By Chris Riemenschneider

Two of Cloud Cult's earliest albums, "They Live on the Sun" and "Aurora Borealis" (2003-2004) have been "re-envisioned" for a two-CD reissue set that will be on sale Dec. 8.

Those discs are the ones that put Craig Minowa on the map even before he really had a band behind him, but they have been unavailable for years except for at shows. They're the two that deal most heavily and openly in the death of his and Connie Minowa's son in 2002, although clearly that has been a factor in everything the band has done since. The amazing thing is how uplifting they wound up being in places.

The reissue versions of the albums will include bonus tracks and remixed/mastered versions of the original songs that could make them all the more fascinating. Look for it on sale Dec. 8 in stores or www.cloudcult.com. Don't look for any kind of release party, though. As is well known, Craig and Connie are taking time off to welcome their new baby.