Demon Records are delighted to announce the release of Pelican West 40, a celebration edition of Haircut 100’s much-loved debut album, released with full cooperation of the band.
A 38-track extravaganza that celebrates the bright, burning, brief career of Haircut 100. The group moved from being London underground darlings to chart sensations in less than six months, and within a year had disappeared into pop’s ether, leaving behind one memorable album and four Top 10 UK singles.
The set features a brand-new half-speed master from the original tapes of their debut album Pelican West, first released in February 1982, reaching No 2 in the UK and No 31 in the US, two LPs of extended versions, B-sides and special remixes, plus the first-ever release of the eleven tracks that the band were working on in late Summer 1982 for the follow up album to Pelican West, to be titled Blue Hat For A Blue Day. Although unfinished, the five instrumentals, one guide- and five vocal tracks enthusiastically illustrate what would have happened next. Includes the Haircut 100 version of Club Boy At Sea and Whistle Down The Wind as well as an instrumental of A Blue Hat For A Blue Day, which were all to feature on Nick Heyward’s first solo album, North Of A Miracle in 1983.
Pressed on four 180g-vinyl LPs, in quadruple gatefold packaging featuring a 5000 word note, an oral history of the time with all six members, interviewed and assembled by the set’s curator, author and DJ Daryl Easlea. Newly mastered by Phil Kinrade and cut by Barry Grint at AIR Mastering.
A comprehensive 54-track 4CD edition is also available, along with a 1LP edition of the original Pelican West album mastered at half-speed.