Formed in Dundee, Scotland in 1979, The Associates were comprised of vocalist Billy Mackenzie and multiinstrumentalist Alan Rankine. Built on an eclectic mix of influences and interests ranging from art rock to glam and disco, the duo found early success with their debut record The Affectionate Punch in 1981.

Their second studio album Sulk, released in 1982, was the group's definitive statement, a fascinating blend of lush, New Romantic popcraft and dark, surreal cabaret stylings. Upon its release, the album was voted the album of the year by Melody Maker. Billy Mackenzie recalled before his death in 1997, “Sulk was a real liberation. It had the essence of what I’m about. I realized I could create my own sunshine.”

This limited edition 40th Anniversary Bookpack celebrates Sulk with the original album remastered on 140g Blue Vinyl and 3CDs featuring the original album, out-takes, monitor mixes, rarities, Peel sessions plus a previously unheard live show from Gigant in the Netherlands from 1981.

The 12” Bookpack also features exclusive sleevenotes from journalist Simon Reynolds with interviews from Alan Rankine, Michael Dempsey, Mike Hedges & Martha Ludley plus previously unseen photography by Derek Reid, Tom Sheehan & Eveline Dröge.

LP / CD1 - Sulk
CD1-1. Arrogance Gave Him Up
CD1-2. No
CD1-3. Bap De La Bap
CD1-4. Gloomy Sunday
CD1-5. Nude Spoons
CD1-6. Skipping
CD1-7. It's Better This Way
CD1-8. Party Fears Two
CD1-9. Club Country
CD1-10. Nothinginsomethingparticular

CD2 - Outtakes, Monitor Mixes & Rarities
CD2-1. Ulcragyceptimol (Demo)
CD2-2. I Never Will (Demo)
CD2-3. Club Country (Demo)
CD2-4. Me, Myself and the Tragic Story (John Leckie Recording)
CD2-5. Australia (John Leckie Recording)
CD2-6. Skipping (Monitor Mix Instrumental)
CD2-7. It's Better This Way (Monitor Mix)
CD2-8. And Then I Read a Book (Alternative Version)
CD2-9. Ulcragyceptimol (Alternative Version)
CD2-10. It's Better This Way (Alternative Version)
CD2-11. The Associate
CD2-12. A Girl Named Property
CD2-13. Grecian 2000
CD2-14. Party Fears Two (7")
CD2-15. Club Country (7")
CD2-16. 18 Carat Love Affair
CD2-17. Love Hangover (Extended Version)

CD3
Associates Live - The Peel Sessions
CD3-1. Me, Myself and the Tragic Story
CD3-2. Nude Spoons
CD3-3. A Matter of Gender
CD3-4. It's Better This Way
CD3-5. Ulcragyceptimol
CD3-6. Waiting for the Love Boat
CD3-7. Australia
CD3-8. Love Hangover
CD3-9. A Severe Case of Career Insecurity

Associates Live - Gigant, Apeldoorn 10/01/81
CD3-10. Arrogance Gave Him Up
CD3-11. A Matter of Gender
CD3-12. Nude Spoons
CD3-13. Paper House
CD3-14. No
CD3-15. And Then I Read a Book
CD3-16. Gloomy Sunday
CD3-17. It's Better This Way
CD3-18. Skipping
CD3-19. Australia