Album, 140g, Reissue, Gatefold, Stereo
• Catalogue Number: SETLP173C
• Barcode: 5033281011163
• Genre: Psychedelic Rock / Space Rock / Indie Rock
• Label: Setanta / Parlophone
• Originally Released: 7 May 2012
• Reissue Released: 2019
• Vinyl Colour: Transparent Blue with Silver Glitter, Limited Edition
• Pressing: Transparent Blue with Silver Glitter Vinyl
• Condition: New & Sealed

Description

Standing at the Sky's Edge is the sixth studio album by Richard Hawley, released on 7 May 2012 and the record that surprised everyone who thought they knew what he was. After years of hushed, orchestrated romanticism, Hawley arrived with a double album of euphoric, heavy-riffed psychedelia — guitars cranked, arrangements sprawling, the sound of a man who had decided to make the loud record he had always held back. Recorded at Yellow Arch Studios in Sheffield, it channelled elements of krautrock, space rock and heavy blues into a body of work rooted in the politics of austerity Britain and the grief of losing close friends.

The album debuted at number three in the UK Albums Chart — Hawley's highest chart position at the time — and was nominated for the Mercury Prize. BBC Music described it as "the sound of Hawley cutting loose, and clearly enjoying it." "She Brings the Sunlight" opens with bristling guitar energy, "Down in the Woods" — inspired by the government's attempt to sell off publicly owned forest land — is one of his most overtly political songs, and "Leave Your Body Behind You" and "Don't Stare at the Sun" show that even at maximum volume, the tenderness at the core of his songwriting never disappears. The album also inspired an Olivier Award-winning West End musical of the same name in 2023.

This reissue is pressed on transparent blue vinyl with silver glitter — an exclusive colour variant — in a gatefold sleeve with booklet.

Tracklist

Side A

1. She Brings the Sunlight
2. Standing at the Sky's Edge
3. Time Will Bring You Winter

Side B

1. Down in the Woods
2. Seek It
3. Don't Stare at the Sun

Side C

1. The Wood Collier's Grave
2. Leave Your Body Behind You

Side D

1. Before

Credits

• Richard Hawley – Vocals, Guitar, Producer
• Colin Elliot – Bass, Producer, Engineer
• Recorded at Yellow Arch Studios, Sheffield
• Label – Setanta / Parlophone