**The Lost Masters (Bucks Fizz album)**
**Definition:**
*The Lost Masters* is a compilation album by British pop group Bucks Fizz, featuring rare, unreleased, and demo recordings from the band’s career. Released in 2006, the album offers fans a unique insight into the group’s creative process and previously unheard material.
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# The Lost Masters (Bucks Fizz album)
## Overview
*The Lost Masters* is a compilation album by the British pop group Bucks Fizz, released in 2006. The album is notable for its collection of rare, unreleased, and demo tracks recorded throughout the band’s career, spanning from their early days in the early 1980s to later sessions. It provides a comprehensive look at the group’s musical evolution and offers fans access to material that had not been commercially available before.
Bucks Fizz, formed in 1981, gained fame after winning the Eurovision Song Contest with the song „Making Your Mind Up.” Over the years, the group released numerous hit singles and albums, becoming a staple of British pop music in the 1980s. *The Lost Masters* serves as a retrospective compilation that highlights the depth of their catalog beyond their well-known hits.
## Background
### Formation and Career of Bucks Fizz
Bucks Fizz was formed in 1981 by Nichola Martin and was originally composed of members Bobby G, Cheryl Baker, Mike Nolan, and Jay Aston. The group quickly rose to prominence after winning the Eurovision Song Contest with „Making Your Mind Up,” which became a number one hit in the UK and several other countries. Their success continued throughout the 1980s with a string of hit singles such as „The Land of Make Believe,” „My Camera Never Lies,” and „If You Can’t Stand the Heat.”
Despite their commercial success, the band underwent several lineup changes and faced challenges, including a serious coach crash in 1984 that affected the members physically and emotionally. Over time, the group’s popularity waned, but they maintained a loyal fan base and continued to perform and record.
### Concept and Release of *The Lost Masters*
By the mid-2000s, there was renewed interest in Bucks Fizz’s music, particularly among collectors and dedicated fans. The idea behind *The Lost Masters* was to compile a selection of rare and previously unreleased tracks, including demos, alternate versions, and songs that had been shelved during the band’s original recording sessions.
The album was released in 2006 by Sony Music, under their Cherry Red label, which specializes in reissues and archival releases. It was marketed primarily to fans and collectors, offering a deeper understanding of Bucks Fizz’s creative output and the development of their sound.
## Content and Track Listing
*The Lost Masters* features a diverse range of tracks, including early demos, alternate mixes, and songs that were never officially released. The compilation showcases the band’s versatility, from upbeat pop tunes to more experimental and introspective pieces.
### Notable Tracks
– **”The Land of Make Believe” (Demo Version):** An early version of one of the band’s biggest hits, providing insight into the song’s development.
– **”If Paradise Is Half as Nice”:** A cover of the Italian song „Il Paradiso,” which Bucks Fizz recorded but never released as a single.
– **”One Touch”:** A previously unreleased track that highlights the band’s vocal harmonies and pop sensibilities.
– **”Invisible”:** A demo that demonstrates a more mature and reflective side of the group’s songwriting.
### Track Listing (Selected)
1. The Land of Make Believe (Demo)
2. If Paradise Is Half as Nice
3. One Touch
4. Invisible
5. Love Dies Hard
6. Breaking Me Up
7. You and Your Heart So Blue (Alternate Mix)
8. I Hear Talk (Demo)
9. Keep Each Other Warm
10. Another Night
11. Heart of Stone (Demo)
12. Rules of the Game
*Note: The full track listing includes additional demos and alternate versions, totaling over a dozen tracks.*
## Production and Recording
The tracks on *The Lost Masters* were recorded over a period spanning the early 1980s to the late 1980s. Many of the demos and alternate versions were produced by Andy Hill, the band’s primary songwriter and producer, who played a significant role in shaping Bucks Fizz’s sound.
The compilation was assembled from archival tapes and studio session recordings, some of which had been stored for decades. The remastering process aimed to preserve the original quality of the recordings while enhancing clarity for modern listeners.
## Reception
*The Lost Masters* was well received by Bucks Fizz fans and collectors, who appreciated the opportunity to hear rare and unreleased material. Critics noted the album’s value as a historical document, providing a fuller picture of the band’s creative process and musical range.
While the album did not achieve mainstream commercial success, it reinforced Bucks Fizz’s legacy and contributed to a resurgence of interest in their music during the 2000s. The release also paved the way for subsequent archival projects and reissues related to the band.
## Legacy and Influence
*The Lost Masters* remains an important release for fans of Bucks Fizz and 1980s British pop music. It highlights the depth of the band’s catalog beyond their chart hits and offers a unique glimpse into the recording process of a successful pop group.
The album has influenced other artists and collectors interested in archival releases, demonstrating the value of preserving and revisiting unreleased material. It also contributed to the ongoing appreciation of Bucks Fizz’s contribution to pop music history.
## Subsequent Releases
Following the success of *The Lost Masters*, additional volumes and compilations featuring rare and unreleased Bucks Fizz material were released. These projects continued to explore the band’s archives, further enriching the understanding of their musical journey.
## Conclusion
*The Lost Masters* is a significant compilation album that offers a rare and comprehensive look at Bucks Fizz’s unreleased and demo recordings. It serves as both a valuable resource for fans and a testament to the band’s enduring appeal and creative legacy.
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**META_DESCRIPTION:**
*The Lost Masters* is a 2006 compilation album by Bucks Fizz featuring rare, unreleased, and demo tracks from the band’s career, providing fans with unique insights into their musical evolution.