40

After Leeds alt-rock band The Lost Pandas disintegrated around them in the early 1980s, singer/guitarist David Gedge and bassist Keith Gregory decided to form a new group. In 1985, beguiled by pop radio, punk brashness, The Velvet Underground and David’s erstwhile schoolmates, The Chameleons- they launched The Wedding Present. That band was – and remains – uncompromising and unwaveringly authentic in every way and, as a result, Gedge, without intention, has become a legendary figure in alternative music. He has become one of the chief architects and originators of modern guitar rock and the mastermind behind one of the richest, catchiest and most consistently enthralling catalogues in pop history. Four decades on, and with 13 studio albums, 20 compilation albums and a whole host of singles, EPs, live albums and radio sessions – with more on the horizon – The Wedding Present: 40 is a commemorative reflection of this complex and fascinating catalogue. Available as four vinyl and four CD box sets, this is not your usual collection of ‘most popular’ songs, but rather a chronological, aural journey of album tracks, singles and B-sides. The stunning artwork has been put together by Jonathan Hitchen – who designed many of the band’s original record covers – and there are extensive sleeve notes by David Gedge himself along with esteemed music writer Mark Beaumont [NME, Guardian, Independent]. Gedge’s commentary provides a unique insight into the workings of the band and an absorbing track-by-track guide to the compilation.