RELEASES

The limited-edition CD features a 44-page booklet with sleeve notes by Thomas Brooman CBE who played drums with The Media, The Spics and The Sidneys before going on to co-found WOMAD and Real World Records with Peter Gabriel..

Said Richard Jones of Tangent Books: ‘I’ve known Mike Darby from Bristol Archive Records for many years and we both work in similar areas celebrating Bristol’s rich counter-culture, but this is the first time we’ve worked together. It’s a really exciting project bringing together John Spink’s photography and Gill Loats’ written memories with a CD and download. It’s a fantastic package that begins to make sense of the early years of the Bristol Sound.’

Bristol Boys Make More Noise: The Soundtrack 1974-1981

1. Magic Muscle: Free As A Bird
2. The Cortinas: Defiant Pose
3. The Spics: You And Me
4. Gardez Darkx: Bliss
5. The Radicals: Nights Of Passion
6. Talisman: Run Come Girl
7. The X-Certs: Queen And Country
8. The Media: New Blood
9. Joe Public: Yellow Runs Forever
10. The Spics: Angels In The Rain
11. Sneak Preview: Slugweird
12. The Various Artists: Unlucky In Love
13. The Various Artists: Time Of My Life
14. The Stingrays: Exceptions
15. The Untouchables: Keep On Walking
16. Wendy Partridge & Joanna Swan (The Spics): Fire
17. Shoes for Industry: Sheep Dog Trial Ina Babylon
18. C.C. Sager: Deathbed Lullaby
19. The Fabulous Ratbites From Hell: Sparkle
20. The Dragons: Best Of Both Worlds

Bonus Tracks:

21. The Vultures: She’ll Be Back
22. The Sidneys: Bleak Grey Skies

Compact Disc (CD)

Comes in a deluxe package with Gatefold sleeve and 44 page monster booklet with sleeve notes by Thomas Brooman CBE. 100 copies available from this website signed by Thomas and artists from the era. Sleeve designed by Sam Giles.

The Book – Bristol Boys make More Noise!

214 page book with photography by John Spink and words by Gill Loats. The book tells the story of the Bristol music scene 1974-1981 as recorded by Johns brilliant photos. Features

Bristol bands Magic Muscle, The Dragons, The Cortinas, Shoes For Industry, The Fabulous Ratbites From Hell and many more. Amazing pictures from Ashton Court Festival in 1977.

Plus rare unseen photos of out of town bands visiting Bristol Johnny Thunders with Steve Jones and Paul Cook (The Sex Pistols), Ian Dury, Elvis Costello and Big Youth. These 100 copies available from the website will be signed by Gill Loats and some of the artists from the era. Also includes digital download of the CD.

Bundle of The Book and the CD – Bristol Boys Make More Noise!

CD comes in a deluxe package with Gatefold sleeve and 44 page monster booklet with sleeve notes by Thomas Brooman CBE. 100 copies signed by Thomas and artists from the era and includes digital download. Plus the 214 page book with photography by John Spink and words by Gill Loats.

The book tells the story of the Bristol music scene 1974-1981 as recorded by Johns brilliant photos. Features Bristol bands Magic Muscle, The Dragons, The Cortinas, Shoes For Industry, The Fabulous Ratbites From Hell and many more.

Amazing pictures from Ashton Court Festival in 1977. Plus rare unseen photos of out of town bands visiting Bristol like Johnny Thunders with Steve Jones and Paul Cook (The Sex Pistols), Ian Dury, Elvis Costello and Big Youth. These 100 copies available from the website will be signed by Gill Loats and some of the artists from the era.

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1. GLAXO BABIES – WHO KILLED BRUCE LEE
2. EUROPEANS – EUROPEANS
3. THE LETTERS – NOBODY LOVES ME
4. X–CERTS – BLUE MOVIES
5. APARTMENT – THE CAR
6. PRIVATE DICKS – SHE SAID GO
7. GLAXO BABIES – CHRISTINE KEELER
8. ART OBJECTS – SHOWING OFF TO IMPRESS THE GIRLS
9. SOCIAL SECURITY – STELLAS GOTTA FELLA
10. ESSENTIAL BOP – CHRONICLE
11. APARTMENT – WINTER
12. JOE PUBLIC – HOTEL ROOMS
13. GLAXO BABIES – ITS IRRATIONAL
14. SNEAK PREVIEW – SLUGWIERD
15. DIRECTORS – WHAT YOU’VE GOT
16. PRIVATE DICKS – GREEN IS IN THE RED
17. DOUBLE VISION – MY DEAD MOTHER
18. VICE SQUAD – NOTHING
19. STINGRAYS – SOUND
20. STORMTROOPER – PRIDE BEFORE A FALL
21. FEAR OF DARKNESS – FEAR OF DARKNESS
22. GLAXO BABIES – SHAKE (THE FOUNDATIONS)
23. AFFAIRS OF THE HEART – WATERLOO SUNSET
24. ART OBJECTS – PAPERWEIGHT FLOOD

Duration: 78:10

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Alongside the better known Clifton bands, The Pop Group, Art Objects, Glaxo Babies, The Startled Insects and Rip Rig And Panic was Fishfood and its singer Andy Fairley who aptly enough was recruited, based mainly on appearance, in a Clifton pub. Like many great talents Andy burned brightly, but only for a short time, the nine tracks included here being the sum of his output recorded between 1980 and 1983.

The three Fish Food tracks are the earliest originally released in 1981 on the innovative “Bristol Recorder 2” compilation. The rest of the tracks are previously unreleased and date from three years later with Andy’s second band The Birth of Sharon. The music itself is experimental and avant garde, a mixture of influences from reggae to Captain Beefheart, from krautrock to industrial, from punk to funk, genuinely cutting edge; experimental there were no boundaries to their creativity.

This is a project born out of love for an artist that few have heard of. The album was compiled and the sleeve notes written by Howard Purse, who was Andy’s band mate in both bands. The sleeve design is a painting from local artist Jimmy Galvin who played guitar alongside Andy and Howard in The Birth of Sharon. Andy and his music touched them and thirty years later they wanted to expose it to a wider audience. Mike Darby and Bristol Archive Records are here for exactly this sort of project, genuinely original and creative music from Bristol’s past that has fallen through the cracks, blissfully ignored by the London centric music industry in the eighties it has finally found it’s spiritual home with us.

The music touched others, especially musicians, The Pop Groups Mark Stewart calls Andy his generation’s Chatterton, another great Bristolian talent lost at an early age, whilst Geoff Barrow chose Andy’s music for Portishead to use as pre gig warm up soundtrack. Andy’s music is still relevant today and now everyone can find out what the fuss is about and ponder over what might have been.

Andy Fairley’s “Fishfood vs. The Birth of Sharon” is released by Bristol Archive Records on 3rdFebruary 2014 available on Limited Edition Vinyl with screen printed jacket, CD and digital download.

Tracklisting:

Vinyl Tracklisting:
Side 1

1. The Art of Wanking
2. Volition
3. Now
4. Modern Dance Craze

Side 2

1. Sex Is A Language
2. Film Titles
3. Dry Ice Hot
4. Man Made It So
5. Seventeen Eels

CD Tracklisting:

1. The Art of Wanking
2. Volition
3. Now
4. Modern Dance Craze
5. Sex Is A Language
6. Film Titles
7. Dry Ice Hot
8. Man Made It So
9. Seventeen Eels

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BLACK ROOTS
‘The Reggae Singles Anthology’

Released 5th September 2011.

Double Vinyl LP – Limited Edition Pressing with
Insert plus Deluxe Edition CD/DVD and Download

Thirty years after they released their first four track EP Black Roots’ singles output is finally showcased on “Black Roots – The Reggae Singles Anthology”. Released on September 5th, by Bristol Archive Records in collaboration with Nubian Records this 16 track album spans the band’s creative peak of the 1980s.

Black Roots were Bristol’s leading exponents of reggae, constantly touring throughout the UK and Europe. They also managed to release a steady stream of LPs and singles mostly on their own Nubian label. Now for the first time the majority of those singles are brought together on a single CD and limited double vinyl LP.
The music includes all of their key early singles, their first EP in its entirety, the three track follow up, the original single mix of “The Frontline” from the BBC series of the same name and later releases such as their collaborations with the Mad Professor.

This release wouldn’t have been possible without the full support of the Band’s own label, Nubian Records, who have allowed us free reign of their archives, the result being a 16 page booklet to accompany the CD that is packed full of previously unpublished photos of the band, the limited double vinyl issue comes with a similarly illustrated LP size insert.

As if a 16 track selection of some of the finest UK reggae wasn’t enough the initial run of CDs have an added bonus, the first DVD issue of the impossible to find “Celebration”. A great live show from 1986, recorded at the Bristol Studio and previously only available on the original self financed video cassette issue. Taken directly from the video master this performance catches the band in fine form, joined by a horn section that includes the legendary Vin Gordon on Trombone the ten tracks are evenly split between their then pending “All Day All Night” album and their earlier more roots orientated material. Seeing them on stage 25 years ago really brings home how versatile the band were. Fortunately the original line-up of Black Roots reformed last year and with plenty of gigs in the pipeline everyone will be able to experience their live shows again.

As is usual Bristol Archive Records have paid meticulous attention to detail and, not only do you get a selection of great music, sleeve notes, a booklet packed with great photos, and a bonus live DVD, but we truly believe the music has never sounded so good on CD.

Track Listing

1. BRISTOL ROCK 4.15 (Bunny Marrett/Arranged by Black Roots) 1981
2. TRIBAL WAR 4.22 (Black Roots)1981
3. THE FATHER 3.30 (Black Roots)1981
4. THE SYSTEM 3.58 (Bunny Marrett/Arranged by Black Roots)1981
5. CHANTING FOR FREEDOM 8.45 (Black Roots)1981
6. CONFUSION 3.28 (Black Roots)1981
7. WHAT THEM A DO 5.57 (Black Roots)1981
8. THE FRONTLINE 3.43 (Black Roots)1984
9. MOVE ON 6.07 (Black Roots)1983
10. JUVENILE DELINQUENT 4.23 (Black Roots)1984
11. STRUGGLING 5.14 (Black Roots)1984
12. SEEING YOUR FACE 4.17 (Black Roots)1986
13. CONMAN 3.22 (Black Roots)1986
14. PIN IN THE OCEAN 6.38 (Black Roots)1987
15. SUZY WONG 4.57 (P. Ecclestone)1987
16. START AFRESH 5.55 (Black Roots)1988

ARTIST: BLACK ROOTS
TITLE: ‘The Reggae Singles Anthology’
FORMAT: Limited Edition Pressing Double Vinyl LP plus Deluxe edition CD/DVD and Download
LABEL: Bristol Archive Records
DISTRIBUTION: Shellshock
CAT NO: ARC218V and ARC219CD
RELEASE DATE: 5th September 2011
WEBSITE: www.bristolarchiverecords.com
CONTACT: Mike Darby, E: mike@bristolarchivercords.com T: 07885 498 402
PRESS CONTACT: Garry Hutchinson, E: garry.hutchinson@s-a-n.co.uk T: 01429280582

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The way the music sounds is no modern pastiche; Dehvan and Dennison have been playing together for 35 years and the classic roots sound comes naturally. Likewise, the social conscience they display in their song writing has always been part of the Talisman sound. They are the real deal and this is a reggae album with genuine heritage.

When it comes to getting the right sound, the choice of producer is everything. For this release Talisman have collaborated with Rootikal Productions David Hill, a man who fully understands reggae’s rich history as well as how to get the right sound from modern recordings. Collectively they have achieved one of the best roots reggae albums since its seventies heyday.

From the opening lines of “Greetings and Salutations”, it’s clear that you are in for a treat as the timeless sound of roots reggae bursts forth from the speakers and envelops the listener. Conscious lyrics underpinned by great music, is a winning combination.

With its call to arms, “Stand up and help yourself, stop hoping for things to change, stand up and help yourself”, “Help Yourself” is a call to arms in the anthemic tradition. Talisman haven’t given up the fight, they’ve just been regrouping and with this album they return to the struggle with a full frontal attack.

“Hey Yout” is dedicated to the next generation, those who need to take up the struggle, reminding them that previous generations have trodden the same path, but with patience and a positive attitude they can overcome “Babylon Pressure” and achieve a better future for their world.

“Season For Freeman” propelled along by the addition of some great playing from Matic Horns could almost be a lost gem from the seventies, if its catalogue of black martyrs didn’t include the recent losses of Stephen Lawrence, Trayvon Martin and Smiley Culture. The point that whatever progress society has made some things haven’t changed is subtle but well made.

The album takes an almost Nyahbinghi direction as we “Praise Jah”, an upbeat and joyous track that’s almost hymn like and makes one want to sing along.

“Things a Get Tough” has an almost sixties feel, reinforced by the repetition of the lines “rougher than rough, tougher than tough” lyrics that strongly recall the classic tunes of the rude boy era. Even if they’ve cleverly given a nod to the past the lyrics themselves are just as relevant to today where it’s more about the tough economic situation than which rude boy or singer is the toughest. Every track comes with its corresponding dub version, skilfully mixed by David Hill for Rootikal Productions and dub in the best sense, where each version stands on its own musical merits as a fully thought out track rather than being a mere afterthought. The sole exception is ‘Hey Yout’ which rather than a full dub workout gets reimagined as a classic sounding melodica version.

Side A

• Help Yourself
• Hey Yout’
• Things Ah Get Tough
• Greetings and Salutations

Side B

• Dub Yourself
• Hey Yout’ – melodica version
• Things A Dub
• Greetings and Dubutations

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This is the early eighties at it’s very best, whether it’s called Post-Punk, New Wave or whatever the historians are calling the age in which we evolved the music. These boys took all the best bits of the freedom that punk provided and turned it into something accessible, something you could dance to or at least tap your foot to without being accused of mediocrity.

This album is the journey (in no specific order) through the EG’s development to their break up shortly after the release of ‘Wolfman Tap’, a catchy smooth production which led some reviewers to tag the EG’s funk. It’s there, but it’s not alone, here is the diversity of sound that gave this era its reference.

So visualise while you listen, Matthew standing on his drum stool while delivering blows to a variety of misshapen objects. Novel then, much copied since. (Is that the drum stools irritating squeek at the end of ‘Interference’). Imagine or remember their pretty ridiculous outfits and hair in which termites could happily nest.

Dropouts from Bristol Polytechnic (or artists in pursuit or their dream) Neil Davenport (Vocals) and Richard Hall (Bass, Guitar, Vocals) together with Matthew Salt (Drums) paid rent for squat conditions in a shared house in Redland where they were joined by Dick Truscott (Keyboard, Guitar) and Andy Sanders (Guitar, Vocals) who had the sense to live elsewhere, Backing vocals were provided by Sarah and Wendy Partridge.

Here their first offerings to vinyl, ‘Dumb Words’,’ Le Camping’ and ‘Magic Surfaces’ were polished for the first Bristol Recorder, brainchild of Thomas Brooman CBE, he of Womad, among others.

‘Health’/ ’Continental Shelf’ was released as a single on Fried Egg Records and their second single ‘Work’, not written from experience, was a UK Indie chart hit on Recreational Records.

Signing to Stiff Records opened doors to Martin Rushents production, 7″, 12″ and EP delivered, covers designed by Peter Saville. They were the band most likely to!

Although never gaining mainstream fame, Electric Guitars deserve a chance to feature in modern playlists. Sandwich ‘Language Problems’ between Talking Heads and the B 52’s and you can’t go wrong. Play ‘Work’ at a Zumba class and watch them fall like flies!

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Format – CD plus Digital Download

For the past three years, Bristol Archive Records have shone the spotlight on the City’s musical legacy, particularly reggae. Last year we decided we’d turn the spotlight on the artists themselves and so in August, a who’s who of Bristol reggae artists gathered together for The Bristol Reggae Explosion Live. It was a unique chance to enjoy more than ten of the city’s finest veterans sharing the same stage, in some cases for the first time in two decades.

The show was a huge success with the whole crowd and all the artists going home with large grins on their faces, having enjoyed one of the best shows and some of the nicest vibes in years. By chance, young film makers from 8th Sense Media and the “Dubplate To Dubstep” Ujima Radio film project were in attendance to document the evening and although we hadn’t planned a commercial release, the show was such a great success we decided that perhaps we should share the footage.

With many of the artists coming from St. Paul’s and with most of them having been involved in past carnivals, it seemed obvious to turn this celebration of Bristol and St. Paul’s musical legacy performed by the elders and filmed by the youths into something that could benefit the community and the next generation of performers.

Knowing of the yearly struggle to raise funds for St. Paul’s Carnival, Bristol Archive Records will be releasing “The Bristol Reggae Explosion Live 2012” as a CD/DVD package on 3rd June 2013 with profits donated to The St. Paul’s Carnival.

Although technical issues mean that not every artist is represented, the DVD contains eleven performances from Lord John Hutchinson, Bunny Marrett, Dennis McCalla aka Dallas, Popsy Curious, Glen Crookes, Dan Ratchet, Jashwha Moses and the mighty Talisman, who also provide backing for the other acts.

The accompanying CD contains 17 studio recordings from the acts involved and as well as those featured on the DVD, we get to enjoy the talents of Winston Minott, Veronica Morrison aka Veereal, Vibes and Cool Runnings with several tracks previously unreleased.

A special mention must go to Michael Jenkins and Steve Street whose hard work on the video and soundtrack respectively, made this release possible and of course the young film makers who captured the evening.

Whether you were fortunate enough to be present on that August night, are a fan of the acts or the label, want to support St. Paul’s Carnival or are just curious, you are sure to enjoy this package.

CD Tracklisting:

1. Talisman – ‘Nitty Gritty’
2. Talisman – ‘Free Speech’
3. Lord John Hutchinson – ‘Little Eyes’
4. Cool Runnings – ‘Playhouse’
5. Bunny Marrett – ‘I’m Free’
6. Dennis McCalla aka Dallas – ‘Peacemaker’
7. Popsy Curious – ‘Chant Down Bobby Rome’
8. Veronica Morrison aka Veereal – ‘My Love’
9. Dan Ratchet – ‘Sweet Rosie’
10. Jashwha Moses – ‘Africa (Is Our Land)’
11. Talisman – ‘Nothing Change’
12. Talisman – ‘Dole Age’
13. Dennis McCalla aka Dallas – ‘Wake Up (Dub)’
14. Dan Ratchet – ‘Sweet Rosie (Dub)
15. Veronica Morrison aka Veereal – ‘My Love (Dub)’
16. Winston Minnott with Vibes – ‘Sell Out (Dub)’
17. Popsy Curious – ‘St.Pauls’

DVD Tracklisting:

1. Talisman – ‘Nitty Gritty’
2. Talisman – ‘Free Speech’
3. Lord John Hutchinson – ‘Little Eyes’
4. Bunny Marrett – ‘I’m Free’
5. Dennis McCalla aka Dallas – ‘Peacemaker’
6. Popsy Curious – ‘Chant Down Bobby Rome’
7. Glen Crookes – ‘Then Came You’
8. Dan Ratchet – ‘Sweet Rosie’
9. Jashwha Moses – ‘Africa (Is Our Land)’
10. Talisman – ‘Nothing Change’
11. Talisman – ‘Dole Age’

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30th Anniversary Rerelease RECORD STORE DAY SPECIAL with Unique Hand Made Screen Printed Sleeve (original sleeve included) Strictly Limited to 100 copies and Limited to 3 copies per person Released 20th April 2013.

With the release of the latest Black Roots album “On The Ground” and its dub counterpart “On The Ground In Dub” via our sister label Sugar Shack Records, Bristol Archive Records decided to do something special to celebrate the band’s return to the studio. What could be better than a very special reissue of Black Roots self-titled first album, released to coincide with its 30th anniversary and, as this will be a vinyl only release we thought we’d combine it with this year’s Record Store Day event.

“Black Roots” wa’The Bristol Reggae Explosion Live’ – Various Artistss originally released in 1983, by which time the band was established as one of the UK’s leading live acts with a strong repertoire of socially aware songs reflecting the issues of the day. When it came to their first album, they chose eight of their strongest tracks and assembled what was to become one of the classic British reggae albums of the decade.

Featuring the tracks; “The Father”, “Survival”, “Juvenile Delinquent”, “What Them ‘A Do”, “Opportunity”, “Tribal War”, “Africa” and “Move On”, the album covers themes of social alienation, deprivation, repatriation, Rastafari, violence within the black community and ends, with the tale of a failing relationship. Three decades later, many of the songs are just as relevant and provide the perfect complement to their latest recordings.

This new release will be strictly limited to 500 copies worldwide. 400 copies will be available for Record Store Day, 20th April 2013, at participating retailers and feature a facsimile of the original sleeve, whilst 100 copies will be available directly from Bristol Archive Records and very select retailers and feature a unique handmade screen printed sleeve as well as being individually numbered, a very special edition.

This is the first time this album has been available on vinyl for twenty five years and there is every likelihood that demand will outstrip supply so be sure to grab your copy.

www.nubianrecords.co.uk

Tracks:

1. The Father
2. Survival
3. Juvenile Delinquent
4. What Them A Do
5. Opportunity
6. Tribal War
7. Africa
8. Move On

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Released 15th April – Cat Number ARC264CD

Format – CD plus Digital Download

With decades of involvement in the Bristol music scene, Winston Minott and Popsy Curious are no strangers to Bristol Archive Records. Winston was the lead vocalist with Cool Runnings and can be heard on their self titled album as well as volumes 2 and 3 of our “Bristol Reggae Explosion” series. It is on volume 3 that you can also hear Popsy with his “Chant Down Bobby Rome”. It was after these recordings and after they had shared the stage as members of Black Flames that the two men decided they wanted to focus more on reggae and create their own sound, from which Vibes was born. After a few months, a chance conversation with the sister of local singer Veronica aka Veereal led to her recruitment and with the unusual mix of two men and one woman on vocal harmonies, the group’s sound fell into place.

Although they gigged both locally and further afield, Vibes were always focused on recording. With Veronica, Winston and Popsy all writing songs, they soon got down to work creating their own unique take on the reggae sound which they then practiced and polished before heading for the studio. Over the next three years they recorded several tracks but were always too busy to finish the mixes, moving on to the next song and with no record deal they just kept writing and recording. The band would split up almost by accident when, with Popsy on an extended visit to Jamaica, both Winston and Veronica found employment opportunities in London and plans for the band went from being on hold, to a permanent split.

Having already worked with all three, the Vibes members decided that Bristol Archive Records should be entrusted with their precious masters and so Mike Darby took possession of the multi track tapes. It took a while to find the right person for the job, but we really got lucky when we decided to ask Dave “Oldwah” Sandford to mix the tapes and create the finished album. Dave has been a reggae fan for more than forty years. He is also an accomplished musician with years of experience and although this is his first commercial project, his previous reggae mixes have already gained him a cult following.

As soon as we heard the first finished mix we knew we had the right man and so, after twenty years, Vibes album “Reminisce” is finally completed and in the words of Popsy “everything we wanted it to be”. The album contains 15 tracks including dub versions and as a bonus, we’ve thrown in some mixes from Bristol Archive’s resident mastering engineer Steve Street (Doug The Dub).

Vibes “Reminisce” is released on 15th April 2013 by Bristol Archive Records as a CD with a booklet detailing the band’s story and a digital download, available from all usual outlets and finally taking reggae in Vibes own unique direction.

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