The Hipsters

Background and release

Deacon Blue last released a studio album in 2001, which was Homesick. In 2006, they released a compilation album, Singles. Front man Ricky Ross said "It has been a very long gap, We haven’t sat down and had a burning desire to do a new record for a while and then eventually it became obvious with the last compilation album and a couple of years after that, that you can do it". He also explained that the songs on the album were "not ones he was working on over the decade", but ones he just "was sitting there thinking about".

Prior to the release of The Hipsters album, the group released a single of the same name, "The Hipsters". The single was released in the United Kingdom on 23 September 2012.

Reviews

The album received generally positive reviews. The BBC commented on The Hipsters: "The lead single and title track provides the promise of optimistic, sunlit, indie-flecked arrangements, which does follow through for the most part. The rhythmic thump of 'Rest' and 'That’s What We Can Do' prove to be perfect examples". "The Hipsters proves that Deacon Blue are showing their age, in the most positive way – their tightly-defined chemistry, accomplished storytelling and knack for melodies have been finely honed over the past 25 years. And while the title lends itself to all manner of trend-conscious pretension, there are no such gimmicks present".

The BBC said that Deacon Blue "isn’t a band attempting to recapture their halcyon days – Deacon Blue are doing what they’ve always been able to do with aplomb, atop some well-considered, refined and timely production. There’s no huge statement to be made, no desperate clawing for another shot – merely a legitimate love for what they do. And on The Hipsters, that’s made very evident indeed".

Chart performance

For the week starting 26 September 2012; The Hipsters charted at No. 19 on the UK Album Charts mid-week chart listings.