Interviews
Interview Part 1 (2007)
In the late 70's melodic power pop rockers the Records looked breifly set for major success, especially in America, but it all fell apart in a series of Spinal Tap-esque bad decisions. In the first part of a two part interview, drummer Will Birch chats to John Clarkson about his group's rise...
Interview Part 2 (2007)
...while in the second part he tells of its downfall
Related
Interviews
Interview
Kathryn Smith, the vocalist with Bristol indie pop/shoegazing group and former Sarah Records band Secret Shine, speaks to John Clarkson about her band's long career and its appearance on both the 'Under The Bridge' compilations.
Interview
Former Sugargliders vocalist and guitarist Josh Meadows talks to John Clarkson about his memories of Sarah Records, his new band Leaf Mosaic and 'The Branch Line', its contribution to the new 'Under The Bridge 2' compilation.
Interview
Writer Jane Duffus speaks to John Clarkson about her new book on Sarah Records, 'These Things Happen'.
Interview
Andrew Twambley interviews Easy Action Records owner Carlton Sandercock about his Marc Bolan fandom and his 'Elemental Child' project.
Interview
Papernut Cambridge frontman Ian Button speaks to John Clarkson about ‘When the Magic Went Wrong’, his new collection of short stories and album about a down-on-his-luck magician, which he has recorded under the moniker of Toni Tubna and the Stockholm Tuba Sect, and his work with Gare Du Nord Records.
Interview
Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Keiron Phelan talks to Kimberly Bright about his new Peace Signs album ‘Bubblegum Boogie’ and his work at Gare Du Nord Records.
Interview
John Clarkson speaks to Simon Williams, the owner of indie label Fierce Panda Records, about his new biography ‘1-2 Cut Your Hair’, on Croydon-based punks, Johnny Moped
Interview
Andrew Twambley talks to record producer Tom Newman about his work on Mike Oldfield's 'Tubular Bells', working as an in-house producer for Virgin Records, managing their Manor Studios and recording a song with The Great Train Robbers.
Interview
Rob Pursey from Talulah Gosh, Heavenly, The Catenary Wires and Swansea Sound, talks about his and Amelia Fletcher's new label Skep Wax, and its new compilation 'Under the Bridge' which features acts who were signed to the influential indie label Sarah Records as they are now.
Interview
John Clarkson speaks to Beth Arzy about her involvement with LA indiepop band Aberdeen with influential label Sarah Records, and her present bands The Luxembourg Signal and Jetstream Pony’s contributions to new Sarah-inspired compilation ‘Under the Bridge’.
Bathers
Interview
John Clarkson speaks to Chris Thomson, the frontman with the Scottish group the Bathers, about the reissue of their classic trilogy of '90's albums on the German label Marina Records, and 'Sirenesque', their forthcoming first album in twenty years.
Eugene Coyne
Interview
London-based singer-songwriter Eugene Coyne talks to John Clarkson about his fifth album and 'pop metal' record, which is the first of his records that he has written and recorded on the electric guitar.
Love
Interview
Anthony Strutt talks to Love guitarist Johnny Echols about his friendship with their front man, the late Arthur Lee; their relationship with Elektra Records and the making of their first three classic albums
Little Red
Interview
Owen Peters talks to Ian Mitchell from Oxford-based alt-folk trio Little Red about his band's three EPs to date and his label All Will Be Well Records
Blang Records
Interview with Joe Murphy and Jules Dakin
Owen Peters talks to Joe Murphy and Jules Dakin, the co-owners of London-based indie label Blang Records, about its recent tenth anniversary and 'Lucky Dip', a new celebratory compilation album which features acts from throughout its history
Chantal Acda
Interview
John Clarkson speaks to former Sleepingdog front woman and Dutch-born singer-songwriter Chantal Acda about her second solo album 'The Sparkle in Our Flaws', which is her first release on Glitterhouse Records
A Place to Bury Strangers
Interview
Anthony Strutt catches up with original and founder member, Oliver Ackermann from New York-based noise rockers A Place to Bury Strangers to talk about their just released fourth album, 'Transfixiation', and life for the band since leaving Mute Records
Bromide
Interview
John Clarkson chats to Simon Berridge , the front man with London-based indie trio Bromide, about his confessional new album, 'I Remember', and label, Scratchy Records
Shield Patterns
Interview
John Clarkson speaks to Richard Knox, the owner of Gizeh Records, about Shield Patterns, the electronic duo that he has formed with Manchester-based singer-songwriter Claire Brentnall; their debut album, 'Contour Lines', and his growing label
Broken Records
Interview
John Clarkson speaks to Jamie Sutherland, the singer with much acclaimed Edinburgh-based alternative rock seven-piece act Broken Records about their first album in four years, 'Weights and Pulleys', which they have released on their own label
Profiles
1943 - 2023
Steve Kinrade pays personal tribute to Geoff Davies, the manager of the legendary Liiverpudlian-based record shop and label Probe Records. who died in September.
Profile
Fiona Hutchings checks out Precious records’ four latest 10 inch classic BBC radio sessions. This time it’s The Soup Dragons on the turntable
Alan Horne After The Sound of Young Scotland 1
In the first part of a two-part feature on Alan Horne's career after the implosion of his influential record label Postcard Records, 'Big Gold Dream' director and 'Hungry Beat' co-author Grant McPhee looks at his short-lived follow-up label Swamplands.
Alan Horne After The Sound of Young Scotland 2
In the second part of his feature on the latter career of indie record label owner Alan Horne, Grant McPhee looks at his resurrection of Postcard Records twice, firstly in the early 1990s and again in 2021
Dreams to Fill the Vacuum
The Sounds of Sheffield 1978-1988
Proud Sheffielder Fiona Hutchings checks out the latest curated collection from Cherry Red Records promising plenty of punk and post punk gems, including twelve previously unreleased tracks.
Ork Records
Profile
Adrian Janes examines ‘Ork Records; New York, New York’, a well-produced double CD package which tells the story of influential 1970’s punk/new wave label Ork Records
Creation Records
Profile
Tony Gaughan finds essential new five CD box set 'Creation Artefact: The Dawn Of Creation Records 1983-85', which focuses on the early years of the seminal label
Ian Mitchell
Interview
Oxford music luminary Ian Mitchell has decided to set up a new kind of record label, All Will Be Well Records. Owen Peters meets him to find out all about it.
Michael Head
Profile
Megaphone Records re-issue the acclaimed 1997 masterpiece, 'The Magical World of the Strands', by Michael Head and the Strands. Keith How re-discovers its magic and 'The Olde World', an accompanying release of new recordings.
Mickey Jupp
Profile
Malcolm Carter reflects upon acclaimed English singer-songwriter Mickey Jupp, who has just had a CD box set, 'Kiss Me Quick, Squeeze Me Slow', that looks over his career released on Repertoire Records
Rocket Girl
Interview with Vinita Joshi
Mark Rowland talks to Vinita Joshi, the owner of Rocket Girl, which now has released over a hundred records, about her long-standing London-based label which she has run since 1997
Len Bright Combo
Profile
The Len Bright Combo were a short-lived garage/punk band fronted by Stiff Records' Wreckless Eric. Malcolm Carter examines both their albums, 'The Len Bright Combo' and 'Combo Time', which have recently been reissued by Fire Records
Alan McGee
Interview
Former Creation Records boss Alan McGee talks to Anthony Strutt about his new record company 359 Music, and why he has decided to start another label
Profile
Royal Trux
American alternative rock duo Royal Trux have been remembered for recording albums that were as eccentric as they were sometimes unlistenable. Andrew Carver reflects upon their first four albums which have just been reissued by Domino Records
Alligator Records
Interview with Bruce Iglauer Part 1
In the first part of a two part interview, Bruce Iglauer, the the president and founder of Alligator Records, the largest contemporary blues label in the world, talks to Lisa Torem about forming his label, which was first founded in 1971
Profile
Bubblegum Records
Tommy Gunnarsson examines new Glasgow-based indiepop label Bubblegum Records which was formed earlier this year, and the four EPs and one album that it has already released
Profile
Loops Magazine
Chris O' Toole looks at new bi-annual publication 'Loops Magazine', whivch is being published in a joint venture between Domino Records and publishers Faber
Profile
Safety Meeting Records
Anthony Strutt profiles New Haven, Connecticut-based label Safety Meeting Records and three of its latest releases by Crooked Hook, Quiet Life and the Mountain Movers
Profile
Laughing Apple/Biff Bang Pow
Anthony Strutt profiles the career of Alan McGee's 80's bands the Laughing Apple and Biff Bang Pow !, who have had singles recently re-released on Edition 59, the offshoot of German label Vollwert Records
Profile
Communications 1978-1992
'Communications 1978-1992' is a new four CD box set dedicated to Factory Records. Anthony Dhanendran examines Factory Records' massive influence and its history
Live
All Will Be Well Records
Jericho Tavern, Oxford, 13/11/2015
Owen Peters enjoys a showcase gig from new label All Will Be Well Records at the Jericho Tavern in Oxford, which featured six of their acts and included a remarkable performance from singer-songwriter Louise Petit
Toy
Banquet Records, Kingston, 7/1/2014
...and finds them equally on form at a show at Banquet Records in Kingston
Wilkommen Collective
Union Chapel, London, 12/6/2009
Despite main act the Leisure Society having their stage time drastically cut, Ben Howarth finds much to be impressed about at a showcase evening at which the rising Wilkommen Records presented all its current roster of acts at the beautiful Union Chapel venue in London
Anais Mitchell
Luminaire, London, 21/1/2009
Signed to Ani Difranco’s Righteous Babe Records, American singer-songwriter has been making an increasing impact in Britain. Guest reviewer Charles Howarth watches her play a emotive set to an entranced audience at the Luminaire in London
Operator Please
Pure Groove Records, London, 15/2/2008
At the tiny venue of Pure Groove Records, possibly north London's smallest record shop, Sarah Maybank is both impressed and scared by upbeat Australian teenage five piece Operator Please's professionalism and musical talent
Headlines
Dublin Castle, London, 30/1/2007
The Headlines are a new five piece band from Manchester. At a support date at the Fierce Panda and Pointy Records-sponsored Club Fandango at Dublin Castle in London, Olga Sladeckova finds their music radiating with energy
Kelp Records Showcase
Barrymore, Ottawa, 1/5/2004
Canadian label Kelp Records has just celebrated it tenth anniverary. At a gig to celebrate this at Barrymore's in Ottawa, Andrew Carver watches excellent performances from five of its best acts
Medium 21/Capes
100 Club, London, 27/3/2003
Recently signed to new major label Temptation records. Indie guitar band Medium 21 have just finished playing a major British tour. Olga Sladeckoba watches them and support band the Capes on its last night both play energetic sets
Six by Seven
Sheffield Leadmill, 23/11/2002
Despite recently being dropped by Mantra Records, shortly after releasing their critically acclaimed third album, 'The Way I Feel Today', Six by Seven have lost none of their passion.. Denzil Watson catches them in intense form at the Sheffield Leadmill
January
Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall
The New Acoustic Movement has a lot to answer for. Not only did people start taking it seriously, they actually started buying Alfie records. Is this what happened to Romo? You were all wearing Boots mascara and dancing to Ultravox five years ago ,you che
Albums
John Peel Sessions 14.10.95 and 16.06.96
In our Re: VIew section, in which we look back at records from the past, Dave Goodwin examines two Peel Sessions from 1995 and 1996 from Scottish indiepop trio Bis, which have just been released on 10" vinyl by Precious Recordings of London.
Saturday's Sons - Complete Recordings 1964-1966
In our Re:View section, in which our writers look back at records from the past, Malcolm Carter celebrates a brlliantly produced double CD package of 60's cult band The Sons Of Adam’s complete output.
A Better Life – Complete Creations 1984-1991
Tommy Gunnarsson reflects upon a new six-disc box set on Cherry Red which compiles together Creation Records boss Alan McGee’s recordings with his 80’s and 90’s band Biff Bang Pow!
Sorted
In our 'Re:View' column, in which we look back at records from the past. Dave Goodwin reflects on a new double CD compilation from early 80's Barnsley post-punk band Party Day
Giant Sand
Ramp
Adrian P examines Giant Sand’s much-cherished 1991 studio album once more, which Fire Records have rebooted once more with a renewed double-disc edition.
Hangman's Beautiful Daughters
Smashed Full of Wonder
In our 'Re:View'section, in which we look at albums and records from the past, Dixie Ernill reflects on an excellent new compilation of forgotten 80’s garage band Hangman’s Beautiful Daughters.
Television Personalities
Beautiful Despair
Erick Mertz examines 'Beautiful Despair', a 'lost' Television Personalities from 1990, which has finally come out on Fire Records.
Jelly Roll Morton
Complete Library of Congress Recordings
In the latest in our 'Re : View' series, in which our writers re-evaluate records from the past, Andrew Hare takes an academic look at the self-proclaimed founder of jazz Jelly Roll Morton's 'Complete Library of Congress Recordings' which was re-released as an 8 CD box set last year
Re : View-Various
Nuggets
Conceived and compiled by Elektra Records founder Jac Holzman together with Patti Smith guitarist Lenny Kaye in 1972, 'Nuggets' is the definitive compilation of 60s rock and pop underground music. Now re-released, Geraint Jones assesses it abiding impact
Re : View-Brilliant Corners
Fruit Machine
In the latest in our 'Re : View' series. in which writers re-examine records from the past, Dixie Ernill looks back nostalgically on Bristol indiepop band the Brilliant Corners' excellent 'Fruit Machine' mini-album
Re : View-V/A
Vancouver Complication
In the latest in our 'Re : View' series, in which our writers lookk back on albums of the past, Andrew Carver examines 'Vancouver Complication', a classic 1979 punk compilation, which has just been reissued on Sudden Death Records with extra tracks
Re : view-Killers
Hot Fuss
Released in June of this year, Las Vegas’ act the Killers debut album, ‘Hot Fuss’, has brought the band much acclaim and continues to sell well. Anthony Strutt explains why it is one of his records of the year
Re : view-Punishment of Luxury
Laughing Academy
In the latest in our 'Re : view' series in which our writers look back on records that they feel deserve a second evaluation, Dave Toynton examines 1970's punk band Punishment of Luxury's lost classic, 'The Laughing Academy'
Re : View-Dashboard Confessional
The Places You Have Come To Fear The Most
An odd encounter with a Vagrant records sampler plunged Jonjo McNeill into the beginning of a love affair with emo group Dashboard Confessional. He writes about the hold the band's second album 'The Places You Have Come To Fear The Most' has on him
Re : View-Tables
Shady Whims and Obstacles
In the latest in our 'Re : view' series in which our writers look back on records that they feel deserve a second evaluation, Tommy Gunnarsson examines Norwegian indiepop band the Tables' debut album, 'Shady Whims and Obstacles'
Re : view -Public Image Ltd
Metal Box
Notoriously difficult, Public Image Ltd's second album, 'Metal Box', was one of the most seminal records of the late 70's. Jon Rogers looks at its impact twenty five years on
Features
Vinyl Stories
Dave Goodwin in 'Vinyl Stories' dives headfirst into a debate about the cost of new records, via a detour on the number 52 bus
Vinyl Stories
In 'Vinyl Stories' Dave Goodwin chronicles the start of a beautiful friendship based on a love of vinyl records.
Vinyl Stories
In his ‘Vinyl Stories’ column Dave Goodwin chats to acclaimed close up magician and Las Vegas performer Roy Bond about the records that have shaped his life
Raging Pages
In her 'Raging Pages' book column, Lisa Torem examines Jay Bergen's new memoir 'Lennon, the Mobster and the Lawyer', which tells of his experiences representing John Lennon against Morris Levy, the Mafia-connected owner of Roulette Records, for the rights to his 1975 LP, Rock ‘n’ Roll’.
Envelope-Stretching Soul
In 'Bandcamp Explorer' Mark Rowland examines some of the best soul records available on Bandcamp.
Gringo Records
Bandcamp Explorer
In his new series 'Bandcamp Explorer' Mark Rowland goes orienteering through the Bandcamp wilderness to find its hidden gems and begins by profiling the latest releases of Nottingham label Gringo Records.
Grapevine Records
Vinyl Stories
Dave Goodwin and record collector Pete Smith share memories and essential tracks from Northern Soul imprint Grapevine Records.
1979
Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Fiona Hutchings in 'Ten Songs That Made Me Love...' takes us on a tour of the records that mean the most to her from 1979, the year of her birth.
Northern Soul
Vinyl Stories
In his regular 'Vinyl Stories' column Dave Goodwin investigates five Northern Soul compilation albums that have been reissued through Club Soul/Charly Records on vinyl.
Bruce Iglauer/Alligator Records
Raging Pages
In her 'Raging Pages' book column Chicago-based writer Lisa Torem finds ‘Bitten by the Blues’ about the Windy City label, Alligator Records, to be a compelling, frank and informative read.
The Most Dear Records of All Time
Vinyl Stories
In his regular 'Vinyl Stories' column Dave Goodwin discovers the most expensive records in the world.
Stiff Records
The Stiff Records Story
in her regular 'Raging Pages' book column Lisa Torem finds that Richard Balls' book ‘Be Stiff’, which is about the rise and fall of Stiff Records, imbues a classic, cultural relevance and that its heroes made an indelible mark on pop/punk music.
Stuart Avis
Vinyl Stories
Dave Goodwin in 'Vinyl Stories' talks to Stuart Avis, member of Brighton prog/electro collective Servants of Science, about his love of Sparks, their records and their associated memories.
Jeremy Thoms
Vinyl Stories
Dave Goodwin in his regular column 'Vinyl Stories' speaks to multi-musical man, Stereogram Records owner and Cathode Ray frontman Jeremy Thoms about his vinyl records.
Sam Phillips
Raging Pages
Sam Phillips, the late owner of Sun Records in Memphis, brought Elvis, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis to fame. Lisa Torem reflects on a new book that explains the back stories behind the man’s ingenuity.
Vinyl Stories
Planet Vinyl A Natural History Part 2
In last month's Vinyl Stories we took ourselves from the very start of the record to the point of vinyl's world domination. In part two of Dave Goodwin's journey into this rise of the vinyl record he examines the trends and fortunes of in-demand records with the help of an old friend called Jimmy
Fiona Hutchings
Vinyl Stories
In his regular 'Vinyl Stories' column Dave Goodwin talks to Pennyblackmusic writer Fiona Hutchings about her passion for Madness, Queen and Mark Morriss whose records are amongst her favourite albums
Cambrian Records
Under the Radar
In the second in his new column 'Under the Radar', in which he will examining the great but often under-rated, Keith How investigates Cambrian Records, the micro-label of Welsh guitarist Toby Hay
Anthony Strutt
Vinyl Stories
In 'Vinyl Stories' Dave Goodwin talks to Anthony Strutt, one of Pennyblackmusic's oldest writers, about his favourite vinyl records, which include LPs by the Doors, the Pretenders, the Smiths, the Cure and the Beatles
ECM Records
Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
in 'Ten Songs That Made Me Love...' Keith How reflects on some of his favourite tracks released by German ambient/jazz label ECM Records
Photography
John Lennon McCullagh
Photoscapes
Bill Gray photographs sixteen year old singer-songwriter John Lennon McCullagh, who was the first signing to ex-Creation Records boss Alan McGee's new label 359 Music