The Bible were one of the classic English pop bands of the late 80s, leading that small movement of bands dedicated to classy, sophisticated songwriting. An era overlooked perhaps, but one that produced songs that were, above all, much-loved.

The Bible released two full albums and a retrospective collection on Chrysalis and achieved three Top 40 singles with 'Honey Be Good', 'Crystal Palace' and 'Graceland'. Even after their split in 1990, interest remained high, culminating in a reunion tour at the end of 1993 - and having reunited, The Bible signed to Blanco Y Negro and went into the studio to record a new album.

The reasons that that album 'Dodo' was never released are lost in the mists of record company reluctance, band friction and whatever..... and the tapes lay unreleased for five years.

Boo Hewerdine resumed his solo career, releasing three highly acclaimed albums, including 1999's much-lauded 'Thanksgiving', and enhanced his songwriting reputation by hooking up with Eddi Reader, providing her with most of the songs on her last four albums, including the hit, 'Patience Of Angels'.

Haven Records licensed the tapes of 'Dodo' from Warners, and released them in January 2000. The tracks reveal themselves to be a fascinating bridge between the Bible days and Boo's solo work, an indication of what could have been if the band had continued.

Five years on, and it seems a perfect time to look back and release a 'lost' work of one of the best-loved bands and songwriters of the last fifteen years. Treasures then, to be treasured now...

"The Bible formed in 1985 and split in 1990. From the first gig as a duo in an empty pub (on the same day as Live Aid), to the flight home from Germany (the five of us sitting as far apart as we could). From an album made in four days in a cellar that meant we could leave our jobs, to weeks spent in the Welsh countryside recording songs that no one would ever hear. From singing to bar staff, to filling the Town & Country Club. Indie charts, The Tube, the deal, Steve Earle, America, Europe, nearly hits... the funny thing is I can hardly remember any of it.

"Three years later. Neill, Calum and Leroy have been Liberty Horses, Rough Trade, Japan, almost hits... Tony had been playing jazz and Germany. I had made an album called Ignorance. The first time I saw the sleeve, they'd spelt it 'Igonorance'. I should have known.

"1993. Neill says, how about one more gig? We spend another chaotic year "going for it". From the Grand (the best gig we will ever do) to the second night at the Borderline (the worst). A week in Lincolnshire recording. This time it was fun, this time we were good. Ask any of the Bible and they'll say Buzz Aldrin was the finest thing we did. Maybe this time? Of course we blew it, the wrong single, video nonsense, the old arguments... but this time I can remember.

"Five years later, Mr.Warner and his brother have said it's OK for you to hear this. It's a bit of a mess but then so was the first one. It has to be called Dodo; we're not coming back."