Crow released his debut 7", "Compulsion/Absent Friends" in 1981 on Cherry Red Records and an edited version later appeared on the 'Pillows and Prayers' compilation in 1982. Covered by Martin Gore of Depeche Mode in 1989, "Compulsion" reached a wider audience. This expanded reissue stretches the 7 inches to 12 inches and adds 3 unreleased bonus tracks recorded the same time as "Compulsion".