Squire’s “September Gurls” 40th Anniversary Mono Vinyl EP Release

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Squire's 1984 release "September Gurls" and the 50th anniversary of Big Star's original, Hi-Lo Records proudly announces a special release of a never-before-heard mono vinyl mix of Squire's version of this power pop classic. This exclusive edition not only honours Squire's legacy but also pays tribute to Big Star’s enduring influence on the genre.

Squire's bold decision to cover Alex Chilton's "September Gurls" in 1984—years before Big Star’s influence was widely recognised—was a defining moment for the British band. It marked a pivotal shift in their sound, blending their mod revival roots with American power pop sensibilities. By selecting this track as the title of their 1984 mini-album, Squire made a clear statement about their evolving sound.

This unique mono mix captures the raw energy of Anthony Meynell’s vocals, combined with the band’s tight, mod-influenced instrumentation, giving a new perspective on a key milestone in Squire’s discography.

This five-track EP breathes fresh life into Squire's music, blending their mod roots with jangly, melodic sensibilities that showcase the power pop sound. The reissue serves not only as a reflection on Squire's pioneering spirit but also as a heartfelt homage to Big Star’s transatlantic impact, drawing a connection between British and American power pop influences.

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Special Features of This Release:

Limited Edition 200 White and Red Splatter Vinyl/100 Black Vinyl:

A visually striking collector’s item for fans of both Squire and Big Star.

Newly Designed Sleeve:

The bass/drums/guitar vintage playing card artwork references the 2019 September Gurls Extended edition.

The Revolver-esque flip side highlights the bold, monophonic, and monochromatic soundscape.

Bonus Tracks:

Beyond Big Star’s ‘September Gurls’, the Meynell-penned track ‘Debbie Jones’ captures a ‘kitchen sink’ narrative of social realism, while a version of The Shoes ‘Boys Don’t Lie’ completes the albums triple crown of classic songwriting, by paying tribute to American power pop and showcasing Squire’s distinctly British

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5 track album

Squire Biography

Fronted by Anthony Meynell, Squire were at the forefront of the mod revival when The Jam bought attention to this burgeoning scene in the late 70's. With an impressive canon of timeless pop songs, as danceable as they are melodic, Squire sounded like no other band at the time. Releasing the first single of the genre – ‘Get Ready To Go!’, and kicking off the legendary Mods Mayday concert and live album, they continued with two fantastic singles for Arista, ‘Walking Down The Kings Road’ and ‘Face of Youth Today’, the fourth ‘My Mind Goes Round In Circles’ featured Kirsty MacColl on vocals.

"...If you can imagine the first Beatles album slammed through the sound of classic Flamin' Groovies, with all the wide-eyed enthusiasm and tunefulness that it implies, you'll be close to capturing the sheer joy of Squire" - Dave Thompson - All Music Guide.

Squire recorded five albums and ten singles, including the 1983 sunshine pop album Get Smart, the 1984 groundbreaking ‘September Gurls’ album, the title track a cover of Big Star then undiscovered classic. Relocating to California in 1985 their sound became a perfect marriage of British mod beat and California paisley pop.

Following a solo career, new band Sugarplum, and Doctor of Music degree reflecting a lifelong dedication to popular music, Meynell reformed Squire to celebrate the millennium, following which has been an essentially live act playing all over the world. Two recent tours alongside original mods Secret Affair, albums ‘Get Ready To Go’, an extended version of ‘September Gurls’, a set of single releases, and a tribute album in their honour, they follow this year with a release of the never before heard mono mix of the September Gurls album.

Squire are:

Anthony Meynell - Guitar/vocals

Jon Bicknell - Bass

Kevin Meynell - Drums

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