Operation Heavenly

Description

For most members, Operation Heavenly is Heavenly’s best album. Unfortunately, its release in 1996 was overshadowed by the sudden death of drummer Mathew Fletcher, leading to the cancellation of the tour and the end of the band. Nearly thirty years later, Skep Wax Records is bringing this album back to life, and it sounds today as fresh and vibrant as it did back then. Blending the riot grrrl energy of their early days with Britpop influences, the record is packed with joyful, catchy, and ironic tracks such as Ben Sherman, Fat Lenny, and Trophy Girlfriend. The band’s first album released outside Sarah Records, Operation Heavenly marks a move toward a brighter sound and a more assertive production, thanks in particular to their collaboration with Wiija Records and K Records. This reissue also includes two covers (Art School by The Jam and You Tore Me Down by the Flamin' Groovies), which, alongside Nous Ne Sommes Pas Des Anges by Serge Gainsbourg, confirm the band’s ability to make any pop style their own. Today, this album can finally be celebrated at its true value, as a bold and timeless pop anthem, carried by the ever-living spirit of Mathew.