Various Artists - Where Were You; Independent Music from Leeds 1978-1989

Where Were You? Independent Music from Leeds 1978–1989 is an expansive 3CD box set released by Cherry Red Records that meticulously documents the creative explosion within the West Yorkshire city’s underground scene. Spanning a decade of "DIY defiance," the collection features 68 tracks that bridge the gap between post-punk, goth, indie-pop, and early electronic music. It showcases the global impact of Leeds heavyweights like Soft Cell, The Sisters of Mercy, and Gang of Four alongside cult favorites such as The Wedding Present and Delta 5. Beyond the hits, the compilation is highly regarded for including rare, previously unissued recordings and extensive sleevenotes that illustrate how Leeds’ art colleges and independent labels fostered a uniquely gritty and experimental musical identity separate from the nearby hubs of Manchester or Sheffield.