Dreamscape – Toyah Willcox Fansite

Every Tuesday, Official Toyah will count down to the release of Anthem on 9th September.

First up, today, Jungles Of Jupiter an album track from Anthem which both Toyah Willcox and Joel Bogen agree should have been a single release. Get the inside track on the song in this exclusive preview of the track-by-track commentary from the 2CD+DVD set. There’s also footage so rare that it may have only ever been previously broadcast on Jupiter! Premieres 6pm, today!

Every Tuesday, Official Toyah will count down until the Remastered and Expanded editions of Toyah’s Gold-selling album Anthem are released by Cherry Red Records on 9th September. Pre-order Gold coloured Vinyl, 2CD+DVD or Super Deluxe Box Set now at Cherry Red.

Anthem remastered reissues are coming on 9th Sept! The Anthem Tour is coming from 16th Sept too. Anyone pre-ordering any of the three music formats of Anthem from Cherry Red will be entered into a prize draw to win one of 3 exclusive money can’t buy Toyah collector’s items. ⁣

• Click below for further details.

On Friday 9 September, Cherry Red Records will release the newly remastered editions of Toyah’s 1981 Gold-selling album “Anthem”.

PRE-ORDER NOW

Produced by Nick Tauber, with arrangements by the band and Toyah, the album features a line-up that saw Toyah Willcox and Joel Bogen joined by Nigel Glockler, Phil Spalding and Adrian Lee.

The release is available in three stunning formats:

• Egyptian Gold Vinyl w/inner bag + lyric insert
• Deluxe Expanded 2CD+DVD feat 25 bonus tracks
• Super Deluxe Edition Box Set – 3CD/2LP/1DVD/7”

The first 300 copies of the 2CD+DVD and the Egyptian Gold Vinyl include an exclusive postcard SIGNED BY TOYAH.

These both feature an unseen image from a 1981 photoshoot. A different design accompanies each release. Only available at the Cherry Red website.

Anthem has been remastered by Nick Watson from the original mastertapes and approved by Joel Bogen.

DELUXE EXPANDED 2CD+DVD:

• Toyah Willcox provides a brand-new introduction in the 24-page booklet which contains stunning classic and rare images plus previously unseen outtakes from photoshoots from the period.

• Compiled by Craig Astley, Toyah’s official archivist, who also provides new sleevenotes to the expanded 2CD+DVD release. includes the remastered album complimented by 25 bonus tracks. Amongst these is the standalone hit single Thunder In The Mountains, associated B-Sides and rarities plus 15 previously unreleased tracks.

• A six-song live session recorded on 1 April 1981 at BBC’s Paris Theatre in London, originally broadcast on BBC Radio 1 is released commercially for the first time ever, and includes the classics It’s A Mystery, Angels & Demons, Neon Womb and Ieya.

• Thunder In The Mountains, the third top single of 1981 by the “Anthem” Toyah line-up features along with its B-Side Street Addict, its 12” vinyl-only B-Side Voodoo Doll and a further two unheard instrumental outtakes from the same studio sessions in July/August 1981.

• A previously unreleased unfaded version of the flexi-disc track For You features alongside previously unreleased instrumentals of I Want To Be Free, Jungles Of Jupiter, I Am, Pop Star, and an extended instrumental of It’s A Mystery.

The accompanying DVD (NTSC/Region Free) presents a fascinating new in-depth interview feature with Toyah about the creation of the album plus a track-by-track commentary and exclusive renditions of three “Anthem” songs.

For the first time ever classic footage of Toyah’s 1981 BBC performances of Its A Mystery, I Want To Be Free and Thunder In The Mountains is released on DVD. This includes four different appearances on the legendary Top Of The Pops alongside performances originally broadcast on Something Else, Cheggers Plays Pop and Multi-Coloured Swap Shop.

The DVD also includes the classic promo videos for I Want To Be Free and Thunder In The Mountains, both directed by Godley & Creme.

SUPER DELUXE EDITION BOX SET

Curated and compiled by Craig Astley, Toyah’s official archivist, the limited Super Deluxe Edition of Anthem comes in a 12”x 12” outsize box with lift off lid and includes:

• The deluxe expanded 2CD+DVD set as above

EXCLUSIVE TO THIS BOX SET
• Bonus CD – More Rare & Archive Material contains a further 20 previously unreleased tracks from the archives, newly unearthed and remastered. This includes

• the special studio re-recording of It’s A Mystery used for lip-synching on Top Of The Pops and alternate vocal versions of Revelations, I Want To Be Free, War Boys and Thunder in The Mountains.

• a breathtaking acoustic recording of I Am offers a glimpse into the album recording sessions. Rough mixes of several album tracks also feature alongside previously unheard instrumental outtakes Japan, Dropped Earring and the earliest incarnation of Clapham Junction.

• Album Picture Disc: The 11-track Anthem album is also presented on a 12” picture disc featuring the iconic original album front cover + unseen shot on the reverse.

• Standalone hit single Thunder in the Mountains is expanded into a 12” vinyl mini-album splatter-coloured, and brings together the single, its b-sides and four previously unreleased instrumental versions. This features a newly designed inner bag featuring previously unseen images and full lyrics. The yellow/red coloured splatter vinyl echoes the iconic sunflower hair that Toyah sports on the legendary front cover shot.

• A 7” orange-coloured vinyl EP celebrates the non-LP tracks Sphinx and For You, recorded during the Anthem album sessions and previously issued as a flexi-disc in 1981 with the magazine Flexipop. Marking the first time these two songs have ever been pressed on regular hard vinyl, the EP features a new full colour sleeve and includes instrumental versions of both tracks on its flipside.

• A 44-page perfect bound book: This exclusive book contains stunning rare and unseen colour images from the Safari archives alongside anecdotes and insights from Toyah Willcox about the 11 songs on Anthem + Thunder In The Mountains, plus lyrics for the full album and its associated B-Sides.

• A 12×12-inch print of the album cover illustration is signed by Toyah Willcox.

• Four exclusive colour postcards celebrate the Four From Toyah photography.

TRACK LISTINGS
CD1: ANTHEM + BONUS TRACKS
1 I Want To Be Free
2 Obsolete
3 Pop Star
4 Elocution Lesson
5 Jungles Of Jupiter
6 I Am
7 It’s A Mystery (Album Mix)
8 Masai Boy
9 Marionette
10 Demolition Men
11 We Are

Bonus Tracks

12 It’s A Mystery – EP Version
13 Revelations
14 War Boys
15 Angels & Demons
16 Walkie Talkie
17 Alien
18 Sphinx
19 For You (Unfaded Version)*
20 I Want To Be Free (Instrumental)*

CD2: RARE & ARCHIVE MATERIAL
1 Thunder In The Mountains
2 Street Addict
3 Voodoo Doll
4 War Boys (Live At Paris Theatre London April 1981)*
5 Neon Womb (Live At Paris Theatre London April 1981)*
6 Danced (Live At Paris Theatre London April 1981)*
7 Angels & Demons (Live At Paris Theatre London April 1981)*
8 It’s A Mystery (Live At Paris Theatre London April 1981)*
9 Ieya (Live At Paris Theatre London April 1981)*
10 It’s A Mystery (Extended Instrumental)*
11 I Am (Instrumental)*
12 Pop Star (Instrumental)*
13 Jungles Of Jupiter (Instrumental)*
14 Joel & Phil (Instrumental Outtake)*
15 Turkish Delight (Instrumental Outtake)*
16 Television (Instrumental Outtake)*

* Previously Unreleased

DVD: RARE & ARCHIVE FOOTAGE
1 The Story Behind The Album
2 Track By Track Commentary
3 I Want To Be Free: Electro/Acoustic Session 2021
4 It’s A Mystery: Electro/Acoustic Session 2021
5 We Are: Electro/Acoustic Session 2021
6 I Want To Be Free: Promo Video
7 Thunder In The Mountains: Promo Video
8 It’s A Mystery: Top Of The Pops 19/02/1981
9 It’s A Mystery: Top Of The Pops 19/03/1981
10 I Want To Be Free: Top Of The Pops 21/05/1981
11 Thunder In The Mountains: Top Of The Pops 01/10/1981
12 I Want To Be Free: Cheggers Plays Pop 18/05/1981
13 It’s A Mystery: Swap Shop 10/10/1881
14 Ieya: Something Else 30/10/1981
15 Thunder In The Mountains: Something Else 30/10/1981

Anthem Egyptian Gold Vinyl LP

Side One (Once Upon A Time)
1 I Want To Be Free
2 Obsolete
3 Pop Star
4 Elocution Lesson
5 Jungles Of Jupiter
6 I Am

Side Two (Happy Ever After?)
7 It’s A Mystery (Album Mix)
8 Masai Boy
9 Marionette
10 Demolition Men
11 We Are

SUPER DELUXE EDITION BOX SET ONLY

CD3 – ANTHEM – MORE RARE & ARCHIVE MATERIAL
All Previously Unreleased

1. It’s A Mystery – Top Of The Pops Version
2. Revelations Alternate Vocal
3. War Boys Alternate Mix
4. I Want To Be Free Alternate Vocal
5. I Am Acoustic
6. Pop Star Rough Mix
7. Marionette Rough Mix
8. Demolition Men Rough Mix
9. Thunder In The Mountains Alternate Vocal
10. Walkie Talkie Instrumental
11. Japan Instrumental Outtake
12. The Door Is A Whore Instrumental
13. For You Instrumental
14. Masai Boy Instrumental
15. Alien Instrumental
16. Thunder In The Mountains Original Instrumental
17. Street Addict Instrumental
18. Voodoo Doll Instrumental
19. Clapham Junction Original Instrumental
20. Dropped Earring Instrumental

Vinyl One: Anthem Picture Disc (same as Egyptian Gold Vinyl LP)

Side One (Once Upon A Time)
1 I Want To Be Free
2 Obsolete
3 Pop Star
4 Elocution Lesson
5 Jungles Of Jupiter
6 I Am

Side Two (Happy Ever After?)
7 It’s A Mystery (Album Mix)
8 Masai Boy
9 Marionette
10 Demolition Men
11 We Are

Vinyl Two: Thunder In The Mountains

Side One (Thunder Side)
1. Thunder In The Mountains
2. Street Addict
3. Voodoo Doll
4. Clapham Junction

Side Two (Lightning Side)
1. Thunder In The Mountains Original Instrumental
2. Street Addict Instrumental
3. Voodoo Doll Instrumental
4. Clapham Junction Original Instrumental

Vinyl Three: Sphinx/For You

Side One:
1. Sphinx
2. For You

Side Two
1. Sphinx Instrumental Demo
2. For You Instrumental

• Pre-Order Anthem on 2CD+DVD, Gold Vinyl & Super Deluxe Edition at Cherry Red (The editions with signed postcards will no doubt have sold out almost immediately!). Read the press release at toyahwillcox.com. Watch Toyah announcing the release during this morning’s Toyah At Home (which also includes an incredibly rare performance of It’s A Mystery from Italian music show Popcorn).

Also available to pre-order at Cherry Red:  The official Anthem t-shirt, available in a range of sizes, the t-shirt is classic fit and comes in white only. The design is screen printed and is 100% cotton. The official Anthem pin-badge! This high quality hard enamel pin badge is pinned through a card backer.

 

A celebratory 16-date tour of Toyah’s legendary 1981 album, Anthem, is confirmed today.

Here is the press release, with info and full tour dates, from toyahwillcox.com:

ANTHEM 40+1 ANNIVERSARY TOUR CONFIRMED FOR SEP-NOV 2022

A special tour is confirmed today to celebrate 40 years of the iconic, acclaimed and Gold-selling Toyah album Anthem. Originally released May 1981, the album contains the smash hit singles I Want To Be Free and It’s A Mystery.

Spending 46 weeks in the charts, Anthem became one of the most-loved LPs of the 1980s.⁣
⁣
To mark its 40+1 anniversary, an extended selection from Anthem will be performed by Toyah and her band alongside her other greatest hits and classics.⁣
⁣
ANTHEM 40+1 ANNIVERSARY TOUR⁣
MOST DATES ON SALE FRI 18 FEB⁣
SEE toyahwillcox.com/gigs for links.
⁣
September 2022⁣
16 Norwich Epic Studios⁣
23 Leamington Assembly⁣
24 Leeds Brudenel⁣
29 Bristol The Fleece⁣
30 Frome Cheese & Grain⁣
⁣
October 2022⁣
06 Hertford Corn Exchange⁣
07 Brighton Concorde2⁣
08 London 229⁣
21 Stockton ARC⁣
22 Sale Waterside⁣
23 Blackburn King George’s Hall⁣
29 Milton Keynes Stables⁣
⁣
November 2022⁣
04 Southampton Concorde Club⁣
10 Blackpool Leyton Institute⁣
11 Worcester Huntingdon Hall⁣
12 Stroud Subscription Rooms

The National Album Listening Party 2020 for Anthem took place one year ago this week. You can listen to a replay of it by clicking below. Toyah tweeted on Tuesday: “we shall celebrate the 40+1 anniversary of the Anthem album in 2022“.

Evoke Candle Co. have announced their officially licensed Anthem by Toyah candle.

The candle comes boxed and is scented with a fragrance chosen by Toyah. Pre-order the candle. Click here to watch Toyah unbox the candle.

The candle celebrates Anthem – an album that inspired so many people around the world and reverberates with a kick ass spirit to this day. It features the iconic album artwork and a gorgeous blue vessel.

In honour of the 40th Anniversary of the album Anthem by Toyah in 2021, Evoke Candle Co. are pleased to have partnered with Cherry Red Records on this limited-edition candle. Released in 1981, Anthem went to number two on the British Record Charts, had two Top Ten singles, It’s A Mystery and I Want To Be Free, and has been awarded Gold Record Status. A tour in support of Anthem followed, with sold out shows all over the UK.

In honour of the 40th Anniversary in 2021 of the Toyah album Anthem, Toyah is pleased to have partnered with Evoke Candle Co. & Cherry Red Records for this limited-edition candle.

Toyah introduces an amazing appearance from October 1981. We Are, from the album Anthem, performed on German music show Rockpop, a programme that ran from 1977 to 1982. Watch Toyah’s Intro, and then take a trip back to 1981 for We Are.

There’s a very special Flashback Friday tomorrow as Toyah introduces an archive performance of We Are performed on the German TV programme Rockpop in October 1981. Premieres 11am, Fri 6 November. Click below for Toyah’s tweet.

Toyah introducing a classic TV appearance: We Are on the German TV show Rockpop in October 1981. Premieres tomorrow at 11am.

“I feel its power within me, bells ringing in my head, so often I have heard its cry, but forgotten what it said, it’s a mystery…”

Last Saturday’s episode of Toyah At Home – the 20th!! – had a few ghosts in the machine (well, it was a Halloween Special) and featured two more archive performances: It’s A Mystery, from the 1981 album, Anthem, and Brave New World, from the 1982 album, The Changeling.

Click below to watch/rewatch Episode 20, with talk about ghosts, pink highlights, making jewellery in lockdown, new films Swiperight and Heckle, film scripts and much more! Episode 21 of Toyah At Home airs this Saturday at 11am at Toyah’s official You Tube channel, and Facebook.

“Remove the thorn from the lion’s paw, hear my words, pain no more…”

Last Saturday’s episode of Toyah At Home , a National Album Day 2020 special, featured two archive performances: The iconic Brave New World, from The Changeling, and Toyah’s 1981 single, I Want To Be Free, from Anthem.

Click below to watch/rewatch episode 17, with lots of album chat from Toyah as well as memories about the “first album cover and back cover” (Sheep Farming In Barnet), and She from The Blue Meaning – “Steve Bray’s drums… Charlie Francis on Bass!”. Episode 18 of Toyah At Home airs tomorrow at 11am at Toyah’s official You Tube channel, and Facebook.

Today is National Album Day 2020 and Toyah is one of this year’s Ambassadors, with the 2020 theme of the event being the 80’s!

In celebration, Toyah is hosting a Listening Party this afternoon for the iconic 1981 album Anthem.

There was also another episode of Toyah At Home this morning, as well as Toyah’s Album Escapes. Read Toyah’s HMV Record Collection interview, and win a Sheep Farming In Barnet reissue rarity.

Keep an eye on Toyah at Twitter for more National Album Day news and updates. Click below for the Anthem Listening Party venue, taking place from 3pm today.

Toyah’s October 2020 blog is available at toyahwillcox.com. A great read , as always, with info on National Album Day, Bill Rieflin and much more. Fantastic to also hear that my favourite artist is 31% Scottish. And a very Merry Christmas to Toyah and Robert!

Last Saturday’s episode of Toyah At Home featured two archive performances: The timeless Obsolete from Anthem and Slow Descent from the Toyah & The Humans album Strange Tales.

Click below to watch/rewatch ep 14, in which Toyah reveals Cherry Red Records’ website crashed last weekend when everyone attempted to pre-order Sheep Farming In Barnet on CD and Vinyl.

Join Toyah on Saturday October 10th at 3pm (UK time) for a National Album Day Listening Party. Anthem will be the featured album, with Toyah as a special guest.

Please submit your questions for this week’s Toyah At Home by adding a comment at Toyah’s official Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. There’s another classic song from Anthem featuring this weekend. Ask about music, albums, singles, plays, films, anything & tune in Saturday at 11am.

On this day… 39 years ago – 22nd May 1981 – the studio album Anthem was released. It still sounds as good today as it did then, and no doubt always will. Timeless! (Thanks to andy)

Toyah performing, the awesome, We Are – from Anthem – on the Crimson Queen Tour at The Fleece in Bristol on Saturday night. Thanks to John.