Earthdate 1977 (excerpts from liner notes)
The original recording of Nuclear Waste and Digital Love were fitted into a busy touring schedule. Mike (Howlett) suggested using a little known vocalist from his punk band Penetration. Why not? At the time, Richard Branson liked the idea of a dig at the establishment and some studio time was procured at a small North London studio. Arriving, it was evident why the studio was available - a Gas Board generator was digging up the street outside the control room! What to do? Record the generator of course! The recording was used as a click track for Digital Love, and that's what you hear, on and off, throughout the track.

Backing tracks were laid in a couple hours. Then in comes the Sting, looking very spacey. He proceeds to prick his finger with a pin so he has something to write last minute lyric changes on the sheet. He gets angry, the track gets better.

Virgin pressed 500 copies with a lyric sheet and proclamation under a plain cover which quickly sold out. They want to repress, but lost the masters. A freebie remix is arranged at Ridge Farm during rebuilding, but the monitors are all weird. It has to be finished anyway, so it is, and Charly puts it out, new cover, no support. Then it was taken over by some guys called DB Records. How many were pressed? We'll never know. It circled around Europe and got airplay for 10 years, judging by the PRS lists. But a good subject doesn't lie down and die, so HERE IT IS AGAIN, with the added bonus of some 1994 stuff recorded in Australia. PLAY LOUD!!!

- Harry Williamson

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