A new compilation CD is due for release on 19th June. North By North West: Liverpool & Manchester from Punk to Post-Punk & Beyond 1976-1983 features a wide range of artists including OMD, Dalek I Love You, The Teardrop Explodes, Echo & The Bunnymen, China Crisis, Joy Division and New Order amongst others.

Many of the bands featured have their roots in the Liverpool/Eric's Club scene and OMD's contribution features Electricity.

The Limited Edition release, which spans three CD's, has been compiled by Paul Morley and is released on the Korova label.

Thanks to Jimmy Messerschmitt for the info.

Andy McCluskey has co-written a new song for the debut single release of X Factor contestant Maria Lawson. Sleepwalking is due for release on July 31st on the Phonogenic label and was penned by Andy, Lucy Styles (an artist who Andy is developing as a singer/songriter) and Anna Ord from The Genie Queen.

Sleepwalking is built around a sample loop of Have You Seen Her by The Chi-Lites, produced by Andy and also the producers responsible for the massively successful Natasha Bedingfield.

Sleepwalking appears to be getting some positive advance press as this quote from marialawson.co.uk shows:

It's yet to be heard by most of us, but the lucky few have already dubbed the song "splendid soulful pop" (Channel 4's website), "sheer ear candy" (New Magazine) and a "truly great song" by popjustice.com.

A short clip of the song is available to listen to via marialawson.co.uk

We've got a new OMD Survey up on the site: Which Peter Saville-designed OMD album sleeve is your favourite?. There's also a new Poll here on the News page asking if you buy OMD items via eBay.