Renée
Reaching for the Sky
ALOI Records (UK) 1982
AKH 001 (LP)
sleeve : EX(some light wear on edge and corner.)
media : EX-/EX(some slightly noise. A1 has one small and slightly scratch that does not affect to sounds.)
This one was featured in the first edition of the guidebook obscure sound. Hailing from The Hague and led by guitarist Rene Nodelijk and vocalist Anja Nodelijk, the Dutch rock outfit Renee dropped this killer second album back in 1980. Anja’s vocals — airy and expressive with just a touch of huskiness — glide perfectly over the groove, especially on the adult-oriented oriental-rock burner on side B1, a cut that locks in beautifully with a Peter Green–style pub-rock vibe.
Flip a little further and you’ll hit B3, an obscure Balearic-tinged disco number where a laid-back boogie rock feel meets Anja’s sweet delivery, creating a gentle floating sensation that’s hard to resist. And don’t miss the title track on B4 — a mellow, reggae-leaning tune that’s a true highlight. Issued as the very first release on ALOI Records, a label under the British audio company Linn, this UK pressing boasts different artwork from the Dutch original and brings seriously high-grade sound to the table.
B3: Change Your Style
B4: Reach for the Sky