Name: Sulk (40th Anniversary Edition)
Brand: The Associates

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

A 713893

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Colour

Blue

Colour details

Blue Vinyl

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Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: Yes

Format detail

Format Music US

Limited edition

Release date

2022-07-15

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier US

WEA /­ ADA

Tax rate US

Sales:8.875

UPC / Barcode

4050538713893

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Total Cap

1 / Extended format: Yes / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No / blue

A 713824

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Includes 3 CDs - 40th Anniversary Bookpack

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4050538713824

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Artist

The Associates

Genre US

Rock-Pop

Label US

Union Square

The Associates were a Scottish band formed in 1976 by Billy MacKenzie and Alan Rankine. They gained attention early on with a self-funded release that caught the eye of David Bowie's publishers, leading to a record deal. Throughout their career, they experimented with their sound and pushed boundaries, incorporating elements of deranged and experimental music. Their drug use was at its peak during their most successful period, but internal conflicts eventually led to the departure of Rankine and MacKenzie continuing as a solo artist under The Associates name.
MacKenzie faced challenges with his record label, WEA, who pressured him to follow a more mainstream pop-soul direction. Frustrated by this lack of support, he turned to collaborations with artists like Yello. Despite these setbacks, The Associates continued releasing albums under different names until MacKenzie's tragic death in 1997 from an overdose.
Despite their short-lived success and turbulent journey, The Associates left behind a legacy of innovative music that continues to inspire artists today. Similar artists include Japan, The Teardrop Explodes, Paul Haig, Altered Images, Scritti Politti, Tubeway Army, Blancmange and many others.

Formed in Dundee, Scotland in 1979, The Associates were comprised of vocalist Billy Mackenzie and multi-instrumentalist Alan Rankine. Built on an eclectic mix of influences and interests ranging from art rock to glam and disco, the duo found early success with their debut record The Affectionate Punch in 1981. Their second studio album Sulk, released in 1982, was the group's definitive statement, a fascinating blend of lush, New Romantic popcraft and dark, surreal cabaret stylings. Upon its release, the album was voted the album of the year by Melody Maker.

This limited edition 40th Anniversary Bookpack celebrates Sulk with the original album remastered on Blue Vinyl and 3CDs, featuring the original album, outtakes, monitor mixes, rarities, Peel sessions plus a previously unheard live show from Gigant in the Netherlands from 1981.

The 12” Bookpack also features exclusive sleevenotes from journalist Simon Reynolds with interviews from Alan Rankine, Michael Dempsey, Mike Hedges &amp; Martha Ludley plus previously unseen photography by Derek Reid, Tom Sheehan &amp; Eveline Dröge. Sulk, Billy Mackenzie recalled before his death in 1997, “was a real liberation. It had the essence of what I’m about. I realized I could create my own sunshine.”