A great odds’n’sods collection from literate 1980s indie outfit The Monochrome Set is back on wax. 

Led by inscrutable vocalist/songwriter Bid, the Hornsey outfit knocked out some corking albums of witty, thoroughly quirky indie throughout the 1980s; indeed, the band’s 1980 LP Strange Boutique appeared in our rundown of the 100 best albums of the 1980s. Thirty years ago, the Set released the Volume, Contrast, Brilliance…Singles & Sessions Vol. 1, a compilation of assorted radio sessions, singles and B-sides. (Rough Trade) recorded between 1979-1981 – and stimulating stuff it is too.

The good sorts at Optic Nerve (also behind reissues from Cleaners From Venus and McCarthy) have given the record a super-limited vinyl repress. Two new tracks are included on the 12″: 1986’s ‘Reach For Your Gun’ single, and the accompanying B-side ‘Sweet Chariots’. The new edition will arrive on plain blue vinyl, and will be limited to 500 copies. The first 100 editions will also come numbered on blue/black vinyl.

Volume, Contrast, Brilliance…Singles & Sessions Vol. 1 is out now. [via Slicing Up Eyeballs]

Tracklist:
Side 1
1. “Eine Symphonie Des Grauens” (Rough Trade Single Recorded April 1979)
2. “The Jet Set Junta” (Do It Session Recorded December 1981)
3. “Love Zombies” (B.B.C. Session Recorded April 1980)
4. “Silicon Carne” (Disquo Bleu Single Recorded April 1978)
5. “The Ruling Class” (Do It Session Recorded December 1981)
6. “Viva Death Row” (B.B.C. Session Recorded August 1979)
7. “The Man With The Black Moustache” (Capital Radio Session Recorded June 1980)
8. “He’s Frank (Slight Return)” (Disquo Bleu Single Recorded April 1978)

Side 2
1. “Fun For All The Family” (E.M.I. Session Recorded March 1981)
2. “Lester Leaps In” (Rough Trade Single Recorded April 1979)
3. “Ici Les Enfants” (B.B.C. Session Recorded February 1979)
4. “Fat Fun” (B.B.C. Session Recorded February 1979)
5. “Alphaville” (Rough Trade Single Recorded November 1978)
6. “Avanti (Ten Don’ts For Honeymooners)” (E.M.I. Session Recorded March 1981)
7. “Reach For Your Gun” (Single Recorded March 1986)
8. “Sweet Chariots” (B Side Recorded March 1986)