The Independent Singles Collection

Though the Monochrome Set never made it as big as some of its post-punk contemporaries, the group has maintained a devoted cult. Bid, Lester Square, and Andy Warren all played in early versions of Adam and the Ants, but their first singles were arty, smooth, and ultra-sophisticated. A reputation as "XTC's upper-class art school cousins" developed from the early-'80s string of perfect, bouncy satirical pop songs collected on this set. This collection includes the first four classic singles on Rough Trade - all from 1979 plus later singles in the early 80's on Cherry Red.