PiL's 1978 debut album 'First Issue' set for first ever US release, June 18th 2013 by LITA Records

Press Release:
April 2nd 2012

Public Image Ltd
First Issue
LITA 100
2xCD | LP+Download | Digital

Available June 18, 2013

* First time available in North America

* LP includes 180-gram LP housed in gatefold, tip-on jacket with an archive replica fold-out poster, two stickers, and archive replica newsprint adverts and lyrics insert. Plus, Download Card for full album, non-album single B-side: “The Cowboy Song” and an unedited October 1978 BBC audio interview with John Lydon

* Double-CD release features the album, non-album single B-side: “The Cowboy Song” and an unedited October 1978 BBC audio interview with John Lydon, plus two stickers – all housed in a mini LP replica tip-on gatefold jacket

* LP & CD Deluxe Versions available at www.LightInTheAttic.net include all of the above per format, plus archive replica PiL patch and set of 6 buttons

Marking our 100th release on Light In The Attic and following the Record Store Day reissue of PiL's debut single ‘Public Image’, we are set to reissue the pioneering group’s debut album First Issue, available for the first time ever in the US. Pre-Order the release now at www.LightInTheAttic.net.

In 1976 Johnny Rotten and the Sex Pistols set the agenda for punk’s year zero with ‘Anarchy In The UK’, a song that summed up the spirit, sound and attitude of the band in one shocking package. Two years later, the Sex Pistols were in tatters, but Rotten was as unsentimental as you’d hope. He reverted to his real name – John Lydon – and set about forming a band whose very identity kicked against press and media manipulation. Featuring bassist Jah Wobble, drummer Jim Walker and guitarist Keith Levene, his new group were Public Image Limited. The public image would be limited.

PiL were a very distinct prospect from the Pistols, founded with a greater thought for rhythm, and with a sound that turned the page from snarling punk to a more experimental sound fusing rock, dance, folk, ballet, pop and dub. But that’s not to say Lydon’s new outfit lacked vitriol. ‘Public Image’ hits out against the notorious British tabloid press, who never gave Lydon an easy ride, and against his own Sex Pistols public image - “You only saw me for the clothes I wore”.

The debut single (and the album that followed) operated as a theme song and a manifesto: “…my entrance/My own creation/My grand finale/My goodbye,” as the lyrics had it. It is, essentially, the sound of four people letting loose in a studio – and not caring what anyone else thought.

The album was never officially released in the USA back in the day, its sound considered too un-commercial by major-labels for an American release.

First Issue has been lovingly reproduced from the original UK 1978 release and this expanded reissue also comes with a clutch of post-punk era treasures. The CD edition is an expanded, two-disc set with an almost hour-long (unedited) October 1978 BBC audio interview with John Lydon, plus rare B-side "The Cowboy Song" from the period, and two stickers. The LP release includes an archive replica fold-out poster, archive replica tabloid adverts, a set of stickers, and Download Card for the album, the archival BBC interview, and “The Cowboy Song”. All of which were approved and coordinated with John Lydon and his personal management.

More Info:
http://lightintheattic.net/releases/866-first-issue

 

Format Info...

*LP includes 180-gram LP housed in gatefold, tip-on jacket with an archive replica fold-out poster, two stickers, and archive replica newsprint adverts and lyrics insert. Plus, Download Card for full album, non-album single B-side: 'The Cowboy Song' and an unedited October 1978 BBC audio interview with John Lydon

*Double-CD release features the album, non-album single B-side: 'The Cowboy Song' and an unedited October 1978 BBC audio interview with John Lydon, plus two stickers – all housed in a mini LP replica tip-on gatefold jacket

*LP & CD Deluxe Versions, available at www.LightInTheAttic, include all of the above per format, plus archive replica PiL patch and set of 6 buttons

Available June 18th, 2013. First time available in North America

 

Record Store Day USA Public Image replica 7"

For Record Store Day USA (April 20th) Light In The Attic Records will release a replica 7" of PiL's debut single 'Public Image' wrapped in its 4 page PiL newspaper sleeve; as per the original October 1978 UK release.

The single will be limited edition of 4,000 copies (hand numbered) and available at all good record shops in the USA. Support your local record store.

The single will be followed later in the year by the first ever official US release of the band's debut album 'First Issue. Issued as an expanded, 2xCD and single vinyl edition; with various bonus material including an almost hour-long audio interview circa 1978...

 

2014 Cassette Edition

Burger Records, via Light in the Attic, released a cassette version of 'Public Image - First Issue' in the USA in June 2014. The artwork is loosely based on the original 1978 UK cassette release and is issued in a hand-numbered, limited edition of 500, hand-made card tip-on box. The cassette is available to order via the Light in the Attic website (LITA100TAPE).

Side 1:
Theme / Religion I / Religion II / Annalisa

Side 2:
Public Image / Low Life / Attack / Fodderstompf

More info:
www.lightintheattic.net/releases/1323-first-issue-cassette