THE SOUNDS MACHINE EP1 (1988)

1. Shelter From The Storm '88 - The Mission

Epic 9 and a half minute live version which originally appeared as the B side to the band's Wasteland single, also as a live recording. Despite being an early live favourite, a studio version of this one was never released. This was recorded at the London Astoria on March 27th 1988 and would later reappear on reissues of The First Chapter album.

2. Mania - Throwing Muses

Another live recording, this track would eventually be released on The Muses' 1989 album Hunkpapa. This partcular recording would also reappear as a bonus track on select formats of Dizzy, the only single from the album.

3. Hey - Pixies

Yet another live track, recorded at the same Town and Country Club gig as the Throwing Muses track on May 1st 1988, the studio version would not be released until a year later on the Pixies' classic album Doolittle. The whole T and C gig was recorded  and was released on DVD in 2004.

4. Throw Down - Dinosaur Jr.

Released as a limited edition 7" in Germany, as a bonus track on J. Mascis' cover of The Cure's Just Like Heaven in 1989, and on this EP, Throw Down is the shortest song to appear on The Free EPs so farm clocking in at a paltry 45 seconds.

SOUNDS BLASTS! EP 1 (1988)

1. Cold Metal (Remix) - Iggy Pop

After years releasing below par records, Iggy Pop hit paydirt with the radio friendly Blah Blah Blah in 1986 which featured the punk rock icon's biggest ever hit, Real Wild Child (Wild One). Typically, Pop followed up the release of that album with the heavy Instinct in 1988 which featured Sex Pistol Steve Jones on co-writing duties and guitar for some of the tracks. Commercial success was not forthcoming and this, the only single, failed to chart. This was an exclusive remix of that single, released subsequently as the Rock Version.

2. Love And Bullshit - Fishbone

LA Alternative funk metal outfit formed in 1979 still going to this day. The band have released 7 studio albums including 1988's Truth And Soul. This sub 2 minute track was exclusive to this release until featured as an extra track on that album's single Bonin' In The Boneyard in 1990.

3. Burnin' Love - Dan Reed Network

US funk rock band who had some success in the late 80s and early 90s in the US and UK. This track was another exclusive at the time but soon featured as a B side to their 1989 single Come Back Baby which hit #51 in the UK. Oddly, DRN's popularity soared in the UK in 1991 just as it started to wane in their native country. Much like Dan Reed's hair, they were soon history.

4. Bury Your Love Like Treasure - Blue Aeroplanes

Bristol indie band who have been ploughing an underground furrow for over 30 years. Their biggest successes came in the early 90s with their albums Swagger, Beatsongs and Life Model. This track was featured on their 1987 album Spitting Out Miracles and was released a single in its own right on Fire Records. also home to an early Pulp.

SOUNDS WAVES 3 (1988)

1. Motorcrash - The Sugarcubes

One Little Indian's newly-signed Icelandic eccentrics, The Sugarcubes, released their debut European single, Birthday, to immediate acclaim in 1987. The track was rated highly in the music press' annual round-ups, most notaby topping John Peel's Festive 50 of 1987. Their debut album, Life's Too Cool, featuring this track which was released a single in its own right in various territories, hit the Top 20 in 1988. Two more Top 20 albums followed over the following four years until the band split, lead singer Bjork becoming one of the world's most critically acclaimed artists.

2. Go Out And Get 'Em Boy (Live) - The Wedding Present

Indie royalty (even when they were signed to RCA), it's easy to forget that Leeds' finest band without question have had a mammoth 18 Top 40 hits in their near 30 year on/off career. Sure, two thirds of these are thanks to their 1992 a-single-a-month experiment, but it's still a magnificent feat for a band who never really crossed into the mainstream and have always remained very much a cult concern. Despite these 18 hits, 25 if you include Top 75s, it took them until their seventh single to crack the chart. The very first of the six that didn't make it, and the single that introduced the world to David Gedge, was Go Out And Get 'Em Boy in 1985, which set the blueprint for their 1987 magnum indie opus George Best. This is an exclusive live version recorded live at the Reading Majestic in 1987 so essential for any WP collectors.  The stage is also set for a brand new album, Valentina, in March. http://www.scopitones.co.uk/news/

3. Down To The Well - Pixies
4. Rock A My Soul - Pixies

Two tracks from one band, a real rarity on Free EPs...however, with a combined running time of 3:51, it's not hard to see why. Pixies, yet another band early in their career destined for legendary status, had released their first EP, Come On Pilgrim, in 1987 and first album proper, Surfer Rosa, in 1988. Recorded before any of the tracks on these debut releases were  these two tracks, along with several others, in their first studio session in 1987. This full session surfaced as one of indie's finest self-released cassettes, The Purple Tape, available from the band itself thus becoming a much sought after rarity. 8 of the 17 tracks on the album were released on Come On Pilgrim but, of the remaining 9, only Down To The Well and Rock A My Soul were released commercially and that was on here...thus making this EP a valuable commodity for Pixies collectors. However, the 2002 EP release simply entitled 'Pixies' rectified the situation containing all non-Come On Pilgrim tracks as an album in its own right.

5. Kitty (Live) - The Pogues

Unlike the other big names on this EP, the Pogues were already well established by 1988 and had already released two albums including their master work, Rum, Sodomy & The Lash. 1988 would see their third album If I Should Fall From Grace With God which contained the title track and the classic Fairytale Of New York which had just completed its first run in the chart at time of this EP's release - only kept off the Xmas top spot by Pet Shop Boys' Always On My Mind. Kitty was released in its studio form as the final track on the band's debut album, Red Roses For Me, in 1984. Again, this is an exclusive live version recorded at Glasgow Barrowlands in December 1987, at the height of their popularity.

POLYDOR PRESENTS...SOUNDS DOUBLE A SIDE (1986)

1. Back Door - Brian Spence

Brian Spence used to be in a band called Bilbo Baggins and another one called Chisholm And Spence. You'd never get names like that in 2011....youwouldn't really get a rock star called Brian Spence. Mind you, there wasn't one in 1986 or any year for that matter.  Back Door was taken from the great man's first solo album Brothers. The all round nice guy's (courtesy spencemusic.co.uk) also contributed to the not quite a blockbuster film P.I. Private Investigations with the single City Of Shadows. Spence's only chart action appeared in 1988 with his track Reputation which hit #78. However, the song had a second lease of life when it was covered by Dusty Springfield and appeared on her album of the same name. Released as a single it hit the Top 40 at #38. Well done Brian!

2. Know It All - Chris Sutton

In a long and illustrious career, Sutton played in midfield and attack for six clubs in the English and Scottish Premier Leagues including Norwich, Blackburn, Celtic and Chelsea. Not many people know that as a 13 year old boy, he also sang backing vocals for Smokey Robinson, supported James Brown and released several singles, including Prince Of Justice and Don't Get Me Wrong, and an eponymous album which all failed to chart. This may or may not be a case of mistaken identity, but the perm definitely belongs on a Division One football pitch.

3. Stephanie Says - The Velvet Underground

This trac first saw the light of day (legitimately) on the compilation VU in 1985, an album which contained a number of tracks originally recorded for what would have been the band's second release on MGM until they were booted off the label. Although not one of those specific tracks, Stephanie Says was an unreleased gem from the era and included on this release. Although unreleased, Lou Reed had recorded it and released it himself, albeit in a different tone, on his classic 1973 album Berlin renaming it Caroline Says II.

4. Here Comes The Style - Smiley Culture

Smiley Culture, aka David Emmanuel, released a clutch of acclaimed reggae singles in the mid-80s and was renowned for his unique fast-chat which mixed Jamaican patois with Cockney dialect. Two singles, Police Officer and Cockney Translation, sold well but the follow up album, Tongue In Cheek (25 years before Dizzee Rascal) fared less well as did the next single Schooltime Chronicle. Despite TV and film work, Culture faded away but has since been regarded as a major cultlural influence by the likes of Roots Manuva as pioneer in Brit Rap. Sadly, Culture earlier this year after a police raid gone wrong at his London home, but his contribution to Culture lives on.

7 SOLID INCHES OF SOUNDS FROM EPIC: SOUNDS (1986)

A showcase of Epic's finest rock n' roll.......

1. Change It - Stevie Ray Vaughan

A track from lates blues rock guitarist's 1986 album Soul To Soul.

2. Why Get Up? - The Fabulous Thunderbirds

If you're from Texas and can play the blues, then you've probably been in The Fabulous Thunderbirds. This was a then preview of a track on their album Tuff Enuff.

3. Physical Contact - Andrew Caine

Especially recorded for Sounds, apparently. Especially for recorded for soft-porn TV movie hell more like. Caine released an album called One in 1986 - named after the number of people who bought it.

4. Living After Dark - Terraplane

Another one especially recorded for Sounds. This one ended up as a B side to their single If That's What It Takes. Terraplane folded after two albums after falling out with Epic. However three-fifths of the band, including singer Danny Bowes, regrouped with huge success....as Thunder. Bad move, Epic.

SONIC SOUNDS: SOUNDS (1987)

All tracks exclusive to SOUNDS....

1. Down - Crazyhead

Being a garage rock band from the Midlands, it was inevitable that this lot would become associated with the Grebo scene alongside Pop Will Eat Itself, Ned's Atomic Dustbin et al, and so they were. Never hitting the heights of their peers, Crazyhead, who were signed to Food at Grebo's height, soldiered on for a decade before splitting in 2000. This track turned up as a B side to their biggest hit, Time Has Taken Its Toll On You, a #65 smash.

2. Grebo Guru - Pop Will Eat Itself

Talking of all things Grebo, this is the scene's quintessential band with their Grebo anthem. This track didn't stay exclusive for long, appearing on PWEI's debut Box Frenzy. The band maintained their cult following with a string of Top 40 hits until their split in 1996. Their 2001 anthology took its name from this very track - Gurus Of Grebo. They reformed in 2005.

3. The Myth Of Love (Vocal/Live Version) - Georgia Satellites

Georgia Satellites hit #2 in the US with Keep Your Hands To Yourself and scored a number of minor hits over here in the UK in the late 80s including a cover version of Hippy Hippy Shake from the movie Cocktail. This is an exclusive live take of a track from their eponymous debut.

4. Vegas Throat Stomp - The Jack Rubies

Well hyped but ultimately unsuccessful jangle pop/garage rock band formed in London. This, under the abbreviated name Vegas Throat, appeared on their 1988 album Fascinatin' Vacation.

SOUNDS/WEA CHRISTMAS CRACKER (1985)

1. Twin Cadillac Valenine - Screaming Blue Messiahs

This was released as SBM's debut single in 1985 and released on their Gun Shy album in 1986.

2. Fatherised- Sudden Sway

Nice alternative electronic dance pop not disimilar to something from the mid-80s Factory stable. Sudden Sway recorded 3 albums and a couple of Peel Sessions before disbanding in the early 90s. This is an exclusive track to this EP.

3. Breakfast (Live At Ronnie Scotts) - The Associates

Featuring the unique vocal talents of the late Billy Mackenzie, this is an exclusive live version of The Associates' Top 50 hit from 1984. The track in its studio form also appeared on the 1985 album 'Perhaps'.

4. Subtle Manoeuvres - Brilliant

Exclusive track not included on Brilliant's 1986 first and only album'Kiss The Lips Of Life', which, like its singles failed to set the charts alight or please the critics. Where did it all go wrong? Brilliant were formed by ex-Killing Joke bassist and future much sought after producer and remixer Youth, and included in their ranks Jimmy Cauty who went on to be one half of the KLF. The other half of the KLF, Bill Drummond, was Brilliant's A&R manager and their manager was former Teardrop Explodes keyboardist Dave Balfe. On top of that, Brilliant were one of the first artists to be produced by Stock, Aitken & Waterman, before their trademark Hit Factory days. Perhaps somewhat ahead of their time, if Brilliant had emerged a couple of years later they could have been massive. Not that it mattered....For SAW and KLF completists, however, this EP is absolutely essential.

SOUNDS: SHOWCASE 3 (1987)

1. Serpents Kiss (Remix) - The Mission

Exclusive remix of Leeds Gothic-rock band's first single. Formed from the ashes of Sisters Of Mercy, instant success was assured; Serpents Kiss reached No. 70 in 1986.

2. This Can't Be Love - Gangway

Gangway were an indie synth-pop band from Denmark that released 7 studio albums during the 80s and 90s. This is taken from their second, 'Sitting In The Park', which dates from 1986. As this is billed as an exclusive track on this 1987 EP I can only assume that the album was belatedly released in the UK in 1987...

3. Jesus Came Driving Along (Live) - Leather Nun

Swedish industrial goth and Peel favourites that gained some indie notoriety

in the late 70s and 80s. This is an exclusive live track recorded in Stockholm; the original appeared on their 1986 mini-LP 'Lust Games'.

SOUNDS: THE SOUNDS MACHINE EP2 (1988)

1. Open Letter (To A Landlord) (Live) - Living Colour

Recorded at the Hammersmith Odeon on July 6 1988. The studio version was released on their debut album Vivid and was released as a single in its own right in 1989.

2. Sweet Water Pools - Screaming Blue Messiahs

High octane rock band best known for their 1988 Top 40 hit I Want To Be A Flintstone. This cut is taken from their second album proper, Bikini Red.

3. Revolution Calling - Queensryche

The fact that Queensryche's Operation: Mindcrime was devised as a rock opera concept album probably explains why the sleeve notes indicate this is "An Exclusive Excerpt from the LP". Pretentious possibly, but the album went on to be regarded by many as one of the greatest metal albums of all time.

4. Too Scared To Scream - Voivod

Now counting ex Metallica bassist Jason Newsted in their ranks, thrash metal band Voivod originally formed in 1982 and have a dozen albums to their name. This track is taken from their 1987 album Killing Technology. Honorary mention goes to their 1986 album Rrroooaaarrr which includes the tracks Korgull The Exterminator, Slaughter In A Grave, Ripping Headaches and Fuck Off And Die. Nice!

SOUNDS: WAVES 2 (1988)

"All tracks exclusive to Sounds"

1. Nine Million Rainy Days (Live) - The Jesus & Mary Chain

Originally from their classic second album Darklands, this is was recorded live in Detroit and still remains exclusive to this release.

2. I Am Roadkill (Live) - Head Of David

Live industrial rock and a track which appeared on their album Dustbowl in its studio form. The band consisted of Justin Broadrick, ex-Napalm Death and Stephen R Burroughs. The composer credited as writing this? Rockatansky V Schwarzenegger. Awesome!

3. New Improved Song - Faith No More

Actually, now an old song which has been improved on. This is an early version of The Morning After from the classic The Real Thing and, as it was recorded for the Introduce Yourself album, features original FNM singer Chuck Moseley instead of Mike Patton. Over twenty years later, this was made available once more on 2009 compilation The Very Best Definitive Ultimate Greatest Hits.

4. It's So Hard - The Godfathers

This then exclusive track from these neglected Alt Rockers eventually surfaced onto their Birth, School, Work, Death album.

SOUNDS: SONIC SOUNDS 3 (1987)

"All tracks exclusive to Sounds"

1. The Car's Outside - Head!

Pre exclamation mark and pre release of Head!'s sole album Tales Of Ordinary Madness. This was also issued as a single.

2. Moving In With - Happy Mondays

Making this release a true collector's item, this isn't the version on the Mondays' classic second album Bummed. The producer here isn't Martin Hannett either; it's first album engineer Dave Young. Sparser than the album version, it's most likely a demo.

3. Everything You Touch Turns To Time - The Triffids

Then exclusive track from David McComb fronted Aussies. This ended up used as an extra track on the CD and 12" single for their Top 75 hit Trick Of The Light.

4. Ice The Levant (Version) - Stump

New version of an 1986 EP track from these short-lived Indie jokers. This alternate cut was recorded in March 1987.

SOUNDS: SONIC SOUNDS 2 (1987)

"All tracks exclusive to Sounds"

1. Route To Love - The Band Of Holy Joy

Exclusive at the time, but this one turned up on their 1989 album Manic, Magic. Majestic

2. Rosewood Sky - The Soup Dragons

Genuinely exclusive and, I think, still unofficially released anywhere else. Their Hang-Ten! album had been released in 1987 so maybe this was a cast-off?

3. Nothing Left (First Version) - The Primitives

Early version of a track that finished up on the 'Lovely' album. This has been re-released on their Buzz Buzz Buzz: The Complete Lazy Recordings compilation.

4. What You Have Is Enough - Voice Of The Beehive

Another early version - maybe a demo - of a track that ended up on their Let It Bee album.