Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds have released a remix of their track “Pretty Boy” by The Cure’s Robert Smith. The remix will be included in the deluxe limited-edition version of the band’s upcoming album Council Skies, set to be released on June 2 via Sour Mash.

Robert Smith, who is known for his work as the frontman of The Cure, was invited to remix “Pretty Boy” by Gallagher. In an interview with NME, Gallagher explained how the collaboration came about, stating that the track reminded him of the golden age of The Cure. “It was just one of those crazy ideas that one tends to have in the middle of the night, thinking, ‘I wonder if Robert Smith [would] get involved. I wonder if I can get hold of him.’”

Gallagher took the chance and reached out to Smith, who was happy to be involved. “I asked if he’d get involved and sent him the track and he loved it. He did the remix. And I loved it. I’d never met him before. I’d never conversed with him,” Gallagher said.

Smith spoke about the remix, stating that he was surprised and delighted to be asked to work on the track. “I had a lot of fun slowing it down and spacing it out,” he said. “Cure drummer Jason Cooper gave me a great vibey drum track to play along with – and the rest just phased into place under the starry sky of my distant moon.”

The remix of “Pretty Boy” has a slower, more atmospheric feel compared to the original version. Smith’s touch can be heard in the addition of subtle electronic elements and his trademark guitar sound. The track has a dreamy quality to it, which is complemented by Gallagher’s vocals.

In addition to Smith’s remix, the deluxe edition of Council Skies will include a BBC Radio 2 session version of “Live Forever” and a remix by Pet Shop Boys. The album will be available in triple vinyl and 2CD formats.

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds will also be embarking on a UK tour this summer, with dates starting in July and running until September. The band will be playing in cities including Manchester, London, and Edinburgh.

Council Skies is the fourth studio album from Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. The album was recorded during the COVID-19 lockdown and features a mix of new songs and reworked versions of older tracks. Gallagher has described the album as “a cohesive listening experience” that showcases his songwriting skills.

In an interview with The Guardian, Gallagher spoke about his creative process during lockdown. “I had to be very disciplined. Every day, I’d write from 10 till two. Then I’d stop and have lunch. And then I’d come back to it and work on the tracks,” he said.

Overall, Council Skies promises to be a standout album from Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. With the addition of Robert Smith’s remix of “Pretty Boy” and other bonus tracks, the deluxe edition is sure

Listen to the track :