Altsounds - Frank Turner - 'The First Three Years'

Christmas comes early for Frank fans as a special collection of his songs are brought together for ‘The First Three Years’ album released on 1st December through the Xtra Mile Recordings (Xtra Mile Recordings Store) and Frank Turner websites.

In true homage to hardcore heroes Black Flag, and as the name suggests, this album beautifully encapsulates an exhilarating chapter in Frank’s early solo career. From the first forays as a solo artist; releasing a split 7” vinyl with label mates Reuben, to the unit-shifting successes of his second album Love Ire & Song, The First Three Years album is 23 tracks long encompassing past releases, album out-takes, early demos, b-sides, live session tracks and previously unreleased gems. A must for any Frank purist as well as providing a fine introduction for any budding new converts…of which there are many.

Starting with ‘The Real Damage’ from the Xtra Mile Recordings Single Sessions of January 2006 right through to live favourites specifically recorded for this album, this is a nostalgic look back at the days that have seen Frank play in the back of a pub handing out home-recorded demos, to him playing to 12,000 people at the Reading/Leeds Festival 2008. In that time Frank has played over 500 shows, sold over 20,000 copies of his two albums, been nominated for a XFM New Music Award, sold out UK headline tours and toured across Europe and America .

Plaudits are currently rushing in from 6Music, XFM and Radio 1. Recent single ‘Long Live The Queen’ was made Record Of The Week on Radio 1 by both Sara Cox (in for Jo Whiley) and Greg James whilst also making onto the Upfront playlist. Whiley also extended her support by inviting Frank to play the Mencap Little Noise Session at Union Chapel on 12th November.

With his recent and largest UK headline tour completely selling out, and with further exciting tours and releases planned for the new year; the release of this album marks the start of an incredible new chapter in Frank’s ascent to superstardom.

Full tracklisting:

1. The Real Damage - taken From The XMR Single Session split 7” with Reuben – Jan06
2. Nashville Tennessee - taken From Campfire Punkrock EP - May 06
3. Thatcher Fucked The Kids - taken From Campfire Punkrock EP - May 06
4. This Town Ain’t Big Enough For The One Of Me - taken From Campfire Punkrock EP -May 06
5. Casanova Lament - taken From Campfire Punkrock EP - May 06
6. I Really Don’t Care What You Do On Your Gap Year - taken From Campfire Punkrock EP - May 06
7. The Outdoor Type - taken From the split 10” with Jonah Matranga – June 06
8. You Are My Sunshine – taken from the split 10” with Jonah Matranga – June 06
9. Sea Legs – taken from The Real Damage EP – May 07
10. Back To Sleep - taken from The Real Damage EP – May 07
11. Sunshine State – taken from The Real Damage EP – May 07
12. Heartless Bastard Motherfucker – taken from The Real Damage EP - May 07
13. Pay To Cum – taken from The Softcore Tour CD Bad Brains cover - 07
14. Fix Me – taken from The Softcore Tour CD Black Flag cover - September 07
15. Hold Your Tongue – taken from The Love, Ire & Song recording sessions
(previously released with love ire & song as a digital exclusive to 7digita December 08)
16. Front Crawl - taken from the Love, Ire & Song recording sessions
(previously released with love ire & song as a digital exclusive to 7digital December 08)
17. Jet Lag (Rock) – taken from the Love, Ire & Song recording sessions
(previously released with love ire & song as a digital exclusive to 7digital December 08)
18. Photosynthesis – taken from Truck Sessions June 08
19. Worse Things Happen At Sea – taken from Truck Sessions 08 June 08
20. Imperfect Tense - taken from Truck Sessions 08 - June 08
21. The District Sleeps Alone Tonight (Postal Service) – previously unreleased cover
22. Smiling At Strangers On Trains (Million Dead) – previously unreleased cover
23. Dancing Queen (ABBA) – previously unreleased cover
24. Longing For The Day – previously unreleased demo
Digital bonus track

Full Touring Schedule:

NOVEMBER
with The Levellers
19 Paradiso, Amsterdam
20 Effenaar, Eindhoven
21 Schurr, Lucerne w/Heidi Happy
with Chris T-T
22 Hirscheneck, Basel,
23 Grabenhalle, St Gallen,
24 Tiki's Pub, Geneva,
25 The Flying Pig, Vienna,
26 Diagonal, Bologna
27 MADS, Roma
28 Extra, Recanati

LEVELLERS UK TOUR

DECEMBER 08
03 Truro Hall for Cornwall
04 Exeter Great Hall
05 Lincoln Engine Shed
06 Manchester Academy
07 Norwich UEA
09 Bristol Academy
10 Middlesbrough Town Hall
11 Sheffield Octagon
12 Leeds Academy
13 Birmingham Academy
14 Southampton Guildhall
16 Oxford Academy
17 Inverness Ironworks
18 Glasgow ABC

THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM TOUR

FEBRUARY 09
10 Koln Underground, Germany
11 Kato Berlin, Germany
12 KB Malmo, Sweden
13 Sticky Fingers, Gothenburg, Swe
15 Tavastia, Helsinki, Finland
17 Debaser Slussen, Stockholm, Swe
18 Lille Vega, Copenhagen Denmark
19 Knusy, Hamburg, Germany
20 Schlachthof, Wiesbaden, Germany
21 59:1 Munchen, Germany
22 Flex, Wien, Austria
24 Zoe Club, Milano, Italy
25 Mascotte, Zurich, Switzerland
27 Botanique Orangerie, Brussels
28 Vera, Groningen, Holland

March
1 Melkweg, Amsterdam, Holland

Quote:

"Both uplifting and heartbreaking, these 12 tracks are the sound of Turner sitting down, taking stock and edging steadily further towards greatness. Godspeed, sir." KKKK Kerrang!

“Frank is truly a unique British talent to be cherished and acclaimed with good reason.” 8/10 Rocksound

“Frank’s second album is as defiantly brilliant as ever.” NME 8/10

http://www.myspace.com/frankturner