No, the masters was never lost, but like you say, EMI were not willing to provide all the tapes for the two first albums to the band when they formed their own label in the early 80's to re-release their first four albums on their own (they got hold of some parts though - how, I don't know). Album 3 and 4 was on Pye records, they went bancrupt, so no problem there.

Therefore they re-recorded parts of the first two albums for the current versions* ("Aerie Faerie Nonsense" in 1983 and "In the region of the summer stars" in 1984).

So, these two are indeed the original versions, finaly being released on CD.

I take for granted that Inner sanctum records has struck some sort of deal with EMI for these limited releases. If you want to be 100% sure though, you can always contact Inner sanctum costumer service for further detailed info.

Check out the links, most of the info. can be found there though.

 

* Note: As for "Aerie faerie nonsense", all CD-versions contains the expanded full version of "Fand" (recorded in 1985), NOT the re-recored version from 1983 (that has the same lenght as the original) wich only can be found on the vinyl-release mentioned above.

 

All the best!

 

I have to apologise, due to enthusiasm, I ran into hasted conclusions before having all facts.

I've now listened to the CD's and they DON*T sound good, they're "over-no-noised" and ripped from vinyl.

 

I received the following mail today:

"WARNING FROM THE ENIDI

INNERSANCTUM BOOTLEGS – DO NOT GET CONNED BY THIS SCAM

Innersanctum have just announced the release of the original EMI versions of "IN THE REGION OF THE SUMMER STARS" & "AERIE FAERIE NONSENSE" which they claim as being:

"Never before available on CD, this album has been digitally re-mastered and the original artwork has been re-created"

==========================================================

These releases are bootlegs and have not been manufactured from any master tapes supplied by EMI. Palmer is passing off crudely processed recordings of very poor quality from old vinyl as "digitally remastered" new releases. As well as being illegal they are very damaging to The Enid's reputation. They infringe the copyrights of EMI who own these recordings and to whom they have been reported.

==========================================================

This is what one fan has just sent to Tom at The Enidi office.

"Dear Tom,

Just out of curiosity, I did buy the cd of Aerie Faerie Nonsense from Innersanctum. They say it's the first time on CD of the original album, which it is. (It is not the later re-recorded one from 1984)

However their source is clearly from an old LP to which they've applied noise reduction, so much so, that it's actually unlistenable. I am really surprised that they've got the nerve to release something of such poor quality. I'll be sending my copy back to them and will be steering clear of them in the future!"

==========================================================

The Enidi and the band totally disassociate themselves from these pirated releases and hope to bring you the real thing in the not too distant future.

In the meantime The Enidi want to assure you all that there are a number of steps being taken which we would like to be able to tell you about but which, for now need to be kept private.

The band now has a barrister specialising in contract law who is currently preparing a legal challenge to Palmer and his companies in the High Court.

You may rest assured that Robert John Godfrey and the band are in good hands.

 

Kindest regards from us all,

Max Read

On behalf of the board of Trustees"

1, It seems that Inner Sanctum has redrawn them, at least they're nolonger for sale on Amazon, but instead suddenly available for pre-order for release in June.

2, On The Enid's website they say that they're going to be released proper through EMI, soon.

Let's wait and see what happens before buying, I'd say.

 

Enjoy!