The Doll - Listen To The Silence

Listen to the Silence is the 1979 debut studio album by English new wave and power-pop outfit The Doll, which received a definitive two-disc deluxe expanded reissue via Cherry Red Records in 2011. Fronted by the striking vocalist and songwriter Marion Valentine, the band occupied a unique space in the late-70s UK music landscape, masterfully balancing a fierce, energetic punk rock attack with glistening, synth-driven pop hooks. Despite working with legendary producer John Leckie and hitting the UK Top 30 charts with their breakout single "Desire Me," the group's lifespan was cut short as members splintered off into other successful new wave projects like The Fixx. For decades, their sole full-length effort remained a rare, sought-after collector's piece, leaving their vital contribution to the post-punk era largely buried in the vaults.

The 2011 Cherry Red reissue brilliantly rectifies this historical oversight by transforming the original 11-track LP into a massive, 32-song archival treasury. Disc one presents the original album meticulously remastered, showcasing the band’s sharp, melodic instrumentation, whilst disc two compiles their entire rare singles discography, elusive B-sides, and a treasure trove of unreleased studio demos. By packaging these lost recordings alongside comprehensive liner notes and rare photographs, this deluxe edition functions as both a crucial historical document and a cohesive, high-energy musical journey. It stands as the ultimate testament to a criminally overlooked group that perfectly bridged the gap between raw garage-punk attitude and polished, futuristic radio-ready pop.

The 2011 deluxe reissue of The Doll's Listen to the Silence is a spectacular archival triumph that rescues one of the new wave era’s most vibrant gems from total obscurity. Originally released in 1979 on Beggars Banquet, the album was a victim of bad timing, getting caught in the chaotic transition as punk's initial explosion cooled into more polished pop formats. Led by the charismatic Marion Valentine, the band possessed all the ingredients for sustained stardom: infectious hooks, sharp fashion, and a fierce musical delivery. By expanding the original record into a generous two-disc set, Cherry Red Records does not just reissue an album—they fully resurrect the legacy of a band that should have been a household name alongside Blondie or Generation X.

Sonically, the first disc reveals an album that has aged remarkably well, thanks in large part to the brilliant production work of John Leckie and Mick Glossop. The Doll's signature sound is a thrilling collision of styles, anchoring jagged, driving guitar riffs to Denis Haines' bubbling, futuristic synthesizer textures and James West-Oram's precise guitar work. Songs like "Zero Heroes" and the driving "Ce Soir, Chéri" crackle with a nervous, kinetic energy that is instantly infectious. Valentine’s vocal performance anchors the entire sonic storm; she commands each track with a cool, confident sneer that easily transitions into soaring, sweet pop melodies, giving the music a captivating, multidimensional edge.

Where this deluxe package truly earns its classic status, however, is on the expansive second disc. It kicks off with the band's essential early singles, including the legendary, gritty street-punk anthem "Trash"—originally produced by Steve Lillywhite—and their genuine 1978 UK chart hit, "Desire Me." Moving into the deeper vaults, the inclusion of 17 rare demos and alternative studio takes offers a fascinating, raw look at the band's creative evolution. Hearing these alternate, rough-edged versions provides an incredibly satisfying contrast to the slicker studio LP, showcasing a group that was just as potent in a sweaty rehearsal room as they were under the guidance of top-tier producers.

Ultimately, Listen to the Silence is a flawless piece of musical history that rewards listeners with pure, unadulterated power-pop bliss from start to finish. While the sheer volume of bonus material on the back half might feel overwhelming for casual listeners, it is absolute heaven for post-punk and new wave purists. Cherry Red's meticulous remastering breathes brilliant new life into these recordings, making the drums punchier and the synths brighter than ever before. This deluxe collection successfully proves that The Doll were far more than a minor footnote in the UK punk scene—they were master songwriters who crafted a definitive, timeless blueprint for modern independent pop.

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The Doll; Listen To The Silence

Disc1

1.      The One Kiss

2.      Zero Heroes

3.      Ce Soir, Cheri

4.      Cinderella With A Husky Voice

5.      Memories

6.      You Used To Be My Hero

7.      True Love

8.      Frozen Fire

9.      Carmina

10.   Listen To The Silence

11.   Something Rare, Something Beautiful

Disc 2

1.      Don’t Tango On My Heart

2.      Trash

3.      Desire Me

4.      TV Addict

5.      Burning Up Like A Fire

6.      Desire Me (Extended Version)

7.      Because Now

8.      True Love (Demo)

9.      You Used To Be My Hero (Demo)

10.   Is That You In A Silver Tie (Demo)

11.   Passion For Fashion (Demo)

12.   Comix  (Demo)

13.   Stay Here Forever [Because Now] (Demo)

14.   Desire Me (Demo)

15.   The One Kiss (Demo)

16.   Ce Soir, Cheri (Demo)

17.   Memories (Demo)

18.   Dancing In My Dreams (Demo)

19.   Watch Me Shed A Tear (Demo)

20.   Our Last Goodbye (Demo)

21.   Trash (Streets Version)