Well here it is at long last! This is one of these releases that we wanted to do ever since we heard the Unicorn pressing but we didn't want to rush it as it deserved the FULL Detour treatment and we didn't want just to do a straight forward re-issue. Thankfully, our patience paid off and we discovered TWO totally unreleased tracks from 1979 that the band haven't heard since they recorded them. We also managed to track down the elusive fifth member of the band that little was known about and luckily for us he was a photographer and had a few few TOTALLY unseen photos.
So we can now reveal that this Detour Release includes all the tracks that appeared on the Mid 80s Unicorn release from the ORIGINAL masters, TWO totally unreleased tracks AND a rehearsal track from Alick's archive. Also, on top of all this, you get a 4 PAGE 12" x 12" BOOKLET with rare photos with sleeve notes from Chris, Alick and Derwent, PLUS we have included a FREE CD and FREE Download to all the tracks!!!!
The initial pressing has been pressed on a VERY special Black and Yellow QUAD colour. A second pressing is already underway but this will NOT be available until mid March and won't include the Free CD or Download Code.
As to the band and their music, to us at Detour LES ELITE were one of the earliest Mod Band to form in London and built up good following and always had a line of scooter outside all their performances. Derwent had a lot to do with this as he was a early fan of the band and told as many people he could and when the original drummer left to fulfill his dreams and to go onto feature on Top Of The Pops with RACEY with "Run Around Sue" Derwent was the obviously choice.
Les Elite were the unsung heroes of the MOD scene and summed up what was happening in London and through-out the UK but sadly never got to release anything at the time!
Fact or fiction? It was said the bands name, Paul Weller apparently remarked that "Les Elite" was the ultimate name for a MOD Band?
Sadly by 1981, it was all over and the band went their separate ways. Chris went back up North and worked for his parents Coach business, Alick became a session player, Derwent remained within the Mod Scene with Long Tall Shorty and the Rage, John joined Long Tall Shorty for a while and then fell off the radar.
FEATURES
Career Girls (1978 Version)
Check It Out
State 51
Go Go Go
Get A Job
Frustration
Baby Come On
Career Girls
Sweet Sixteen
Running With You
Baby Come On (Version 2)
Baby Come On (Rehearsal)
