In September, Edsel Records are releasing a series of deluxe 3CD + DVD reissues from much-loved John Peel approved indie band The Wedding Present, in what the label are calling ‘the definitive editions of the band’s catalogue.’ ‘George Best’ (1987), ‘Tommy’ (1988), ‘Bizarro’ (1989), ‘Seamonsters’ (1991), ‘The Hit Parade’ (1992), ‘Watusi’ (1994), ‘Mini’ (1995) and ‘Saturnalia’ (1996) all receive the deluxe treatment, boasting 3 x CD and DVD including the remastered original album, extensive BBC Sessions and live material, previously unavailable audio, promo videos, TV footage, original artwork, high quality new packaging, new sleevenotes and ephemera from David Gedge’s extensive collection + new interviews. Released 15th September, ‘Tommy’, ‘George Best’, ‘Mini’ and ‘Saturnalia’, are also reissued on high quality, 180-gram vinyl and digitally.
“The boy Gedge has written some of the best love songs of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Era. You may dispute this, but I’m right and you’re wrong!” JOHN PEEL
“Forming The Wedding Present in 1985, ‘Tommy’ gathered the band’s first four singles, their B-sides and selected tracks from two early radio sessions. Their first album proper, entitled ‘George Best’ followed a couple of years later and the band soon acquired a reputation for bittersweet, breathtakingly honest love songs immersed in whirlwind guitars.
The incendiary ‘Bizarro’ released in 1989 featured their first hit single ‘Kennedy’ while the follow-up ‘Seamonsters’ enlisted the relatively unknown sound engineer Steve Albini. Recorded in the snowy wilds of Minnesota in just 11 days, it suggested a more thoughtful Wedding Present.
In 1992 the band released twelve 7″ singles in one year. Each single had a limited pressing of 15,000 copies, many reaching the Top 30 in the U.K. chart, equalling Elvis Presley’s record for the most U.K. Top 30 hits in one year. A gang of impressive names, including Ian Broudie [The Lightning Seeds] and legendary Rolling Stones producer Jimmy Miller collaborated on the industry-challenging project, ultimately to be compiled on the two ‘Hit Parade’ albums.
1994’s ‘Watusi’, produced by Steve Fisk (a prime mover in the celebrated avant-garde scene of Seattle) whisked the band off into another new area with its lo-fi pop, three-part a capella harmonies and Waikiki-ready surf strains. The band returned to a more familiar sound in 1995 with the car themed ‘Mini’, in which Gedge cloaked his tales of love and lust with automobile symbolism. The self-produced Top 40 album ‘Saturnalia’ was released in 1996 to a flurry of critical approval with its more avant-garde style.
Fans will be able to purchase a choice of unique bundles via an exclusive online store offering the CD packages along with collectable 7” Eps.
There will also be a launch event taking place at the Barfly, Camden Monday 15th September, hosted by journalist and The Wedding Present aficionado Keith Cameron. This will be fan only with tickets being offered as prizes via social media. Fans will have the chance to see David perform tracks from the albums and be part of a Q+A where he will discuss the recording of the albums, answer fan questions along with a signing session.”
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