There have been certain "vibrations" along the so-called "grapevine" to the effect that average indie "Britpop" band RUTH who have so far failed to capture any attention from the allied entertainment media whatsoever (futile appearances on the global satellite music channel "MTV" and incomprehensible "walk-on" parts in Granada Television's "The Bill" notwithstanding) are soon to commence the commitment to tape the musical information will comprise their debut long-playing record available commercially on all formats except CD Rom.

The as-yet untitled "album" is rumoured to contain many compositions egested within the seventeen month period from October 1993 to May 1995, an epoch held to be a "golden era" for the collective's principal songwriters Matthew and Benjamin Hales and for the development of the "outfit' as a whole.

Sources close to the group suggest that there may be as many as seven of the proposed eleven tracks. which have hitherto remained unavailable to the public, even to those of a select proportion of the plebiscite who choose to associate themselves with the Ruthine organ "ALAN".

I must inform you that the renowned (in certain circles) producer Alan Winstanley has reportedly expressed an "eagerness" to be in some way involved. The portfolio of records marked with Mr. Winstanley's handiwork include those of Madness, Elvis Costello, Morrissey, They Might Be Giants, Dexter's Midnight Runners and The Beatles.

An official schedule of release has not yet been surrendered to me, but I surmise that RUTH will be seen to spend much of the coming summer ensconced in an arena of recording, and from (here to some form of sustained public appearance such as a tour of "universities" prior to the release of their first widely available "single".

It is understood that this emission is likely to be entitled "Chicken" and will appear in retail outlets early next year.

All necessary activities undertaken, it's mother product. RUTH's first collection will appear some months later.

I'm sure we're all looking forward to that.