Asleep in the Back was originally released May of 2001. Elbow is a classic example of a band that managed to persevere until their big break finally came, as they had toiled for years under the name of Soft. When the band changed their name to Elbow and changed their sound, they recorded an entire album's worth of material that was eventually scrapped when they were dropped by Island Records.

Undaunted, the band was eventually signed to V2 Records and created this stellar debut, twelve tracks meshing classic, mellow Britpop with elements of prog-rock. The world was introduced to Guy Garvey's stunning vocal delivery and contemplative lyrics, with brothers Mark and Craig Potter on guitars and keyboards respectively, and a phenomenal rhythm section of Peter Turner and Richard Jupp on bass and drums.

Elbow uses a near subtle approach in their music to bring their message to their audience. Stand-out tracks from the disc such as "Powder Blue", "Scattered Black and Whites", "Red" and the unbelievable "Newborn" are just a few songs from a debut that made the short-list for the Mercury Prize.

The reissue adds a bonus CD and a DVD to the mix. Disc 2 begins with four of five tracks from the legendary and near-impossible to find Noisebox EP. The tracks include "Powder Blue", "Red" and "Can't Stop", all three of which would later be re-recorded for Asleep in the Back, and "Theme for Munro Kelly". The next six tracks are from a live performance at the Astoria in 2001 with the first five, including a stunning performance of "Scattered Black and Whites", being songs from their debut. The sixth live song, "George Lassoes the Moon", was the fifth track from the Noisebox EP. The studio version of that song was not included on this reissue. The final three tracks were from an acoustic Steve Lamacq session recorded for Radio One.

The DVD features videos for the tracks from the original pressing of the album, plus the tracks from the second disc in just audio form. Considering Elbow finally began to receive proper audience appreciation to match the consistent critical acclaim they have received over the years when they released their fourth album The Seldom Seen Kid, it is a true gift for their fans to be treated to a reissue of their classic debut.