Split into two volumes, and replete with a 42-track CD retrospective of 4AD, Martin Aston's comprehensive history of the label comes housed in a slipcase specially designed by Vaughan Oliver. With each copy signed by Martin and Vaughan, this limited edition is sure to become a valuable and integral part of any collection. Published by The Friday Project, the book focuses on the Ivo Watts-Russell years of 4AD, and features rare interviews with the staff, musicians and fans of the label.

‘4AD get the lavish label history they deserve’ – MOJO

‘Aston has impressive access to some of rock’s most reclusive figures’ – Q

‘The book is an exquisite reflection of 4AD itself—extravagant, atmospheric, and rich in texture and timbre.’ PITCHFORK

‘Facing The Other Way represents one of the greatest stories to emerge from rock and roll's modern history’ – DROWNED IN SOUND

‘The conviction of Aston's storytelling blows dust off the needle so that those records and their often magical beauties are dragged out to be admired once again… Compelling stuff’ MOUTH MAGAZINE

'Martin Aston's 600-page chronicle is a suitable extravagant enterprise' GUARDIAN

“A fanatically scholarly account of the definitive art-pop label of the 1980s.” THE TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT

Written by author Martin Aston, the book extensively covers the label's achievements over the last thirty plus years, focusing on the period when the label was run by founder Ivo Watts-Russell and the music he helped bring to the world but also bringing the reader up to the modern day. Containing interviews with over a hundred people who have been involved with the label in it's time - be it an artist, staff member or fan - Martin managed to gain unparalleled access to pretty much everyone of importance, allowing him to tell the story he felt needed to be told.

4AD: Facing The Other Way

CD tracklists：

1980-89

Dif Juz ‘Hu’

The Birthday Party ‘Zoo Music Girl’

Throwing Muses ‘Hate My Way’

Rema-Rema ‘Rema Rema’

Dance Chapter ‘Anonymity’

Matt Johnson ‘Time Again For The Golden Sunset’

Bauhaus ‘Dark Entries’

Xymox ‘No Human Can Drown’

BC Gilbert and G Lewis ‘Barge Calm’

A.R. Kane ‘Sado-Masochism Is A Must’

Cocteau Twins ‘Musette & Drums’

Le Mystère Des Voix Bulgares ‘Schopska Pesen (Diaphonic Chant)’

Richenel ‘L'Esclave Endormi’

Modern English ‘Gathering Dust’

Ultra Vivid Scene ‘Mercy Seat’

In Camera ‘Die Laughing’

Pixies ‘Tony’s Theme’

Colourbox ‘Baby I Love You So’

Xmal Deutschland ‘Geheimnis’

Dead Can Dance ‘In Power We Entrust The Love Advocated’

Pieter Nooten and Michael Brook ‘These Waves’

This Mortal Coil ‘Song To The Siren’

1990-99

Tarnation ‘Game Of Broken Hearts’

Lush ‘Laura’

Gus Gus ‘Blue Mug’

His Name Is Alive ‘As We Could Ever’

Kristin Hersh ‘Me & My Charms’

Unrest ‘Make Out Club’

The Wolfgang Press ‘Honey Tree’

Tanya Donnelly ‘Mysteries Of The Unexplained’

Frank Black ‘The Vanishing Spies’

Michael Brook ‘Slow Breakdown’

Starry Smooth Hound ‘Coco Crush’

The Hope Blister ‘Dagger’

Heidi Berry ‘Only Human’

Mojave 3 ‘Mercy’

The Breeders ‘New Year’

Pale Saints ‘Hair Shoes’

Cocteau Twins ‘Road, River And Rail’

Red House Painters ‘Take Me Out’

Lisa Gerrard ‘Sanvean (I Am Your Shadow)’

Lisa Germano ‘The Darkest Night Of All’

Martin Aston has been writing about and reviewing music since 1984. He has a particularly deep appreciation for the independent music scene. He is the author of two previous books: Pulp (MacMillan, 1995) and Björkgraphy (Simon & Schuster, 1996). ‘I’ve until now avoided writing more books as I enjoy occasionally leaving the house,’ he says. ‘Writing Facing the Other Way: The Story Of 4AD has reminded me of this luxury. But it’s been as compelling as it’s been overwhelming, documenting not just a visionary record label, but an entire era, one that can never be seen again.’

Martin has also written for a variety of publications including MOJO, Q, Guardian, The Times, Attitude, Radio Times and BBC Music Online.