The Wedding Present Hit Parade Never Gets Old

The Wedding Present, led by the ever-present David Gedge, emerged from Leeds, England, in the mid-1980s. Known for their fast-paced, jangly guitar sound and Gedge's distinctive, often lovelorn lyrics, they quickly became a staple of the indie scene. They built a reputation for energetic live performances and a prolific output, earning a dedicated following with albums like George Best and Bizarro.

Hit Parade, released in 1992, was a radical departure from their previous work. The concept was incredibly audacious: The Wedding Present would release a 7-inch single every month for a year, each featuring an A-side and a B-side, and then compile all 24 tracks into two full-length albums, Hit Parade 1 and Hit Parade 2. What made this project even more unique was that each A-side was a cover version.

They tackled a diverse range of songs, from classic hits to obscure gems, putting their own distinct, fast-paced spin on everything they touched. This wasn't just a simple covers album; it was a year-long experiment, a snapshot of the band's eclectic tastes, and a testament to their unwavering work ethic. It showed a band at the height of their powers, willing to take risks and push the boundaries of what a rock band could do.

█ The boy Gedge has written some of the best love songs of the 'Rock 'n' Roll' era. You may dispute this, but I'm right and you're wrong! — John Peel

The project allowed them to reinterpret songs in their own unique, frantic style, effectively making each cover their own. The Hit Parade project was a bold statement and remains a fascinating chapter in The Wedding Present's long and influential career.