The summery hooks and warm lyrics of Modern English's biggest hit, "I Melt with You," gave listeners the impression that the band was an upbeat pop act in the early '80s. "I Melt with You" was actually an anomaly in Modern English's early discography. Formed in Colchester, England, in 1979, Modern English was originally a punk group called the Lepers. The band was signed to 4AD Records and moved on to sign with Warner Sire in the United States. Inspired by the stylish gloom of Bauhaus and Joy Division, Modern English released the singles "Swans on Glass" and "Gathering Dust" before recording their 1981 debut LP Mesh & Lace. Boiling with raw anger, dissonant rhythms, and weird noises, Mesh & Lace confused some U.K. critics while mesmerizing others. A year later, the group streamlined their sound, dropping much of Mesh & Lace's gothic experimentation on After the Snow. "I Melt with You" was included on the Valley Girl soundtrack, and its video became an MTV staple. Although "I Melt with You" is the most known hit of the band, Modern English went on to record 5 more albums which included hits "Hands Across the Sea", "Ricochet Days," "Life's Tapestry", "The Planet" and "I Don't Know Anything." Included here are re releases of the 1996 "Everthing is Mad" album and a selection of original mixes never released entitled "Rarities and Unreleased, Modern English" both released under the Mi5 Recordings Universal Music Group Label copyright 2014.