New Formation Sermon

Written by:

Mark E Smith

Initial Release:

2G+2, Action Records TAKE18CD (studio recording from Studio Wentworth, Salford mid-2001)

Date:

10 June 2002

Subsequent releases:

Are You Are Missing Winner, Castle CMRCD1352 CD; 29 May 2006

Group line-up on first recording:

Mark E Smith – Vocals; Ben Pritchard – guitar; Jim Watts – bass, guitar, vocals; Spencer Birtwistle – drums

Commentary:

Originally planned for an EP called The Present, which was never released, and put out on 2G+2 instead. One of the group’s more obscure tracks. It has never been played live. The tune is reminiscent of a lite-version of Container Drivers, but the lyrics are far more interesting. Do they concern memories of the pain of tip-toeing into the cold sea at the seaside and trying not to make a tit of yourself – or are they advice for new group members?

According to City Life magazine (26 June – 11th July 2002) “‘New Formation Sermon’ borrows from another unexpected source: Prefab Sprouts ‘Faron Young’.”

Studio “Wentworth” refers to Wentworth Avenue on the Hope Estate in Salford where some band members lived at the time.