Cleopatra Records To Release A Complete Merciful Release Recordings Compilation By James Ray And The Performance

Cleopatra Records is proud to present the complete recordings by goth rock underground luminaries, James Ray And The Performance, released on Sisters Of Mercy frontman Andrew Eldritch’s Merciful Release label. The label, which was inaugurated with the first SOM 7” single “The Damage Done,” would not only become the permanent home for all future Sisters releases but also grew to include two fellow Leeds goth bands, The March Violets and Salvation, as well as several projects from multi-talented writer/vocalist James Ray. Eldritch had taken Ray under the wings of his leather duster early on, releasing singles and albums from Ray’s primary band, James Ray And The Performance, while also recruiting him to be the main vocalist for Eldritch’s SOM offshoot The Sisterhood. 

Now the complete recordings Ray did under the James Ray And The Performance moniker are being collected and released on all formats. Merciful Releases 1986-1989 will be available February 18 as a gorgeous digipak CD with 8-page booklet featuring liner notes by music journalist and author, Dave Thompson as well as a superb MARBLE RED vinyl. The compilation kicks off with the band’s first 2 tracks, which were produced by Eldritch, along with several rarities, making this compilation both a perfect introduction to the uninitiated and a treasure trove for longtime fans.

Order the CD/Vinyl HERE
Stream/download the digital HERE