Few bands were so intricately bound to the concept of the BBC Session as The Wedding Present.
Peel favourites, their scratchy yet deeply personal indie sound was honed during late night appearances on John Peel's legendary show.
Continuing this tradition, The Wedding Present have become 6Music favourites, frequently working with Marc Riley.
Now the band have partnered with Hatch Records to compile a few of their sessions for the genial host, released as the snappily titled 'Marc Riley Sessions Volume 1'.
The broadcaster explains:
“The release of The Wedding Present sessions done for our 6Music programme over the years is something of an honour. In the great tradition of the Peel/Selwood releases on the Strange Fruit label this record proves that even without John the BBC can still be a place where great bands can continue to grow and be creative… amongst friends.”
Out on December 9th, Clash is able to tease the compilation with a session version of The Wedding Present's evergreen single 'Everyone Thinks That He Looks Daft'.
David Gedge sez:
“I’m often asked in interviews if the lyrics in my songs are all about me. The answer is that they mostly are, to a certain extent… but it depends on the song. The most ‘personal’ of my lyrics can be found on the two Wedding Present albums Take Fountain and George Best. When I read the lyrics of those records it’s a bit like reading an old diary. And ‘Everyone Thinks He Looks Daft’ is one of the most personal of all! When I play that song today the situations and people I’m talking about leap back into my mind as if it was yesterday, not three decades ago. It’s song about jealousy, betrayal, regret and anger… all set against a brilliant bass line!”
Tune in now.
But wait, friends, there is yet more news from The Wedding Present camp. The band will close 2016 with a lung-bursting tour, before heading back out on the road in the New Year to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their vastly influential album 'George Best'. Dates are as follows:
May
26 Glasgow ABC
27 Manchester Academy
28 Norwich Waterfront
June
7 Newcastle O2 Academy
8 Birmingham O2 Academy
9 Nottingham Rock City
10 London Roundhouse
17 Dublin Academy
August
18 Brighton Concorde 2