“Read My Lips” was originally released in 1989 and it garnered Gold status, with three UK Top 30 hits and a Top 5 Hit for Jimmy’s version of Sylvester’s “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)”.
The title ‘Read My Lips‘ was a phrase adopted by NYC queer collective Gran Fury, an affiliate of ACT UP, a platform Jimmy was a committed member of. Members of ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) – a political group working to end the AIDs crisis – regularly risked arrest as they stormed office buildings, blocked traffic “united in anger” at the lack of understanding and support for AIDS sufferers. At a time when the British media were hellbent on demonizing the lives of the LGBT community Jimmy’s response was to create an album of love songs for gay men – “I refused to let the media dehumanise us.”
The album also features his take on “You make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” a tribute, remembering its disco icon originator Sylvester, who’d passed of an AIDS-related illness in December 1988 and an anthem celebrating sexual freedom and being true to yourself.
‘Read My Lips’ is re-issued as a single LP (the original 10 track album on blue vinyl) and as a deluxe double LP on transparent vinyl with remixes from William Orbit, AMYL and B-sides and rarities such as “From This Moment On” (from Red, Hot + Blue) and “I Believe In Love” (with Arthur Baker and The Beat Disciples). The double CD version contains further remixes from Gerd Janson and Arpeggius; as well as unreleased demos, B-Sides and rarities. “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” is revisited by esteemed Running back label head Gerd Janson, who gives the track a thrusting, propulsive re-rub. LISTEN / WATCH here.
JIMMY SOMERVILLE – ‘READ MY LIPS’ (RE-ISSUE)
OUT 1 SEPTEMBER 2023, VIA LONDON RECORDS
AVAILABLE AS SINGLE LP, DOUBLE LP, AND DOUBLE CD (EXPANDED)
PRE-SAVE HERE
LISTEN TO THE “YOU MAKE ME FEEL (MIGHTY REAL) (GERD JANSON REMIX)” – OUT NOW
STREAM HERE
featured photo by Tim Roney
