THE HOUSEMARTINS London 0 Hull 4 (UK/EU 12-track LP pressed on 180-gram Black Vinyl. The Housemartins’ London 0 Hull 4 is the band’s debut album, originally released in 1986 and built around sharp, melodic guitar pop with a strongly defined social and political edge. The title nods to the band’s Hull roots in the style of a football score, while also reflecting Paul Heaton’s tongue-in-cheek claim that The Housemartins were only the fourth best band in Hull. The album includes “Happy Hour”, “Think For A Minute”, “Sheep” and “Flag Day”, with Heaton and Stan Cullimore’s songwriting pairing upbeat, radio-friendly arrangements with lyrics shaped by class frustration, moral tension and dry humour. A key release in mid-’80s British indie pop, London 0 Hull 4 introduced the group’s mix of close harmonies, jangling guitars and pointed social observation. This 2017 edition has been re-pressed and makes a welcome return in 2026 having been unavailable on vinyl for a long time. Picture sleeve with original cover artwork, factory sealed. Recommended).