Saint Etienne to Release New Version of Foxbase Alpha

Collector alert! Perhaps the most London of all London bands, Saint Etienne are due to release "Foxbase Beta", a reworking of their classic debut, 1991’s "Foxbase Alpha". With producer Richard X (MIA, the Bravery, New Order, Ciara et al) at the helm, the album has been “given a shot of vodka and a loving caress” to bring it into the 21^st century, according to band member Bob Stanley in a message to Saint Etienne fan club members. "Foxbase Beta" is based on the original album masters and will be released in several formats. The most collectible of which will no doubt be the numbered 2-CD set, limited to 3,000 copies and issued to the fan club only. The set includes "Foxbase Extra", a second disc including a lost coda to album track “Girl VII,” instrumental “Richard III” (not a Supergrass cover, sadly), and a different version of “Kiss And Make Up” (a Field Mice cover, happily), as well as commentary.

Trainspotters will also want to look out for a 4-track 12” club promo, featuring new versions of the classic “Only Love Can Break Your Heart” (a Neil Young cover, naturally), “Girl VII,” and "Spring.”

A non-numbered single disc version will be available to the plebes via Rough Trade. Though a release date has not yet been announced, pre-orders through the fan club for the 2-CD set begin on September 21st.

Saint Etienne - band site / rough trade / myspace