Scritti Politti is signed directly to Virgin U.K. for the world.
Recorded in New York and Los Angeles, "Anomie & Bonhomie" contains 11 new songs penned, arranged, and performed by Gartside, the group's sole survivor. The act's songs are published by Chrysalis Music Ltd.
Former Scritti Politti band member David Gamson produced the set.
Additionally, the album features guest appearances by Mos Def, Lee Majors, MeShell Ndegéocello, and Wendy Melvoin (of Wendy & Lisa), among others.
With an intriguing mixture of rap and traditional Scritti Politti pop escapades, "Anomie & Bonhomie" is sure to surprise many longtime fans. Of course, those without any preconceived notions may find the album to be a refreshing change of pace. Either way, Gartside doesn't appear too concerned.
"I don't pay attention to what longtime fans want," the 43-year-old Gartside says. "My girlfriend, who visits some of the fan-based Scritti Web sites, tells me that 'Scritti fans don't like rap.'
"What am I gonna do? It would've been so dishonest for me not to include a hip-hop element on this album. My love of hip-hop is undiminished."
Undiminished, perhaps, but this musical merging has yet to result in a European hit. According to Gartside, "Anomie & Bonhomie" was critically acclaimed in the U.K. "Has this resulted in commercial success? Not really," he admits.
This realization hasn't had any negative repercussions at Virgin Records America. In fact, it's quite the contrary, with much anticipation and excitement surrounding this release.
Depending on the track, Virgin will target hip-hop, dance, or pop markets.
Virgin began spreading the word about the return of Scritti Politti in September, when it mailed the album track "Tinseltown To The Boogiedown" to select R&B mix-show DJs. This will be followed in January by a 12-inch promotional mailing of "Mystic Handyman," which Gartside lovingly calls "a frothy little confection sure to please old Scritti fans."
Several tastemaking radio outlets, which are intrigued by the act's melding of traditional Scritti Politti landscapes with current trends, have been teasing their listeners with various album tracks.
Formed in 1978 in Leeds, England, Scritti Politti released three albums -- "Songs To Remember," "Cupid & Psyche 85," and "Provision" -- as well as several singles, including "Wood Beez (Pray Like Aretha Franklin)," "Hypnotize," "The Word Girl," and "Perfect Way." In 1988, following an extensive tour, Gartside put the band on hiatus and returned to his homeland of Wales.
"Quite honestly, I was sick of making music and sick of the music industry," explains Gartside. "Now, I'm doing things on my own terms."
Scritti Politti -- managed by London-based Geoff Travis -- and Virgin are discussing the possibility of a tour in 2000.
Recorded in New York and Los Angeles, "Anomie & Bonhomie" contains 11 new songs penned, arranged, and performed by Gartside, the group's sole survivor. The act's songs are published by Chrysalis Music Ltd.
Former Scritti Politti band member David Gamson produced the set.
Additionally, the album features guest appearances by Mos Def, Lee Majors, MeShell Ndegéocello, and Wendy Melvoin (of Wendy & Lisa), among others.
With an intriguing mixture of rap and traditional Scritti Politti pop escapades, "Anomie & Bonhomie" is sure to surprise many longtime fans. Of course, those without any preconceived notions may find the album to be a refreshing change of pace. Either way, Gartside doesn't appear too concerned.
"I don't pay attention to what longtime fans want," the 43-year-old Gartside says. "My girlfriend, who visits some of the fan-based Scritti Web sites, tells me that 'Scritti fans don't like rap.'
"What am I gonna do? It would've been so dishonest for me not to include a hip-hop element on this album. My love of hip-hop is undiminished."
Undiminished, perhaps, but this musical merging has yet to result in a European hit. According to Gartside, "Anomie & Bonhomie" was critically acclaimed in the U.K. "Has this resulted in commercial success? Not really," he admits.
This realization hasn't had any negative repercussions at Virgin Records America. In fact, it's quite the contrary, with much anticipation and excitement surrounding this release.
Depending on the track, Virgin will target hip-hop, dance, or pop markets.
Virgin began spreading the word about the return of Scritti Politti in September, when it mailed the album track "Tinseltown To The Boogiedown" to select R&B mix-show DJs. This will be followed in January by a 12-inch promotional mailing of "Mystic Handyman," which Gartside lovingly calls "a frothy little confection sure to please old Scritti fans."
Several tastemaking radio outlets, which are intrigued by the act's melding of traditional Scritti Politti landscapes with current trends, have been teasing their listeners with various album tracks.
Formed in 1978 in Leeds, England, Scritti Politti released three albums -- "Songs To Remember," "Cupid & Psyche 85," and "Provision" -- as well as several singles, including "Wood Beez (Pray Like Aretha Franklin)," "Hypnotize," "The Word Girl," and "Perfect Way." In 1988, following an extensive tour, Gartside put the band on hiatus and returned to his homeland of Wales.
"Quite honestly, I was sick of making music and sick of the music industry," explains Gartside. "Now, I'm doing things on my own terms."
Scritti Politti -- managed by London-based Geoff Travis -- and Virgin are discussing the possibility of a tour in 2000.
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