October 26, 2009

By By Richard Smirke, London

Universal Records is to resurrect the cassette format for the Nov. 16 U.K. release of "Words For You" -- a poetry collection set to classical music.

The company says that the album, released on Universal imprint 1st Rule Records, will be the first U.K. cassette release from a major label since ABBA's "The Ultimate Collection" in Dec. 2003.

"Words for You" features readings by a host of British screen stars, including Joanna Lumley, Samantha Morton, Alison Steadman, Geoffrey Palmer and Honor Blackman. It shot to No. 1 on the Amazon Bestsellers & Hot New Releases pre-order list following its initial announcement on Oct. l8 -- National Poetry Day in the United Kingdom.

According to the label, the decision to release the record in cassette format follows a special request from armed forces charity the British Legion, on behalf of their members who do not have CD players.

In addition to CD, cassette and digital formats, "Words For You" will be released as a deluxe book format, featuring all 27 poems. Universal are also working with U.K. card manufacturer Hallmark on a one-off greetings card format, due for release Mothers Day 2010 (March 14)

All the artists involved have waived their royalties so that a proportion of proceeds from sales go to I CAN -- a U.K. charity that helps children who have difficulties speaking and understanding.

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