After leaving Pulp in 1997, Russell eventually formed Venini the next year, alongside vocalist Debbie Lime, future Ladytron members, and former Clock DVA members.
The released ytwo singles in 1999, but had little interest from the public. Undaunted, they recorded an album. It featured rerecordings of the three tracks they'd already released, alongside eight new ones.
Four of those tracks emerged in Summer 2000 online and via mail order. They were the only public offerings from the album, and Venini disbanded the next year. The album was never released, and has never circulated.
Until now! Follow the link and download the whole of Venini's discography. The full album, the earlier singles, and a much earlier version of one of the tracks that Russell got another of his protégés to record back in 1998. Many thanks to Ian from this parish for doing the artwork and sorting out ID tags and suchlike. Enjoy - and PLAY LOUD!
https://we.tl/b-nvg8iR7ZdV
-- Edited by Stephen on Monday 24th of September 2018 09:56:57 AM
I have uploaded another copy here because I think that the original link will expire.
My thoughts on the album: I wasn't overly impressed when I heard the first singles, I thought that they were average at best. However, I managed to get a tape of the album in about 2003 (which has sadly been lost) and that's when it clicked. I think that the songs work far better in each others' company rather than as standalones.
I was locked out of my account for a long while but thanks to Stephen for the upload, it's like a lost Britpop staple. Really, really enjoyed it. Made me 'almost' reappraise my thoughts on Russell.