VIA PRESS RELEASE | Both albums have been half-speed remastered at Abbey Road Studios and mark the first two releases in a series of reissues from their catalogue.
Originally released on 25 October 1974, Crime Of The Century was Supertramp’s era-defining third album, catapulting them to global success, breaking them into the UK top five and U.S. Billboard top 40 for the first time. As the album fast-tracked the band’s global popularity, they would write and record Crisis? What Crisis?, which was released on 28 November 1975, 13 months after Crime Of The Century.
With the band and co-producer Ken Scott overseeing, Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios remastered these 50th anniversary reissues at half speed, giving them greater detail and the best possible clarity. Both are set to release on 29 August and are available for pre-order now from here.
Crime Of The Century followed the release of their self-titled debut in 1970 and 1971’s Indelibly Stamped albums, neither of which had garnered much commercial success, and their record contract had expired.
It may be hard to believe now, but Crime Of The Century was not an instant hit upon its original release. “Bloody Well Right” was the first single released in the US reaching number 35 in the Billboard Hot 100, but it wasn’t until the release of “Dreamer” in February 1975 that the track caught the imagination and momentum truly began to build.
Its distinctive and unique charm resulted in almost blanket radio play across the UK, with it charting at number 13. As a result, the album broke into the UK top five shortly before the band was to tour the US. This proved to be a pivotal time, “Bloody Well Right” became the “Dreamer” b-side, and this laid the foundation for incredible critical and commercial success around the world.
Crisis? What Crisis? was written and recorded during arguably the busiest period of the band’s career. They were in the midst of their first US tour when Roger broke his wrist accidentally, forcing the tour to end. It was imperative that the band continue their world-dominating trajectory, and new writing and recording were the only options.
With little time to write new material, recording sessions started with some material written for Crime Of The Century and beyond, with new material being written later in the process that made the album.
With the benefit of being able to look back at Supertramp’s incredible body of work, Crisis? What Crisis? is now regarded by many as the record that bridges their sound from their earlier prog records to their more commercially successful period and is a significant and vital part of the band’s musical journey. Nestled in between the behemoths’ Crime Of The Century and Even The Quietest Moments, it was clear by the mid-’80s that this album was an integral part of their creative development.
50+ years since the release of these records it is impossible to ignore the influence and impact of the band. Crime Of The Century was seen and celebrated as a cornerstone of prog rock as early as 1978 and was regarded as one of the all time great records, ranking at 108 in The World Critic Lists (which recognised the 200 greatest albums of all time by notable rock critics and DJs) and the praise continued and appeared in multiple “Greatest Albums Of All Time” lists by rock music authorities like Rolling Stone, Classic Rock, and Prog magazine.
Globally, both records have sold millions and been certified Diamond, Platinum, and Gold in multiple countries, but arguably the biggest triumph of this period of the band’s career is their influence and impact on rock music.
