Norwich punk-funk pioneers The Higsons have announced the release of Run Me Down – The Complete 2Tone Recordings as a limited edition mini-album for Record Store Day on 22 April.
These titles have been out of print on vinyl for over 30 years. Originally released by Jerry Dammers’ 2Tone label in the second wave of signings in 1982/3, The Higsons fitted with the political nature of the label but were integral to Dammers’ new vision of having something other than “new wave of ska” acts on the roster.
The ‘Run Me Down’ single came out in the spring of 1983 so RSD 2023 marks the 40th anniversary of the release.
The Higsons’ frontman, Switch (now better known by his real name, Charlie Higson) designed all the band’s sleeve art under the pseudonym René Parapap – except for ‘Run Me Down’ which was made by the Chrysalis Records art department. He has made a new cover for this compilation to mark the anniversary edition of this compilation of Higsons 2Tone releases.
Pioneers of post-punk funk, The Higsons came together at the University of East Anglia in 1980, releasing several singles prior to signing to 2Tone. They released their sole album The Curse Of The Higsons in 1984, disbanding two years later. Charlie Higson went on to become a TV scriptwriter and novelist, while Terry Edwards is a sought-after session musician. He currently plays together with Simon Charterton in the Near Jazz Experience.
Run Me Down is a limited-edition artefact of 500 copies on black vinyl only, in a sleeve unique to the release for RSD 2023.
Tracklisting A: Tear The Whole Thing Down | Ylang Ylang | Run Me Down (12″ version) B: Run Me Down | Put The Punk Back Into Funk pts I & II | Run Me Down (instrumental)
