The Wedding Present - Watusi

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. T

he group built on the critical and commercial success of their debut album, George Best, and, in 1992, made headlines with their cunning ruse of issuing a single a month, all of which made the UK Top 40.

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 Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah and 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." For lovers of grunge-based indie with generous dashes of melody,

Watusi is a must-have. It is presented with scrupulous attention to the detail of the original UK first pressing and available in audiophile 180gm vinyl.

1. So Long, Baby

2. Click Click

3. Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah

4. Let Him Have It

5. Gazebo

6. Shake It

7. Spangle

8. It's A Gas

9. Swimming Pools, Movie Stars

10. Big Rat

11. Catwoman

12. Hot Pants