Pete Shelley – XL1

Domino announce the re-release of Pete Shelleys first two solo albums, Homosapien and XL-1 – the first time both albums have been reissued individually as standalone releases since they were included as part of a box set by Genetic Records in 2018.
Both albums come housed in gatefold sleeves featuring the original fully restored artwork, include an extra disc featuring B- sides, dubs and extended mixes and contain inserts featuring new photos and imagery and extensive sleeve notes from the acclaimed writer Clinton Heylin.
Recorded in close collaboration with renowned producer Martin Rushent, both albums saw Shelley embrace a wider musical palate post-Buzzcocks and work with electronic instrumentation and synthesisers – Homosapien in particular is seen as a massively influential and pioneering record and widely regarded as a musical signpost for the work Rushent did with The Human League on Dare a few months later. Banned for homophobic reasons at the time by BBC radio, Homosapien would become a gay club anthem and the queer element a hugely important part of both Petes personal and musical life, as showcased in both these albums.