X Marks The Spot / Strike! (24 Songs April)

Description

24 Songs. A new project from The Wedding Present. A new 7 single every month throughout 2022. 24 Songs sees David Gedge writing with legendary Sleeper guitarist Jon Stewart for the first time, and a more perfect union could not have been predicted. The notion of a monthly 7 single is not new to The Wedding Present, but 24 Songs shows us that even classic concepts can be reinvented. The series also continues the bands association with photographer Jessica McMillan, who has created stunning images and films as a visual accompaniment to the recordings. Explaining 24 Songs, David Gedge said: In 1991, The Wedding Present were rehearsing in a studio in Yorkshire when we hit upon an idea that immediately thrilled us all. Our bass player [Keith Gregory] had been a member of the Sub Pop Singles Club a service that allowed subscribers to receive 7s released by that Seattle label on a monthly basis. Keith wondered if we, as a band, could attempt a similar thing. In that instant, The Wedding Presents Hit Parade series was born and, during 1992, we managed to release a brand new 7 single each and every month. The Hit Parade went on to become something of a significant milestone in the history of the band and its a project about which Im often asked. As its thirtieth anniversary approached, I began to wonder if we should celebrate it in some way. A Hit Parade Part 2 didnt feel quite right, though. Then, someone said to me: Other bands have released music in similar ways but there has been nothing like the Hit Parade. And they were right! A 7 single a month seems, somehow, very Wedding Present. So, inspired by that little idea from three decades ago, weve embarked on this new project, 24 Songs. Even though The Wedding Present have never been known for taking the easy route, the idea of recording 24 tracks and releasing them in this way could seem daunting to any band. However, Ive been inspired by the music that has been written since Jon and Melanie joined the group. The thought of celebrating this exciting new line-up with an exciting new series has motivated us all and I suppose we also didnt want any of these songs to be hidden away in the middle of an album!