To mark 20 years since the release of Some Cities I recently spoke to Andy & Jez about the album. Using that interview and some interviews the band did back in 2005, I’ve pieced together an article about how the album came to be.
As well as asking Andy & Jez about the album tracks, I also asked them about some of the tracks that didn’t make it onto the album.
‘So, Here We Are: Best Of Doves’ is out now on EMI North records. Listen or order your copy now here.
I recently chatted with Andy & Jez who spoke to me about some of the tracks that make up ‘So, Here We Are’. Using that chat and some archival interviews, I’ve put together a Best Of track by track guide;
Coming soon! ‘How We Made Some Cities’. I also chatted to Andy & Jez about Some Cities. The album turned 20 this year. They were happy to discuss the album in detail. I asked them about how the album came together, all of the b-sides and some of the tracks that didn’t make it onto the album.
Doves have today released their latest single ‘Spirit Of Your Friend’ via EMI North. The track was originally recorded during the sessions for Kingdom of Rust. Originally titled ‘Eastern Roll’ the track was mentioned by the band on press interviews for possible inclusion on the Kingdom of Rust. Obviously not making the cut back then, the track will be included on the upcoming Best of album released on November 14th.
Also announced today. Doves will join James on their UK arena tour next April 2026. See poster above for the dates. Includes places Doves haven’t played in awhile such as Cardiff & Aberdeen.
Tickets are on sale this Friday Oct 10th at 9:30AM. There is a pre-sale opportunity for fans who pre-order the latest James, ‘Best Of’ release. Details here.
Finally, Blood Records have announced a limited edition (2000 copies) green and cream pinwheel version of the ‘So, Here We Are’. You can order your copy at Blood Records.
Doves launched their new Best of with a Wax & Beans event at the Met in Bury on Saturday October 4th. Andy, Jimi, Jez and Martin were all there to share their stories about tracks that make the Best Of. The event also saw the premier of the lead single ‘Spirit of Your Friend’. The track will receive it’s radio debut tomorrow (Monday October 6th) on Steve Lamaq’s BBC 6 Music show from 4pm.
Here’s a couple of photos of the event thanks to Chris Kelly.
Here’s Jez pictured playing with the brilliant Saint Etienne live in session at the BBC Maida Vale studios for 6 Music’s Lauren Laverne show. Jez plays on the their latest album International. This will be the final Saint Etienne album. What a way to go out..
Two final dates have been added to Doves UK winter tour. Shows in Sheffield & Manchester will finish off another successful year for Doves.
Tickets go on general sale at 10AM on Wednesday September 3rd. There is a pre-sale option for folks who pre-order ‘So, Here We Are’ Best Of. Visit Doves socials for complete details.
Doves have announced the track listing for their new Best Of. The compilation features a new track ‘Spirit Of Your Friend’ which was recorded back in 2008 for the Kingdom of Rust sessions, originally titled ‘Eastern Roll’. The compilation also features ‘Darker’ which is being released on vinyl for the first time in over 25 years.
So, Here We are is released on November 14th by EMI North.