Island Records

Island Records is a multinational record label owned by Universal Music Group. It was founded in 1959 by Chris Blackwell, Graeme Goodall, and Leslie Kong in Jamaica, and was eventually sold to PolyGram in 1989. Island and A&M Records, another label recently acquired by PolyGram, were both at the time the largest independent record labels in history, with Island having exerted a major influence on the progressive music scene in the United Kingdom in the early 1970s. Partially due to its significant legacy, Island remains one of UMG's pre-eminent record labels.
(Read more at Wikipedia).
== Links To Peel ==
“You have to remember that then there were no independent record labels worthy of the name, and people like Island and Virgin were seen as being pretty radical and out on a limb. Having mentioned Island Records, it was one of their acts ... Eddie & The Hot Rods … [who] were the first people to give me an indication that there was change in the air.”(John Peel recalls drab times in the mid-70s, Peeling Back The Years 4 (Transcript))
Island Records was an enduring presence over the decades of Peel’s shows, releasing records by influential session artists including Nick Drake, Bob Marley, Roxy Music, Slits and PJ Harvey, among many others. In 1997, a Top 20 Albums list compiled by the DJ for the Guardian included two LPs put out by the label: ‘I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight’ (1974) by Richard & Linda Thompson and ‘Different Class’ (1995) by Pulp. In 1999, he included six Island releases in his Peelenium selections covering a century of music.
Peel’s return to the UK in 1967 coincided with Island’s switch of focus away from importing Jamaican music for immigrants and mods to rock and the lucrative album market, following Chris Blackwell’s managerial tie-up with Spencer Davis Group, who recorded an early Top Gear session. Departing SDG member Muff Winwood helped Island rapidly build a roster of underground acts that included Traffic, the new band of brother (and fellow SDG graduate) Steve Winwood, who were Peel favourites and had a big hand in establishing the "pink label" as an emerging force. Guy Stevens, who had run the UK office of Sue Records after Island had gained UK distribution rights for the label and had built up its reputation among soul music fans through his work as a club DJ, became a producer for the label, playing a major role in Island's signing of Mott the Hoople, whom he also managed.
The diversity of Island’s artists seemed in tune with the DJ’s tastes across the Top Gear years. ranging from blues rock (Free, Spooky Tooth, Blodwyn Pig) to folk (Nick Drake, Fairport Convention, John Martyn), prog (King Crimson, Jethro Tull) and art rock (Kevin Ayers, Roxy Music, Sparks), despite Peel’s later complaints about the pre-punk era. Island also distributed early releases on the experimental Obscure label established in 1975 by former Roxy "non-musician" Brian Eno, including his proto-ambient 'Discreet Music' and LPs by Gavin Bryars and Penguin Cafe Orchestra, who were both played by JP.
Meanwhile, Blackwell returned to Jamaica to guide the international breakthrough of Bob Marley, who recorded two sessions in 1973 and set the stage for reggae to play a major role on Peel’s shows in the decades that followed, including Island releases by Jamaican stars (Lee Perry, Toots & The Maytals, Max Romeo, Burning Spear, Black Uhuru) and sessions for its UK artists (Aswad, Steel Pulse, Linton Kwesi Johnson).
Punk scenesters The Slits were huge Peel session favourites before signing for Island and releasing acclaimed debut album 'Cut' in 1979,At the end of 1979, Peel made 'Cut' his #3 LP of the year, behind only the Undertones and Specials debut albums. produced by UK reggae mainstay Dennis Bovell, who was also music director for LKJ. Later, at the Island Records Compass Point studio in Nassau, ace Jamaican rhythm section and production team Sly & Robbie worked with all-star musicians on records for major international acts including Grace Jones and former Peel session artist Joe Cocker.
In the aftermath of punk and the arrival of "new wave" artists such as B-52's, Island scored its first UK chart-topper with ‘Video Killed The Radio Star’ by Buggles. Subsequently, it distributed and funded the ZTT label of former Buggles man Trevor Horne, who produced huge hits for former Peel session band Frankie Goes To Hollywood (‘Relax’ etc). The DJ also took great pleasure in ZTT’s Art of Noise hookup with twangy guitar favourite Duane Eddy for an updated version of Peter Gunn. 
Elsewhere, the Mango subsidiary initially formed by Island to promote reggae in the US grew to encompass African and other world music artists played by both Peel and his friend and colleague Andy Kershaw. Another Island imprint given generous airtime by Peel was 4th & Broadway, which focused mainly on hip hop, leading to Festive Fifty recognition for Eric B. & Rakim and Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy. There was also a licensing deal with New York's "mutant disco" ZE label (Waitresses, Kid Creole & The Coconuts, Was (Not Was)).Peel is quoted as describing ZE as "the best independent record label in the world" in Melody Maker in 1980.
In 1994, Island released the 'Watusi' album of perennial Peel mainstays Wedding Present, earning numerous plays by the DJ and multiple Festive Fifty entries.
Not all Island artists became Peel favourites, with Emerson, Lake & Palmer, U2 and Tom Waits seemingly barred from his radio shows. As the label continued to evolve within a wider corporate structure, however, performers such as Pulp and PJ Harvey remained Peel session and Festive Fifty regulars into the new century.
== Festive Fifty ==
Festive Fifty entries during Peel's lifetime that were released by Island. List excludes session versions and tracks by Island artists on other labels or releases on group labels such as ZTT. According to The Festive Fifty by Mark Whitby (1st edition, 2005, pg195), Island had the 7th most Festive Fifty entries of any label in Peel's lifetime, with 36, in a list led by Rough Trade, with 94, as well as the 4th most entries by separate tracks, with 35, compared with 74 for leader Rough Trade.
thumb|300px|right|Island's only F50#1 topped the 1995 Festive Fifty and placed #12 in the all-time 2000 Festive Fifty.
*Nick Drake: 2000 Festive Fifty: Northern Sky #AT43
*Eddie And The Hot Rods: 1977 Festive Fifty: Beginning Of The End #57
*Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster: 2002 Festive Fifty: Celebrate Your Mother #46
*Free: 1976 Festive Fifty: All Right Now #6
*PJ Harvey: 1993 Festive Fifty: Rid Of Me #4 / 50ft Queenie #15 / Wang Dang Doodle #18 // 1995 Festive Fifty: Send His Love To Me #11 / Down By The Water #17 / To Bring You My Love #34 // 1996 Festive Fifty: That Was My Veil #17 / Taut #23 // 1998 Festive Fifty: Is This Desire? #50 // 2000 Festive Fifty: Good Fortune #2 / Big Exit #6 / The Mess We're In #18 / The Whores Hustle And The Hustlers Whore #24 // 2001 Festive Fifty: This Is Love #36
*Gregory Isaacs: 1982 Festive Fifty: Night Nurse #53
*Bob Marley: 1976 Festive Fifty: No Woman, No Cry #32 // 1977 Festive Fifty: Waiting In Vain #32
*Pulp: 1993 Festive Fifty: Lipgloss #46 // 1994 Festive Fifty: Do You Remember The First Time? #13 / Babies #23 // 1995 Festive Fifty: Common People #1 / I-Spy #8 / Mis-Shapes #12 / Disco 2000 #27 // 1998 Festive Fifty: This Is Hardcore #8 // 2000 Festive Fifty: Common People AT#12 // 2001 Festive Fifty: Sunrise #19 / Trees #29
*Richard & Linda Thompson: 1976 Festive Fifty: I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight #41
*Tricky: 1995 Festive Fifty: Black Steel #22
*U2: 1983 Festive Fifty: New Year's Day #41 
*Wedding Present: 1994 Festive Fifty: Swimming Pools, Movie Stars #15 / Click Click #30 / So Long Baby #37
== Sessions ==
(Island artists who recorded Peel sessions. List includes sessions when the artists were not on Island, but excludes artists signed to group labels such as ZTT. Please add more information if known.)
*Albion Country Band: (5 sessions, 1972-78)
*Amazulu: (2 sessions, 1982-83)
*Aswad: (2 sessions, 1976-78)
*Kevin Ayers: (5 sessions, 1970-76)
*Basement Five: (1 session, 1980)
*Blodwyn Pig: (2 sessions, 1969-74)
*Alan Bown: (2 sessions, 1967-68)
*Bronco: (2 sessions, 1971-73)
*John Cale: (1 session, 1975)
*Chieftains: (5 sessions, 1970-75)
*Joe Cocker: (3 sessions, 1968-69)
*Julian Cope: (3 sessions, 1983-91)
*Cranberries: (1 session, 1992)
*Spencer Davis Group: (1 session, 1967)
*Sandy Denny: (2 sessions, 1972-73)
*Dr. Strangely Strange: (1 session, 1970)
*Nick Drake: (1 session, 1969)
*Eddie And The Hot Rods: (3 sessions, 1977-79) 
*Brian Eno: (1 session, 1974)
*Fairport Convention: (12 sessions, 1967-74)
*Fotheringay: (1 session, 1970)
*Free: (4 sessions, 1968-70)
*Fripp & Eno: (1 session, 1973)
*PJ Harvey: (9 sessions, 1991-2004)
*Bryn Haworth: (3 sessions, 1974-1976)
*Heads Hands & Feet: (2 sessions, 1972)
*Mike Heron: (2 sessions, 1975-77)
*If: (1 session, 1972)
*Incredible String Band: (12 sessions, 1967-2000)
*Gregory Isaacs: (2 sessions, 1981-82)
*Jethro Tull: (3 sessions, 1968-69)
*Linton Kwesi Johnson: (2 sessions, 1979-81)
*King Crimson: (2 sessions, 1969)
*Andy Mackay: (1 session, 1974)
*Phil Manzanera: (1 session, 1977)
*Bob Marley & The Wailers: (2 sessions, 1973)
*John Martyn: (7 sessions, 1968-78)
*Mott The Hoople: (2 sessions, 1970-71)
*Nico: (2 sessions, 1971-74)
*Nirvana(2): (1 session, 1967)
*Orb: (6 sessions, 1989-2004)
*Patto: (1 session, 1973)
*Pulp: (4 sessions, 1981-2001)
*Jess Roden: (4 sessions, 1974-76)
*Roxy Music: (5 sessions, 1972-73)
*Scaffold: (1 session, 1968)
*Shriekback: (3 sessions, 1982-85)
*Spooky Tooth: (4 sessions, 1968)
*Slits: (3 sessions, 1977-81)
*Steel Pulse: (5 sessions, 1977-82)
*Cat Stevens: (1 session, 1967)
*Stereo MC's: (1 session, 1990)
*Sutherland Brothers Band: (1 session, 1972)
*Richard & Linda Thompson: (3 sessions, 1973-75)
*Traffic: (4 sessions, 1967-68)
*Triffids: (3 sessions, 1984-86)
*Ultravox: (1 session, 1977)
*Vinegar Joe: (1 session, 1972)
*Wedding Present: (13 sessions, 1986-2004)
*Stomu Yamashta: (1 session, 1974)
== Peelenium ==
*Peelenium 1973: Wailers: Duppy Conqueror
*Peelenium 1974: Richard & Linda Thompson: I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight
*Peelenium 1975: Burning Spear: Slavery Days
*Peelenium 1976: Upsetters: Croaking Lizard
*Peelenium 1977: Eddie & The Hot Rods: Do Anything You Wanna Do
*Peelenium 1995: Pulp: Sorted For E's & Whizz
== Compilations ==
(Plays by Peel of various artist (v/a) releases on Island, excluding those on group labels such as ZTT. Please add more more information if known. The DJ appears not to have played early Island budget samplers You Can All Join In (1968), Nice Enough to Eat (1969) and Bumpers (1970), which featured many artists played regularly on his show.)
	
	
(2xLP - El Pea)
*08 May 1971: Fairport Convention: Lord Marlborough 
(4xLP - Electric Muse: The Story Of Folk Into Rock) Transatlantic / Island FOLK 1001
*16 December 1975: Albion Country Band: Albion Sunrise 
*16 December 1975: Albion Morris: Upton Stick Dance
*16 December 1975: Fairport Convention: Poor Will And The Jolly Hangman
*16 December 1975: Young Tradition: Lyke-Wake Dirge
*16 December 1975: New Humblebums: Please Sing A Song For Us 
*17 December 1975: Richard Thompson: Nobody's Wedding 
*18 December 1975: John Renbourn: Waltz 
*29 December 1975: Albion Country Band: New St. George / La Rotta 
(LP - Intensified! Original Ska 1962-1966) 
*27 August 1979: Baba Brooks: Teenage Ska
*10 September 1979: Don Drummond & Drumbago: Stampede
*11 September 1979: Charms: Carry, Go, Bring, Come  
*17 September 1979: Skatalites: Independent Anniversary Ska 
*19 September 1979: Roland Alfonso: James Bond  
*09 October 1979: Shenley Duffus: Rukumbine  
*01 December 1999: Shenley Duffus: Rukumbine
(LP - More Intensified! Original Ska 1963-67 Vol. 2) 
*11 March 1980: Skatalites: Sucu-Sucu  
*11 March 1980: Skatalites: Dick Tracy  
*11 March 1980: Desmond Dekker (And The Four Aces): Mount Zion  
*11 March 1980: Soul Brothers: Marcus Junior  
*27 March 1980: Stranger Cole: Run Joe  
*29 March 1980 (BFBS): Vikings: Six And Seven Books Of Moses
*10 April 1980: Skatalites: Lucky Seven
(LP – Club Ska '67) 
*17 March 1980: Desmond Dekker 007
*18 March 1980: Justin Hines: Rub Up, Push Up
*19 March 1980: Soul Brothers: Lawless Street
*20 March 1980: Roland Alfonso: Phoenix City
(LP – Catch This Beat: The Rocksteady Years 1966-1968) 
*14 May 1980: Ethiopians: Trains To Glory
(LP - The Secret Policeman's Ball - The Music)
*23 June 1980: Pete Townshend & John Williams: Won't Get Fooled Again 
(LP - Sound D'Afrique) 
*01 November 1981 (BFBS): Kambou Clement: Dounougnan 
*16 November 1981: Eba Aka Jerome: Massoua Mo
(LP - Raiders Of The Lost Dub)
*27 December 1981 (BFBS): Wailing Souls: Well Of Souls
(LP - Sound D'Afrique II Soukous) 
*29 July 1982: Moussa Doumbia: Menebo Nden 
*02 September 1987: Moussa Doumbia: Menebo Nden 
*16 September 1987: Mensy: Ane Ya
*22 September 1987: Moussa Doumbia: Menebo Nden 
(LP - Go Go Crankin')
*15 April 1985: Trouble Funk: Let's Get Small 
*03 July 1997: Trouble Funk: Let's Get Small
*10 November 1998: Trouble Funk: Let's Get Small
(LP - Island Reggae Greats) 
*23 July 1985: Burning Spear: Door Peep
(LP - Good To Go - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) 
*14 July 1986: Trouble Funk: Good To Go
*01 November 1998 (BFBS): Trouble Funk: Still Smokin'
*04 November 1998: Hot, Cold Sweat: Meet Me At The Go Go
*08 November 1998 (BFBS): E.U.: E.U. Freeze
(7xLP - Pressure Drop - Island Celebrates 25 Years Of Jamaican Music) 
*03 January 1989: Vikings: Six And Seven Books Of Moses
*16 January 1989: Rulers: Copasetic
*24 January 1989: Roland Alphonso & The Soul Brothers: Phoenix City
*30 January 1989: Ken Boothe: Freedom Street
*31 January 1989: Baba Brooks: Teenage Ska
*01 February 1989: Stranger Cole: Run Joe
*06 February 1989: Tyrone Evans: Let Them Talk
*28 February 1989: Derrick Morgan: Tougher Than Tough (Rudie's Don't Fear)
(LP - Jah Shaka Presents Dub Masters Volume 1) 
*01 June 1989: Aswad: Mosman Skank
(3xCD - Arkology) 
*14 May 1997: Devon Irons: Vampire
*19 June 1997: Max Romeo: War In A Babylon
*22 July 1997: Max Romeo: One Step Forward
*19 August 1997: Heptones: Sufferer's Time
*27 August 1997: Meditations: Life is Not Easy
*03 September 1997: Heptones + Jah Lion: Mr. President
*24 September 1997: Lee Perry: Dreadlocks In Moonlight
(CD - Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels (Soundtrack From The Motion Picture)) 
*10 February 1999: E-Z Rollers: Walk This Land
== See Also ==
*01 July 1987: Peel is envious that (Island boss) Chris Blackwell and Richard Branson (of Virgin) each have a full set of hair, which he doesn't.
*Trojan: Despite its shift to target a rock audience in 1967, Island kept an interest in Jamaican music by holding an early stake in the UK ska and reggae label.
*Joe Boyd: The former UK Elektra boss was responsible for bringing many folk artists to Island, including Fairport Convention.
*Record Boxes: Pete Paphides: Selection from Peel's Record Collection of items related to Island artist Nick Drake.
*Record Collection: Q: First 100 LPs by artists beginning with Q in Peel's collection included 'Mainstream' by Quiet Sun, released by Island in 1975, leading to related video Q Is For Quiet Sun.
*Clash: 'London Calling' producer Guy Stevens was involved in the early years of Island in the UK, running its Sue label for soul/R&B and working with Mott The Hoople.
*Stiff Records: Island took a 50% stake in Stiff at the end of 1983, with Stiff boss Dave Robinson running both labels, although the tieup only lasted until 1985.
*Quintessence: First three albums on Island, introduced by Peel on 1970 concert show, but no sessions.
*Singles: Island releases from Bunch and Mike McGear feature in Peel's reviews of new 45s for Disc and Music Echo in 1971 and 1972.
*Sounds Playlist: Island releases from Free, Roxy Music, Richard & Linda Thompson and Bad Company feature in Peel's lists of current favourite LPs for Sounds from 1973 to 1975.
*Singles Reviews: Island releases from Spooky Tooth, Vinegar Joe, Roxy Music, Sutherland Brothers & Quiver, Zappow, Bob Dylan, Richard & Linda Thompson, Eno, Cat Stevens, Sparks, Owen Gray, Bryan Ferry, Andy Mackay, Bryn Haworth, Kevin Ayers, John Cale, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Traffic, Stonedelight, Survival Kit, Ronnie Lane, Speedy Keen, Pete Wingfield, Soul Makers, Betty Davis and Rudie Mowatt feature in Peel's reviews of new 45s for Sounds from 1973 to 1975.
*Peel's Record Box: Compilations
*International Times: Perfumed Garden Column
*Disc & Music Echo: Peel Columns
*Sounds
== Links ==
*Wikipedia
*Discogs
*Official site
*Keep On Running: 50 Years Of Island Records: BBC4 documentary, via YouTube
== References ==
Category:Record Labels
Category:Compilations