The peak of Madchester on a single album: on Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches, baggy grooves, house influences and Shaun Ryder's laconic lyrics finally lock into place. Producers Paul Oakenfold and Steve Osborne gave the Manchester band's third studio album a dancefloor sound that reconciled indie and acid house. Step On, their reworking of John Kongos' He's Gonna Step on You Again, became the biggest hit, followed by Kinky Afro and Loose Fit. The album was originally released in November 1990 via Factory Records and reached number 4 on the UK albums chart.

This edition is an LP on red vinyl, the 2026 edition.