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recordings alongside comprehensive liner notes and rare photographs, this deluxe edition functions as both a crucial historical document and a cohesive, high-energy musical journey.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.
