In April, EMI re-issue my 1988 single Suedehead as remixed by Ron and Russell Mael. This is a great thrill for me, and I am indebted till death to Ron and Russell.
You might also be aware that Thelma Houston** has also recorded Suedehead this year.
Anyway, thank you for reading this, and I shall see some of you in far-off places.
Now the (sort of) bad news on the "Suedehead" release--a limited edition picture disc version of "Suedehead" will be released on Record Store Day in the U.K., but it won't be available for Record Store Day in the U.S. Here's the Record Store Day U.K. listing:
Suedehead, We'll Let You Know (live)*, Now My Heart Is Full (live)*
10" picture disc
*previously unreleased
Label: EMI
I guess Morrissey/Smiths fans in the U.S. will have to settle for Rockabye Baby Lullabye Renditions of the Smiths on 12'' vinyl for Record Store Day. I know, small consolation.
Meanwhile, Morrissey's 1998 debut album Viva Hate will be reissued in the U.K. next month. The new version, remastered by original producer Stephen Street, sees the return of the record's original artwork, features an introduction by Chrissie Hynde, and adds b-side "Treat Me Like A Human Being." Two tracks,"The Ordinary Boys" and "Hairdresser On Fire," have been deleted from the remaster (though technically "Hairdresser" was a bonus U.S. track and was never originally on the U.K. version). The Viva Hate remaster drops in the U.K. on April 2nd and will be available as an import in the U.S. on April 10th.
**Wow, Thelma Houston recorded "Suedehead"? I'm not sure I want to hear her version, but (of course) I scoured the net looking for it anyway. It appears Houston's version hasn't been released yet because I sure couldn't find it and there isn't a listing on her official website regarding anything new.