“I really loved doing that album. We had just signed to Island Records, who suggested we use the producer Steve Fisk, who was renowned within the whole grunge/low-fi/alternative rock movement which was thriving at the time in America, as well as for his interesting and experimental use of keyboard parts. It was perfect for us, his was the sound we were looking for.” - David Gedge, The Wedding Present

LONDON: Proper Records, in collaboration with Universal Music Recordings are delighted to announce the 30th anniversary deluxe edition of Watusi, the fourth album from the legendary Leeds-based indie institution, The Wedding Present. Originally released on Island Records in September 1994, it was the first album the group had made for the label and has long been a fan favourite.

For many, The Wedding Present are the very epitome of indie. Formed in 1985, the group rose to prominence as part of the so-called C86 scene (a free NME cassette that showcased new bands of the era), with their fast-paced jangle-pop and intelligent lyrics by founder and only band constant, David Gedge.

Signing to Island Records, the group – at this point Gedge, guitarist Paul Dorrington, bassist Darren Belk and drummer Simon Smith – went to Seattle to record with producer/engineer Steve Fisk, known then for his work with the fabled Sub-Pop label. As a result, Watusi is both razor sharp and slyly commercial, as typified by its singles, the poptastic ‘Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah’ and the Monkees’ ramalama of ‘It’s A Gas.’ There is much to enjoy beyond – especially the tender confessional ‘Big Rat’ and the reflective garden party drama ‘Gazebo.’ Both underline John Peel’s comment that Gedge had written “some of the best love songs of the rock’n’roll era.” 

No other Wedding Present album comprises such an eclectic array of material, thoughtfully arranged and consistently strong. The ghostly heartache waltz of ‘Spangle’, the tautly groovy ‘Let Him Have It’, ‘Catwoman’s’ Velvet Underground zone-out, the surf strains of ‘Hot Pants’... all would demand inclusion on a Wedding Present best-of. Most captivating of all was ‘Click Click’, a hypnotic duet of sexual compulsion...

For this 30th anniversary edition, the original album is augmented with a second LP of contemporary non-album tracks and alternative versions. Each LP is pressed onto high quality 180g coloured vinyl and is presented in a gatefold sleeve. Also included is a CD containing all 23 tracks from across the 2LPs.

The band will be playing all 12 tracks from Watusi on their May 2024 tour, along with a large smattering of their other landmark works. You find tickets to the tour here: https://www.scopitones.co.uk/forthcomingconcerts

Pre-order here: https://weddingpresent.lnk.to/watusideluxe

WATUSI (30TH ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION)

UMCLP084
08055 2024084 0
 

Side One
1.    So Long Baby
2.    Click Click
3.    Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah
4.    Let Him Have It
5.    Gazebo
6.    Shake It

Side Two
1.    Spangle
2.    It's A Gas
3.    Swimming Pools, Movie Stars
4.    Big Rat
5.    Catwoman
6.    Hot Pants

Side Three
1.     Le Bikini
2.     Flame On
3.     Him Or Me (What’s It Gonna Be?)
4.     Jumper Clown
5.     It’s A Gas (Acoustic Version)
6.     Bubbles

Side Four
1.    Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah (Alternate Version)
2.    Spangle (Alternate Version)
3.    Gazebo (Alternate Version)
4.    So Long, Baby (Alternate Version)
5.    It’s A Gas (Single Version)