THIS IS A RECORD STORE DAY 2026 EXCLUSIVE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE INSTORE ON SATURDAY APRIL 18TH ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS, LIMITED TO ONE PER PERSON.

IF THERE ARE ANY REMAINING COPIES THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT 8PM (BST) ON MONDAY APRIL 20th).

“Then”, taken from The Charlatans’ debut album Some Friendly, returns for Record Store Day 2026 as a limited-edition picture disc. Originally released in 1990, the single played a key role in shaping the band’s early sound. This reissue has been remastered by Frank Arkwright at Abbey Road and completes the set as the third picture disc in the series of early Charlatans singles, following the previous RSD releases. 

TRACK LISTING

A1. Then, A2. Tarus Moaner, B1. Tarus Moaner – Instrumental, B2. Then - Alternate Take

This expanded edition of 'Some Friendly' celebrates their landmark 1990 debut album. The 20 songs on this release include the original album plus a selection of bonus tracks curated especially for this release by Tim Burgess. The album has been newly remastered by Frank Arkwright at Abbey Road and will be pressed on double white vinyl with a printed inner gatefold sleeve.

The Charlatans formed in 1988 and released their debut single 'Indian Rope' in early 1990. They began recording 'Some Friendly' shortly after with producer Chris Nagle. The blistering lead single, 'The Only One I Know' was their first top-10 hit, and is still their most popular song. Two additional singles followed with 'Then' and 'Sproston Green'.

The band’s success comes not just from their ability to be able to ride the groove but also from their talent for writing standout songs. These were the gifts that made them among the greatest British survivors of our time, rolling through tragedy and stylistic changes to amass a terrific body of work - one that was modern enough to play in clubs but classicist enough to stand the test of time, and one that continues to grow to this day.

TRACK LISTING

1. You're Not Very Well
2. White Shirt
3. The Only One I Know
4. Opportunity
5. Then
6. 109 Pt.2
7. Polar Bear
8. Believe You Me
9. Flower
10. Sonic
11. Sproston Green
12. Then [7” Mix]
13. Taurus Moaner
14. Then [Alternate Take]
15. Taurus Moaner [Instrumental]
16. Over Rising
17. Happen To Die [Edit]
18. Way Up There
19. Opportunity Three
20. Happen To Die [Full Length]

The Charlatans are back with their highly anticipated new album, 'We Are Love'. Their first studio album since 2017, this eleven-track collection marks a significant return for the band. 'We Are Love' sees The Charlatans pushing their sonic boundaries, featuring exciting collaborations with the acclaimed Dev Hynes and renowned producer Steven Street, promising a fresh yet unmistakably Charlatans sound.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: A brand new one from The Charalatans, drifting in familiar waters, with evocative jangling guitar and snappy percussion sitting beneath Tim's unmistakeable (and enduringly iconic) vocals. There is more of a focus on the rhythmic element here perhaps, with more of a danceable groove underpinning the whole affair, but in the end it's a wonderfully familiar sound from one of our favourite outfits.

TRACK LISTING

1. Kingdom Of Ours
2. We Are Love
3. Many A Day A Heartache
4. For The Girls
5. You Can’t Push The River
6. Deeper And Deeper
7. Appetite
8. Salt Water
9. Out On Our Own
10. Glad You Grabbed Me
11. Now Everything

This is the inside story of The Charlatans, told through the lens of legendary
photographer Tom Sheehan and the words of the band's frontman Tim Burgess.

More than 250 of Sheehan's photographs - blending iconic shots with those seen here for the first time - are accompanied by moving and insightful text from Burgess, sharing his memories of a band at the very height of their powers.

Covering a decade of the band's story, the book captures recording sessions, live performances, cover shoots, tours and intimate moments snatched backstage and around the world.

Beautifully presented in a cloth-bound hardback, this book is a stunning visual
history of The Charlatans, one of the defining bands of a generation.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Charlatans’ third album Up To Our Hips, they have released this expanded edition featuring the original album in addition to 10 bonus tracks comprised of live session recordings, rare mixes and more, all curated by Tim Burgess. The special package has brand new reimagined artwork by Nik Void and the LP is pressed on petrol blue bio vinyl.

Released in 1994, Up To Our Hips was a new direction for the band. It leaned slightly away from the lighter pop songs of their previous two albums and is darker, heavier and organ led. At the time, they were listening to a lot of Small Faces, Beatles, and Dylan and watching David Lynch films all while navigating internal band stress, and many of the lyrics on the album reflect the stress of the band at the time. The tracks that have been added to the release include two live tracks recorded for the Steve Lamacq and Jo Whiley Show, plus B-sides, alternate mixes and more.

The Charlatans - easily recognized by their hallmark sound of driving Hammond organs, northern UK soul and house-influenced rhythms, swaggering guitars and Tim Burgess’ sunny yet yearning vocals - are one of the most consistent British pop bands of the past 3 decades. The band has released an album every few years since 1989, each of which landed in the top half of the UK music charts, 3 of them hitting #1 and spawning 22 top 40 singles. The band has over- come obstacles from nervous breakdowns to addiction to near bankruptcy to the heartbreaking deaths of two founding members, all the while adapting, transforming and producing new music in spite of it all.

STAFF COMMENTS

Andy says: Boldly instating hippy maestro Steve Hillage behind the desk, this record was the moment when The Charlatans finally settled upon their classic rock, groove, soul, mod pop (and everything else!) sound. They would go on to produce three massive albums in as many magical years, culminating in the peerless "Tellin' Stories", but this was where it all began.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Come In Number 21
A2. I Never Want An Easy Life If Me And He Were Ever To Get There
A3. Can’t Get Out Of Bed
A4. Feel Flows
A5. Autograph
B1. Jesus Hairdo
B2. Up To Our Hips
B3. Patrol
B4. Another Rider Up In Flames
B5. Inside-looking Out

BONUS TRACKS:
C1. Subterranean
C2. Full Of Culture
C3. Out
C4. Up To Our Hips (Recorded Live For The Steve Lamacq And Jo Whiley How)
C5. Stir It Up (Alternate Instrumental Mix)
D1. Withdrawn
D2. Feel Flows (Alternate Mix)
D3. You & Everybody
D4. Don’t Let It Stand AKA Can’t Get Out Of Bed
D5. Another Rider Up In Flames (Recorded Live For The Steve Lamacq And Jo Whiley Show)

THIS IS A RECORD STORE DAY 2024 EXCLUSIVE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE INSTORE ON SATURDAY APRIL 20TH ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS, LIMITED TO ONE PER PERSON.

IF THERE ARE ANY REMAINING COPIES THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT 8PM ON MONDAY APRIL 22ND.

THE CHARLATANS proudly announce their (Covid) delayed release of their 30th Anniversary tour and a 6 vinyl LP Box Set. Released on Then Recordings through Republic Of Music, ‘A Head Full Of Ideas’ is a five album, and exclusive 7”, career-spanning box set that sums up their remarkable progress from 1990 Manchester scene hopefuls to one of the UK’s most enduring and best-loved bands. The accompanying tour begins at Belfast, Limelight 22/11/21 and finishes in Aberdeen on 20/12/21.

The band have notched up 13 Top 40 studio albums - three of them number ones - alongside 22 hit singles, four of them top 10. The rollercoaster highs have been accompanied by some shattering lows, any which one of them could have felled a less resilient band, from nervous breakdowns to near bankruptcy and the deaths of two founder members.

Somehow, they have not just carried on but adapted and transformed. The classic Charlatans sound - driving Hammond organ, Northern Soul and house-influenced rhythms, swaggering guitars and Tim Burgess’s sunny yet somehow yearning vocal - is instantly recognisable. And in spite of everything they have been through their music is now more relevant than ever, The Guardian described their last album, Different Days as “one of their best ever”.

This limited box set, is a diverse collection portrayed over five Transparent blue vinyl LP’s, spanning their hits, classic live performances, unheard demo’s and rarities and remixes. Within the box will also be an exclusive Original Demo’s 7” featuring ‘Indian Rope’/’The Only One I Know’, as well as a signed print of a tour poster from the early 90’s, a booklet featuring unseen photographs and sleeve notes by friend and journalist Dave Simpson. There will also be triple vinyl LP version and 2CD deluxe of the box set featuring the hits albums plus the live album, and finally a cd or vinyl of just the hits albums.

Their iconic and hugely adored live track One To Another (circa 1997) provides the titles for the individual vinyl collection within the box set. Each piece of vinyl is named after a lyric from the song.

TRACK LISTING

THEN1LPXX (6x Vinyl Set Box Set)
A HEAD FULL OF IDEAS (BEST OF) (2LP)
A1) The Only One I Know
A2) Weirdo
A3) Can’t Get Out Of Bed
A4) Jesus Hairdo
A5) Just When You’re Thinking Things Over
A6) North Country Boy
B1) Tellin’ Stories
B2) One To Another
B3) How High
B4) Impossible
B5) Forever
C1) Love Is The Key
C2) A Man Needs To Be Told
C3) Up At The Lake
C4) Blackened Blue Eyes
C5) Oh Vanity
D1) My Foolish Pride
D2) Come Home Baby
D3) Let The Good Times Be Never Ending
D4) Plastic Machinery
D5) Totally Eclipsing

TRUST IS FOR BELIEVERS (LIVE)
A1) Polar Bear (Blackburn, King Georges Hall. November 1990 - BBC Radio 1)
A2) Indian Rope (Reading Festival 1992 - BBC Radio 1)
A3) Can’t Even Be Bothered (Reading Festival 1992 - BBC Radio 1)
A4) Can’t Get Out Of Bed (Glasgow Tramway, Sound City 1994 - BBC Radio1)
A5) I Never Want An Easy Life (If Me And Him Were Ever To Get There) (Glasgow Tramway, Sound City 1994 - BBC Radio1)
B1) Then (Glastonbury Festival 1995 - BBC Radio 1)
B2) Here Comes A Soul Saver (Hultsfred Festival, Sweden 1997)
B3) My Beautiful Friend (Delamare Forest, Cheshire 2007)
B4) The Blind Stagger (Delamare Forest, Cheshire 2007)
B5) Sproston Green (Reading Festival 1999 - BBC Radio 1)

PLEASED TO MEET YOU (DEMOS) (***EXCLUSIVE TO BOX SET***)
A1) C’mon C’Mon (Demo Version)
A2) Sleepy Little Sunshine Boy (Desk Mix Version)
A3) Dardanella (Demo Version)
A4) So Oh (Demo Version)
A5) Always On My Mind (Demo Version)
B1) Everybody Ha Ha (Demo Version)
B2) Commuter Computer (Demo Version)
B3) Crystal Eyes (Demo Version)
B4) Polar Bear (Demo Version)
B5) I Need You To Know (Demo Version)

ONE TO ANOTHER (REMIXES) (***EXCLUSIVE TO BOX SET***)
A1) Plastic Machinery (Sleaford Mods Remix)
A2) Nine Acre Dust (Chemical Brothers Remix)
A3) So Oh (Brian Jonestown Massacre Remix)
A4) Tellin’ Stories (The Go! Team Remix) **unreleased**
B1) Trouble Understanding (Norman Cook Remix)
B2) My Beautiful Friend (Jagz Kooner Remix)
B3) Hey Sunrise (The Orb Remix) **unreleased**
B4) You’re So Pretty, We’re So Pretty (Lo Fidelity Allstars Remix)

BONUS DEMOS 7” (***EXCLUSIVE TO BOX SET***)
A1) Indian Rope (Demo)
AA1) The Only One I Know (Demo)

What can you say about this amazing band that hasn’t already been said? Also rans who out ran, under dogs who became winners, it’s been a long and winding road of heartache and seemingly unpassable obstacles that were always met with an unerring drive and positivity. This is a band who always believed in themselves and, just as importantly, the power of music.

I think it’s about 13 studio albums which this wonderful compilation covers. They’ve been going since 1989, but the thing is, their last two records are probably in their top three. 2015’s Modern Nature is second only to their Britpop era high, Tellin’ Stories. And it’s follow up, ‘Different Days’, not far behind. They constantly reinvent themselves, always sound fresh, always produce timeless classics which defy pigeon holing. From “The Only One I Know” through “Can’t Get Out of Bed”, “Tellin’ Stories”, “North Country Boy'' and right up to “Come Home Baby” and “Plastic Machinery”, the high quality never seems to drop and, as I said earlier, is possibly even getting better.

It’s well documented how this group has been beset by awful tragedy, so, I see the majesty of this incredible compilation as a testimony to the belief, dedication, and power of positive thinking that the original members clearly possess. In front man Tim Burgess the Charlatans have a modern-day folk hero. A man-child dreamer, believer, and cosmic schemer who spreads nothing but joy and love. He’s just a conductor for all good music, not just his own, and when his online listening parties took flight over Lockdown, he united a nation of music fans and even drew praise from Paul McCartney. The guy’s a hero and his band are too. This career defining best of is faultless: every home should have one.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: This is pretty much the essential document of one of Manchester's most legendary musical outfits. It's a heady collection that spans over thirty years of music...

TRACK LISTING

THEN1CD (CD)
A HEAD FULL OF IDEAS (BEST OF)
1) The Only One I Know
2) Weirdo
3) Can’t Get Out Of Bed
4) Jesus Hairdo
5) Just When You’re Thinking Things Over
6) North Country Boy
7) Tellin’ Stories
8) One To Another
9) How High
10) Forever (Edit)
11) Impossible (Edit)
12) Love Is The Key
13) A Man Needs To Be Told
14) Up At The Lake
15) Blackened Blue Eyes
16) Oh Vanity
17) My Foolish Pride
18) Come Home Baby
19) Let The Good Times Be Never Ending (Edit)
20) Plastic Machinery
21) Totally Eclipsing

THEN1CDX (2CD Deluxe)
CD1
A HEAD FULL OF IDEAS (BEST OF)
1) The Only One I Know
2) Weirdo
3) Can’t Get Out Of Bed
4) Jesus Hairdo
5) Just When You’re Thinking Things Over
6) North Country Boy
7) Tellin’ Stories
8) One To Another
9) How High
10) Forever (Edit)
11) Impossible (Edit)
12) Love Is The Key
13) A Man Needs To Be Told
14) Up At The Lake
15) Blackened Blue Eyes
16) Oh Vanity
17) My Foolish Pride
18) Come Home Baby
19) Let The Good Times Be Never Ending (Edit)
20) Plastic Machinery
21) Totally Eclipsing
CD2
TRUST IS FOR BELIEVERS (LIVE)
1) Polar Bear (Blackburn, King Georges Hall. November 1990 - BBC Radio 1)
2) Indian Rope (Reading Festival 1992 - BBC Radio 1)
3) Can’t Even Be Bothered (Reading Festival 1992 - BBC Radio 1)
4) Can’t Get Out Of Bed (Glasgow Tramway, Sound City 1994 - BBC Radio1)
5) I Never Want An Easy Life (If Me And Him Were Ever To Get There) (Glasgow Tramway, Sound City 1994 - BBC Radio1)
6) Then (Glastonbury Festival 1995 - BBC Radio 1) 7) Tootache (Hultsfred Festival, Sweden 1997). ***Exclusive To 2CD Deluxe***
8) Here Comes A Soul Saver (Hultsfred Festival, Sweden 1997)
9) Just Lookin’ (Hultsfred Festival, Sweden 1997) ***Exclsuive To 2CD Deluxe***
10) My Beautiful Friend (Delamare Forest, Cheshire 2007)
11) The Blind Stagger (Delamare Forest, Cheshire 2007)
12) Trouble Understanding (The Church Studios, London) ***Exclusive To 2CD Deluxe***
13) Sproston Green (Reading Festival 1999 - BBC Radio 1)

THEN1LP (2LP)
A HEAD FULL OF IDEAS (BEST OF)
A1) The Only One I Know
A2) Weirdo
A3) Can’t Get Out Of Bed
A4) Jesus Hairdo
A5) Just When You’re Thinking Things Over
A6) North Country Boy
B1) Tellin’ Stories
B2) One To Another
B3) How High
B4) Forever
B5) Impossible
C1) Love Is The Key
C2) A Man Needs To Be Told
C3) Up At The Lake
C4) Blackened Blue Eyes
C5) Oh Vanity
D1) My Foolish Pride
D2) Come Home Baby
D3) Let The Good Times Be Never Ending
D4) Plastic Machinery
D5) Totally Eclipsing

THEN1LPX (3LP)
A HEAD FULL OF IDEAS (BEST OF)
A1) The Only One I Know
A2) Weirdo
A3) Can’t Get Out Of Bed
A4) Jesus Hairdo
A5) Just When You’re Thinking Things Over
A6) North Country Boy
B1) Tellin’ Stories
B2) One To Another
B3) How High
B4) Forever
B5) Impossible
C1) Love Is The Key
C2) A Man Needs To Be Told
C3) Up At The Lake
C4) Blackened Blue Eyes
C5) Oh Vanity
D1) My Foolish Pride
D2) Come Home Baby
D3) Let The Good Times Be Never Ending
D4) Plastic Machinery
D5) Totally Eclipsing
E1) Polar Bear (Blackburn, King Georges Hall. November 1990 - BBC Radio 1)
E2) Indian Rope (Reading Festival 1992 - BBC Radio 1)
E3) Can’t Even Be Bothered (Reading Festival 1992 - BBC Radio 1)
E4) Can’t Get Out Of Bed (Glasgow Tramway, Sound City 1994 - BBC Radio1)
E5) I Never Want An Easy Life (If Me And Him Were Ever To Get There) (Glasgow Tramway, Sound City 1994 - BBC Radio1)
F1) Then (Glastonbury Festival 1995 - BBC Radio 1)
F2) Here Comes A Soul Saver (Hultsfred Festival, Sweden 1997)
F3) My Beautiful Friend (Delamare Forest, Cheshire 2007)
F4) The Blind Stagger (Delamare Forest, Cheshire 2007)
F5) Sproston Green (Reading Festival 1999 - BBC Radio 1)

Released in 1997, when it went straight to the top of the album charts, this year marks the 15th anniversary of ‘Tellin’ Stories’.

Building on the sound of their eponymous, previous release (‘The Charlatans’ - also a No.1), the band’s performance has the feel of a classic British rock band (the type which also contain ‘roll’ in the music), combined with the more focussed songwriting of Britpop.

The package contains the original album, re-mastered and cut from the analogue studio tapes, in addition to a collection of the single B sides, plus an unreleased, early version of ‘Don’t Need A Gun’, originally entitled ‘Rainbow Chasing’. Of the eight B sides only half were re-issued on the anthology ‘Songs From The Other Side’.

TRACK LISTING

With No Shoes
North Country Boy
Tellin' Stories
One To Another
You're A Big Girl Now
How Can You Leave Us
Area 51
How High
Only Teethin'
Get On It
Rob's Theme
Two Of Us
Reputation
Don't Need A Gun
Down With The Mook
Title Fight
Keep It To Yourself
Rainbow Chasing (Don't Need A Gun First Take)
Clean Up Kid
Thank You (Live)