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This is Ska. First appeared in Hoi Polloi! skazine #7, pgs. 74 & 75, November 2001.
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By plane, train, ship or UFO what it means to do Ska. |
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Rhythm and blues has always made keen observations about the human condition, and THE GENTS' track which opens the second side is no exception with its humorous look at a common urban problem. THE PURPLE HEARTS produce a decidedly radical musical warning that unbridled technology is leaving the human factor behind in favour of a "tower of babel". Two London bands follow, with THE NEW BREED taking a reggae-style format and THE OUTLETS on a more pop-orientated side. To wind up Unicorn's first compilation, we present THE RISK from the Channel Island of Guernsey who sing about Miss Norma Jean Baker and The Big Apple's best-known ska/big beat band THE TOASTERS whose cynical view of "scene unity" is ultimately very realistic. Backward looking? Revivalist? Not at all. Modernist means solid roots, an understanding and involvement with today, and an optimistic view of what is coming. Trendy? Disposable? We'll leave that to those more concerned with the inconstancies of fame, and concentrate our energies on the stability of time. Beyond tomorrow we have seen the future. . . . and it works! Cover: M38 (NGC 1912), an open galactic cluster in Auriga somewhat over 4000 light years from Earth. Sleeve: Mark Johnson Sleeve © 1987 Unicorn Records Made in the U.K. UNICORN RECORDS, P.O.BOX 554, London NW8 0JZ Distributed by NINE MILE and THE CARTEL A. B Sharp - Entertain Me Side A Side One: Unicorn Records GREEN BAIZE SKA-STERS POT HOT BLACK VINYL LP THE TOASTERS, the 11-piece New York outfit making such a ska-ful noise on the slate tables in the Big Apple, release their debut album this week on UNICORN RECORDS. Appropriately entitled POOL SHARK, the eleven tracks remain faithful to the beat that singer/songwriter Bucket brought over from London in his back pocket. In an ever-changing club scene, the band are at the tip of the cue of what the New York press are calling a "ska-vival", a resurgence of interest in ska/beat music which is spreading quickly up and down the American East Coast. All tracks here are later found on Moving Target US 1987, Moon Ska US 1994, Grover VOR-LP213 Germany 2000, Megalith Records US 2003, Phoenix City UK 2012, Black Butcher Germany 2013, Megalith/ JumpUp Records US 2016 issuance of the SKABOOM! debut via Portland, OR 12/27/08 Side 1 UK vinyl album record on Unicorn Records (PHZA-12) from 1987. Information & Booking runout A: Dance to the Beat... Side 1 1. Don't Worry, Be Happy (2:57) Compact Disc: Weserlabel (D) interepretation + bonus tracks 'No Respect' and 'Keen on Games' recorded at Ohrenschmaus-Studios previously on compilations. CD also includes hit single 'Don't Worry be Happy' their period Bobby McFerrin cover Songs appear on reissue by the band 2001 as a 2x CD compilation "Soul of Ska + Jungle Jubilee" digipak available only in Italy. Still together, they play electronica in the years since Unicorn ska. And then again 2007 on their own Royality imprint at left >> Where original track sequence is preserved? SIDE A 23 March 1989 Publishing: #3 United Balls Musikverlag GMBH, #10 Strumflut Muskiverlag First released 26 April 1989! Later on Unicorn CD as PHZCD-81 Side A SIDE A Publicity Statement / New Release Onesheet All songs written and produced by Laurel Aitken. Photo by Jean Bernard Sohiez. Sleeve Design by Mark Johnson ©1990 Unicorn Records B1. King Kong* 5.08 Musicians Produced by No Sports and Mark Dollar Management and Booking: Gerald Machner (RUDY), im Unteren Kienle 8-B studiotime at all costs, studiotime in spite of terror, studiotime how long and hard the road may be, because without studioime there is no record. No Sports supports the non-sportive movement. Send long stamped envelope or 2 IPRCs for free mail order catalogue. Scorching debut re-released Unicorn, then by Pork Pie in a 1993 CD compilation, adding their 4 song Unicorn 'Stay Rude, Stay Rebel' E.P. (PHZA64) and again in 2006 for the band's 20th anniversary celebrations. Label: Pork Pie EFA-CD-04093 Format: CD SIDE A 1. Recriminations (3:15) 1-4 produced by Joe Jackson, 5-16 produced by The Toasters Cover logo: Don Alan Distributed by the Cartel (UK), Danceteria (F), Recordex & Berus (NL), Good Stuff (I) and Caroline International. Released in Germany (all pink artwork) as Pork Pie Records 04231-6 SIDE A Was also released as PHZCD-57, four years later... SKA KILLERS LOOSE IN LONDON! The Toasters Frankenska CD Potato 5's live tracks released on Unicorn as Five Alive PHZCD/LP-73 Some discs silver; NO underbase (unlike this white example shown at right >) Reissued by Roger Lomas on DOJO LOMA 29 - This compilation ©1990 Unicorn Records later Backtolive+Catchthisbeat 04625-2 CD Pork Pie Germany issue 10/1995 2 Unicorn LPs (PHZA-48 & PHZA-53) combined on 1 CD Life began for the Potato 5 in 1983 as a Ska instrumental band in the Skatalites mold harkening back to the glory days of early Sixties Jamaica, but the Potato 5 really came of age when they teamed up on vocals first with Jamaican singer Floyd Lloyd and later on with the legendary Laurel Aitken. Vinyl proof of this is available in the shape of their 1986 debut album on the just-founded Gaz's Rockin' Records, Floyd Lloyd & The Potato 5 Meet Laurel Aitken /(LP GAZ -001), an album which has become a genuine classic with Ska fans around the world. The second album, True Fact (RACKIT MASH -001) saw the band experimenting with a fusion between Ska and hip hop an rap, and it stands out today as one of the most interesting Ska LPs of the Eighties. Spuds '89: barcode 5019695007411 dealer price £3.70 Other tracks on compilations: I didnt have a say in any decision in that band, it was all run by one man, the front man and singer that was actually the only one interested in ska and was also the composer of all songs in spite of his next to zero knowledge of music theory, very talented man. And he had a pub. That band was good fun, the bass had a very fat sound and was very much into funk and the guitar was pure punk-rock, so it was a bit of a high energy punk-ska-funk thing (although funk is on ones and ska is on twos), I played alto sax and there was also a trumpet and sometimes a trombone too. Oh man, thanks a million!! It doesn't sound bad either. Out November 16, 1990 - this kicks ass. & not to be confused with the later French band Les Liquidaters Skankin' Round The World Volume Five A1. The First Time 2:54 (L. Wateel/ Machtoc) - Machtoc (Dieppe France) rec'd 3/3-7/90 This compilation is dedicated to all the rude boys S.H.A.R.P. skinheads and mods whose support of the Ska scene keeps the river flowing. In times of drought there may be only a trickle but the clouds always bring the rain to refresh the stream. Compiled by: Stan Roche Cover art: Steve Friel Sleeve Design: Mark Johnson ©1990 Unicorn Records Made in England Distributed by APT & Jet Star (UK), Rude (D), Danceteria (F), Bertus (BENELUX) Good stuff and Contempo (I), RAS (USA), Multirock and Caroline International. UNICORN RECORDS 191 Seven Sisters Road Finsbury Park London N4 3NG Phone Fax: 071-281-2821 Send long SAE UK ONLY or two IPRC's for FREE mail order catalogue. 33 RPM PHZA-78 1. The First Time - Machtoc Label UNICORN PHZA-78 1. The Feeling's Alright LALP-4 ©1990 Unicorn Records / L.A. Records, 191 Seven Sisters Rd London Drums - Derrick Stewart (JA), Spec Ronnie (UK) Clive Tennors - Ride You Donkey side two see also Recorded at Studio Davout, Paris Cover by Steve Friel Photo by Tini 1
PHZA-1
The Chords No One is Listening Anymore (1986) *
An 11 track live document of the band, opening for The Vapors, at The Rainbow Theatre London 28 JUNE 1980 8pm. Gig was presented by MCP
L.P. contains an insert with a short history of the group.
Billy Hassett (lead vocals, rhythm guitar)
Chirs Pope (lead guitar, backing vocals)
Martin Mason (bass guitar, backing vocals)
Buddy Ascott (drums)
A1 Something's Missing
A2 Happy Families
A3 It's No Use
A4 Now It's Gone
A5 I'm Not Sure
A6 The British Way Of Life
All songs written by Chris Pope. All songs published by And Son Music Ltd, except 4 published by Singatune Music Ltd. Post-production by The Chords Wall of Sound. Mastered at Abbey Road, London
B1 So Far Away
B2 I'll Keep Holding On
B3 Tumbling Down
B4 Maybe Tomorrow
B5 Breaks My Heart / This Is What They Want
All songs written by Chris Pope, except 2. written by Hunter/Stevenson and 5B. written by Ascott/Hassett/Mason/Pope. All songs published by And Son Music Ltd, except 2. published by Jobete Music (UK) Ltd. Post-production by The Chords Wall of Sound. Mastered at Abbey Road, London
Cryptic messages etched in runout grooves are:
Side A: "Guitars Tuned By Beethoven" / Side B: "The Ghost Is Finally Laid To Rest"
Cover painting by Rick Adams. Sleeve Concept by The Stupid Drummer
Poster Photos & Collage by Bill Stirling at 'Stills'
PHZA-1. Sleeve © 1986 Unicorn Records Distributed by NINE MILE & THE CARTEL. UNICORN RECORDS, P.O.B. 554, London NW8 0JZ. This album dedicated to Billy and Joan.
PHZA-1 solid photoblue paper labels
A compact disc pressing of this later exists on Dojo UK
(DOJOCD178)
PHZA-2
The Risk Loud Shirts and Stripes
Debut studio album by Guernsey mods The Risk, released early '87
A1 Man Insane 4:11
A2 Jobs For The Boys 2:59
A3 It's So Strange (Lead Vox Colin Leach) 2:47
A4 Always (At The Back Of My Mind) 3:57
A5 Ambition 3:30
All songs written by LeGallez/ Leach. All songs Copyright Control
P & C Unicorn Records 1987
B1 Twilight Zone 5:34
B2 Last Train 2:55
B3 Picture Of You 4:58
B4 Oppression 1:55
B5 Whisky And Wine 3:25
All songs written by LeGallez/ Leach, except "Picture of You" written by LeGallez/ Guppy/ Leach
"Whiskey and Wine" LeGallez/ Leach/ Finnerty
All songs Copyright Control
P & C Unicorn Records 1987
Mark LeGallez (lead vocals, bass guitar)
Colin Leach (Lead vocal on "It's So Strange"; lead, rhytm & acoustic guitars)
Billy Finnerty (drums and harmonica; Celtic drones on "Twilight Zone")
All songs arranged by THE RISK
Recorded August 1986 at Mix Masters, San Diego California
Produced by Matt Camione (courtesy of THE TRACERS) and The Risky Boys
Engineered by Terry Cox
Sleeve: Mark Johnson
Logo: Colin Leach
Financial Crutch: Derek & Jackie of In The Crowd (could we have some more please?)
There are so many who helped. You know who you are. Thank You!
UNICORN RECORDS, P.O. Box 554. London NW8 0JZ
Distributed by NINE MILE & THE CARTEL
For further information, write: Tracy & Kim Churchill 22 Val Nord Estate St. Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands, United Kingdom. Sleeve ©1987 Unicorn Records. PHZA-2. rubber stamped MADE IN ENGLAND
runout groove A states 'For The Home Guard: Jackie & Derek, Kim & Tracey'
(The Risk think Rochester NY's Chesterfield Kings are "bloody marvellous!")
arrived 4/3/12 via Denver, CO
rec'd San Diego, CA 8/86*
PHZA-3
Various Artists Unicorn One: Beyond Tomorrow
From its solid foundation in the late 1950's and early 1960's, Modernist music has gone through various periods of high visibility but has successfully survived mercifully-short bouts of above-ground trendiness to prove its durability and timelessness. Made up of a staggeringly-wide variety of styles ranging from black American R&B, Tamla soul and Jamaican-originated ska through the garage and thrash influenced sounds of the late 1970's to today's musical synthesis. Modernism rejects all attempts to neatly define it thus making it somewhat mystifying to bothye the "professional" music establishment and its own supporters. Modernism can only be understood through its music and attitudes, and the first Unicorn compilation touches on some of the styles of this singular way of life.
Starting off with a rather strong World view, London's art-pop orientated THE TIMES employ multi-media themes from the Frank Summit trilogy in a confrontation between two leviathans with Europe the Ground Zero in their war of words. And across the water, CORPORATE HUMOUR from St. Louis combine the memory of Bobby Kennedy, tragically slain in 1968, with reflections on how the young become "pawns in this king's game". Then, since the ability to look at life with a wry grin makes it all worthwhile, we turn to THE LEOPARDS who affectionately send up their psychedelic compatriots. Personal relationships are explored by both THE PICTURES and STEPHEN'S RUIN, with the former delving into things which don't always work out as planned and the latter singing about being lonely without your loved one. The first side is brought to a fitting conclusion by the combination of the clever wordmanship of Jimmy Edwards and Keith West (writer of "My White Bicycle") and the rhythmic harmonies of SHARP.
1. The Times: Dada Europe (Ball)
2. Corporate Humour: America (Cook/Kennedy)
3. The Leopards: Psychedelic Boy (Pash)
4. The Pictures: Strange Thing (Mansbridge)
5. Stephen's Ruin: Somehwere Else (Theissen/Leech)
6. Sharp: Sunday Mood (Edwards/ West)
All songs copyright control except 2.KEPS Music (ASCAP), 3. Sneeky Peet Music (BMI) & 6. Complete Music Ltd.
The Times appear courtesy Art Pop records, The Leopards courtesy Voxx Records and Stephen's Ruin courtesy TM RECS.
P & C 1987 Unicorn Records 33 RPM
1. The Gents: Denaby Dogshit Blues (Burton)
2. Purple Hearts: Head On Collision Time (Stebbing/ Manton/ Sparks/ Shadbolt)
3. The New Breed: Wanted (Casey/Ageh/Skinner)
4. The Outlets: Go Go Girl (Byrne/Vitrano)
5. The Risk: Just Like Norma Jean (LeGallez/Leach)
6. The Toasters: Talk is Cheap (Hingley)
All songs copyright control except 1. Prism/Second Attempt Music. The Gents appear courtesy of Prism Records and The Toasters courtesy Moon RecordsP & C 1987 Unicorn Records 33 RPM
4/28/2011 via St. Louis MO
Compilation (Mar 1987)*
PHZA-4
The Key - The Golden Age (6 April 1987)*
Side 1:
The Key theme
Feeling special
Those days
Pretty sparkle
Singing a lullaby
Side 2:
Counting away my life
The Golden Age
Short changed
The boy in blue
A wonderful thing
1980s USA mods
12-PHZ-5
12"
Sharp were a mid-eighties English rock band, featuring former Jam members Bruce Foxton and Rick Buckler. (Weller was off doing Style Council at this point) They released this one single.
Entertain Me [3:23] (Edwards) Razor Music Ltd.
Produced by Rick Buckler and SHARP, mixed by George Chambers
P & C 1986 Unicorn Records
runout reads "LOOK SHARP"
Side B
1. So Say Hurrah (The Emperor's New Clothes) [3:56] (Edwards)
mixed by George Chambers
2. Next Generation [4:13] (Edwards) Razor Music Ltd.
mixed by Mike Spencer
Produced by Rick Buckler and SHARP
P & C 1986 Unicorn Records
runout reads "Dyslexia Lures K.O."
SHARP logo set in Letraset® Enviro
Rick Buckler - drums & percussion (Ex-Jam)
Jimmy Edwards - lead vox, guitars and keys (Ex-Time UK, Masterswitch)
Bruce Foxton - bass & vocals (Ex-Jam)
Cover painting: THE CIRCUS, 1891 by Georges-Pierre Seurat (1859-1891) The Louvre, Paris
Back photo by Rick Buckler
Bruce Foxton appears courtesy of Harvest Records
Recorded at Arkantide Studios
sleeve © 1986 Unicorn Records
P.O. Box 554 London NW8 0JZ - Distributed by Nine Mile & Cartel
Lyrics on back!
Was also available as "Entertain Me" / "So Say Hurrah" (7 in, Unicorn PHZ-5)
Letraset Enviro: This light-hearted, sans serif typeface evokes the style of the movie industry during the 1920s and '30s. Although some of the letterforms are mildly abstract, Enviro is legible and can be used for headlines where a different look is desired. Created by noted American graphic designer F. Scott Garland © 1982.
released 11/10/86
arrived 2/23/12 via Tacoma, WA
PHZA-5
The Toasters Pool Shark
Explosive 11 track debut L.P. from America's top Ska band. Includes "Talk is Cheap", "Matt Davis" & "Shocker"!
1. Pool Shark 3:42
2. Talk is Cheap 3:44
3. Renee 3:59
4. Shocker! 4:27
5. Toast On The Coast 2:02
All songs by Hingley except "Toast on the Coast" (The Crew)
Side Two:
1. Matt Davis 2:35
2. Weekend in L.A. 4:17
3. Now Or Never 3:11
4. Ideal Man 3:12
5. Naked City 3:05
6. So Long Buck 1:10
All songs by Hingley except "Now or Never" (Hingley/LaForge) and "So Long Buck" (The Crew)
The Crew:
Bucket Guitar & Vocals
Vicky Rose Vocals on "Naked City"
Brian Emrich Bass
Gary Eye Percussion
Jon McCain Drums
Danny Johnson Drums on "Shocker", "Matt Davis" & "Naked City"
Lionel Bernard Backing Vocals & Moves
Sean Dinsmore Backing Vocals & Moves
John Dugan Tenor Sax
Greg Grinnell Trumpet
Marcel Reginatto Alto Sax
Ann [Hellandsjo] Trombone
Special thanks: "The Pool Sharks": john, jason, george & fast eddie; Toshia at Blanches & the rest of the crew; Rob Fingerman; Stanley Turpentine; Mark Johnson; Rich Thomas; Jessica Ruskin; Tom Horowitz; Knuckles OHoulihan; and Gene Meredith for the hook-up. Beer-guts by Rolling Rock
Cover Illustration: Rush, Photography: Melton Junior, Back Logo: Don Alan
Sleeve ©1987 Unicorn Records
Recorded and Mixed at Microsound, N.Y.C., Engineered by Formosa
Produced by Bucket and the boys
(Many thanks to Mick Whitey Francis Conroy of MODERN ENGLISH for help on "Talk is Cheap")
Band information: Moon Records 295 E. 8Th Street, New York City 10009 (212) 460-8466
Notice to the Public: UNICORN RECORDS refuses to be held liable for any insults continued herein and wishes to disassociate itself from any unruly behaviour attributable to the artists or their cronies. MADE IN THE U.K. Unicorn Records P.O. Box 554 London NW8 0JZ. Distributed by Nine Mile / Cartel
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POB 554 LONDON NW8 0JZ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Last summer the successful New York Beat album (released in the U.K. as Skaville U.S.A.) highlighted the band against a backdrop of a dozen bands from the MOON RECORDS stable and paved the way for a U.S. album release through Celluloid on the MOVING TARGET label.
THE TOASTERS began as a five piece, releasing their first single "Brixton Beat", on MOON in late 1984, and as the band developed both in size and style, they attracted a large and boisterous crew as well as the attention of some music notables. Their acclaimed Recriminations mini-album (released in the U.K., this spring on UNICORN, cat. no PHZM-1) was produced by Joe Jackson under the non de tune of Stanley Turpentine and was in many ways a turning point for THE TOASTERS.
By last Christmas the band had expanded to its present 11 pieces including the "Unity Two" and the "East Side Horns", and started work on new songs which drew interest from several labels, including UNICORN which released "Naked City" on a four band EP (cat. no. PHZ-4). This was well received by the British music press who dubbed it "post 2-Tone ska". A further track, "Talk Is Cheap", has appeared on UNICORN's first international compilation, Beyond Tomorrow (cat. no. PHZA-3), which was released in March. THE TOASTERS are a wild and dynamic band exploring the ska/ beat spectrum, and certainly know in which pocket their balls belong!
Pool Shark is distributed by NINE MILE and THE CARTEL, catalogue number PHZA-5. For Further information: Mark on 01-405-0025
(dot-matrix print green xerox infosheet courtesy C. Leonard, 4/2015)
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For Unicorn's CD format, see PHZCD-55 compilation THE NAKED CITY
December 1986
PHZA-8
Les Elite - Pathways, 1978-1979 mini LP
Side A: 1. Check it out, 2. State 51, 3. Go Go Go, 4. Get a job
Side B: 1. Frustration, 2. Baby come on, 3. Career girl
This London/Durham based band has never released a record. They had only a track on the also superb compilation "499 2139" from 1979 and 3 tracks on a compilation called Beat Generation & The Angry Young Men from 1983
UK 1978-1979
released in Spring 1987
PHZA-9
Modest Proposal Single Minded*
A1 The Hardest Part (2:40)
A2 After You (2:18)
A3 Live Today (2:33)
A4 I've Seen Your Face Before (2:39)
A5 Nowhere At All (2:20)
A6 One Dimension Love (3:25)
B1 Nobody Says No (2:55)
B2 How I Feel (3:50)
B3 Laugh And Live (3:00)
B4 In Or Out (3:15)
B5 The Look In Your Eyes (2:48)
B6 My Own Interests (3:10)
USA Mods
21 July 87
PHZA-10
The Risk An Invitation to the Blues
2nd studio album by Guernsey mods, released 4th August 1987
Colin Leach: Lead, rhythm & acoustic guitars
Mark Le Gallez: Lead vocals, base [sic] guitar
SIDE A
1. Only Cry The Lonely* 3:11
2. Little Miss Fortune 3:23
3. Closing Time 2:16
4. The World Turned Blue* 3:34
5. Anastasia Schultz 3:04
6. Good Times 4:25
runout reads "the Risk are Go!" Damont
SIDE B
1. Love Is My Rock 3:51
2. Down And Out 4:04
3. Rumble At The Border 3:43
4. Carrie-Ann* 2:24
5. Norma Jean* 2:45
6. Work* 5:15
runout reads "from Guernsey with luv" Damont
©1987 The Sparta Florida Music Group. Unicorn Records.
This album is not a blues album well, not in the usual sense. But if you are the kind of person who listens to lyrics, then you will discover a light thread of melancholy running through many of these tracks. No, its not depressing, and we hope that you will enjoy the meanings and structures of the songs. For Those of you who don't know us, Colin and I are two fairly young songwriters who love both the songs and music of the Sixties and that vital spark which existed again in music between 1977 and 1980 a spark which now, sadly, seems to have disappeared underground. Voices crying in the wilderness maybe. But passion, soul and feeling cannot be destroyed and we hope this album holds some of each of these qualities if so we will continue to cry.
Mark Le Gallez, The Summer of '87
UNICORN RECORDS 11a Pratt Street, Camden Town LONDON NW1 0AE UK Distributed by NINE MILE and THE CARTEL. Made in the United Kingdom
Drums: Steve Le Huray
Drums (*): John De Garis
Horns: The Booze Brothers (Nic Cleveland - trumpet; Andy Coleman - tbone) Brass arrangements: The Booze Brothers
Sax on "Only Cry The Lonely" & "Work" : Hersh Rumble
All songs written and arranged by LeGallez / Leach. Recorded at Ocean Studios, Guernsey, Spring 1987. Engineered by Tim Brana and The Risky Boys. Back photos at Okie Dokie, Dusseldorf West Germany, 1 May 1987. Sleeve by Mark Johnson (c) 1987 UNICORN RECORDS
This album is dedicated to all friends and family, Jackie & Derek, Mark and everybody who helped especially to Uncle Steve and Bill. Thanks also to Tim (Mr. Drop-in), Monty (for his guitar), Nic (for his amp) and John for stickwork. Special thanks to John De Carteret at Nova Recordings, Vale, Guernsey for kind use of studio equipment. Also available on UNICORN: THE RISK'S debut LP Loud Shirt and Stripes (PHZA-2). Information: The Risky Boys, Old Trafford, Jerbourg Road, St. Martins, Guernsey CHANNEL ISLANDS (0481) 37773
In The Crowd / The Premiere Modernist Magazine. For details send SAE to I.T.C., "Goldhawk", 4 Rue di Pre, St. Peter Port, Guernsey CHANNEL ISLANDS
arrived here 3/28/12 via Blackpool, Lancashire UK
PHZA-11
Various Artists Unicorn 2: Modern Times
Compilation album from the eighties mod revival
The Risk Only Cry the Lonely (Guernsey UK)
The Threats The man with 1000 faces (Lincolnshire UK)
The Act What she said (Taranto Italy)
The Key The golden age (Los Angeles USA)
The Direct Hits The Ordinary Girl (London UK)
The Gents A Man One Day (Yorkshire UK)
Side 2
Sex Museum Sweet home (Madrid Spain)
The Reaction Surf riding (Bristol UK)
Baby Snakes Whisky Bar (Stockholm Sweden)
Sons of Jet Love is Real (Lincolnshire UK)
Raw Material Point me in the right direction (Leicester UK)
High Style London in the Mist (Tokyo, Japan)
Unicorn Two Modern Times rare mod LP Test Pressing! Cat no: PHZA-11
Ultra-rare 1987 test pressing, together with printers proof flat (folded) sleeve!
Mint condition unplayed!
Came with a Cartel / Nine Mile new release info sheet, plus Unicorn Records info sheet, which states:
All over the world, from London to Tokyo, people listen and dance to Modernist sounds, and Unicorns second international compilation explosres the globe even more broadly than Unicorn One
Beyond Tomorrow (PHZA-3). Here we have seven nations of Modernists represented: England, Guernsey, Italy, Japan, Spain, Sweden and the United States each with its own perspectives on the sounds of today
. Etc.
Unicorn Records was a Mod, Ska and Power-pop label with releases by Laurel Aitken & Skatalites, Deltones, Toasters, The Chords, etc. Heres a link to an article about their history, bands and discography: http://www.hpska.com/related/unicorn/unicorn.html
Label states: The Producers; Cat. No. PHZA 11 (2nd). Date: 22 June 1987. (Handwritten and rubber-stamped). So its possible this was a second test-pressing after the first had been rejected? Its probable that only a dozen or two test-pressings were ever made, few of which will survive today. Thats why you probably wont have seen one before! No reserve.
Start date: 2011-02-19 Start price: GBP 5
Endd date: 2011-03-01 End price: GBP 34
Compilation L.P. (6 July 87)*
PHZA-12
The Ambassadors - Somewhere To Hide
1. Who Cried Wolf
2. City Streets
3. Rag Doll
4. Somewhere to Hide
5. A Chest to Pin it On
Mod-Mod Revival-Powerpop-Psych-C86-Twee.
Personnel: Stuart Coward, Andrew Jones, Andrew Spooner
The five tracks are repeated on both sides!
Back cover states, get one side free!
1987, on obscure London Ska label Unicorn
PHZA-14
The Threads - As Yet Untitled... 12" E.P.
2 Nov 1987
Side One:
1. Hey Little Lady 4:27
(Recorded 2-8 JAN 87, remixed 24-25 JAN 87 at The Slaughterhouse, Driffield.)
2. Alison [Do Me Mix] 3:57
(Recorded 29-31 MAY 86 at The Slaughterhouse, Driffield.)
3. With Ourselves 2:03
(Recorded 2-8 JAN 87)
4. Teenage Dream 3:57
(Recorded 29-31 MAY 86, remixed 24-25 JAN 87)
Side Two:
5. Step Back [Sex Mix] 2:43
(Recorded 29-31 MAY 86, remixed 22 SEP 87 at Input, Sheffield
6. Joanna 2:58
(Original recording never finished, re-recorded 2-8 JAN 87)
7. She is a Stranger 4:53
(Recorded 2-8 JAN 87, remixed 24-25 JAN 87 at The Slaughterhouse)
8. The Man with 1000 Faces 4:28
(Recorded 16 MAY 87 at The Blue Room, Kensington London)
All songs written by Paul Keeley and Myk Bull and produced by The Threads except 2 & 5 produced by Ed Ball. Published by Prism Music except 8. P & C Unicorn Records 1987
The Threads are:
Paul Keeley: lead & rhythm guitars, vocals
Tim Mitchell-Smith: Bass guitar, vocals
Myk Bull: Piano, organ , vocals
With thanks to: - Tony Wheeler, Nick Foreman, Al Wood, Mark "Spud" Hancock, Guy Brader, Phil Halton, Colin Richardson & Scott Peters (engineering), Ed Ball & P.M.T. (production).
Unicorn Records 11a Pratt St, Camden Town LONDON NW1 0AE 01-485 1698
Made in the U.K. Distrubuted by NINE MILE/ CARTEL
33 RPM debut out late 1987
uses a bouncy sixties style typeface also found on Pama Recs paper 45 sleeves
arrived here 3/1/12 via Hitchin, Hertfordshire, UK
PHZA-15
Baby Snakes Impudent Reptiles 12" E.P.
8 Dec 1987
A five-piece of hip and raving young men from the chilly north, what could that be but the BABY SNAKES?! As they've been messing around the Stockholm club scene for some years now, they thought it was about time to make a real documentary of the SNAKE sound. People love putting labels on bands. BABY SNAKES have been called a soul band, a rhythm n' blues band and lately even a jazz band. But BABY SNAKES always shake these limited labels off by performing with their very own SNAKE sound. By making a carefully-selected blend of the music they love, they create a sound which is the secret behind why people love watching BABY SNAKES perform. And that's also the secret behind why we think you'll be pleased to own this record.
A
1. Snakes Theme (3:11)
2. It Wouldn't Have Lasted (2:43)
3. Eight Days in Khairo (3:24)
All songs written by Baby Snakes and produced by The Medicine Man at the Hut, Stockholm during some sunny days in October 1987 P&C Unicorn Records
B
1. Whiskey Bar (4:18)
2. Jazzica (2:52)
3. Land of Dreams (3:33)
All songs written by Baby Snakes and produced by The Medicine Man at the Hut, Stockholm during some sunny days in October 1987 P&C Unicorn Records
Magnus Englund
Nabydalsv. 16
18331 Taby
SWEDEN
Fredrick Ekander - Lead vocals
Jan "Pop Dartan" Vierth - Guitar
Frederik Forsman - Organ
Stefan Andersson - Bass Guitar
Ola Pihlgren - Drums
Session Musicians:
Trumpet - Jonas Wennstrom
Saxophone - Jocke Lundberg
Trombone - Johan Pajju
Percussion on "Jazzica" - Master Henry Gibson
Harmonica on #1 / Snake's Theme - Howlin' Frans Lugmair
Unicorn Records 11a Pratt St, Camden Town LONDON NW1 0AE 01-485 1698
Made in the U.K. Dist, by NINE MILE/ CARTEL
Sleeve notes: EPPE
Sleeve Design: Magnus & Lena, Grape Vine Prod.
Sleeve Execution: Tony Lawrence
Type used on logo= Jackson, 1970s
33 rpm
via Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 - March 2011
Eighties Swede pioneers
PHZA-16
?
PHZA-17
Various Artists - The Unsung Heroes LP/CD (1988/1994)
12 extremely rare and prized Mod singles of 1978-81
1. The Crooks - Modern Boys
2. Long Tall Shorty - Win or Lose
3. The Same - Movements
4. The Strangeways - All the Sounds of Fear
5. Squire - My Mind Goes Round in Circles
6. Back to Zero - Your Side of Heaven
7. Directions - Three Bands Tonight
8. The Circles - Billy
9. The Exits - Cheam
10. Sta-Prest - School Days
11. Small Hours - Business in Town
12. Speedball - No Survivors
PHZCD-17 © 1994. Made in England
15 Mar 1988
PHZA-18
The Toasters Recriminations E.P.
A1. Recriminations (3:15)
A2. Razor Cut (3:30)
All songs written by R. Hingley
B1. Run Rudy Run (4:11)
B2. Radiation Skank (2:06)
Track 1 written by P. Aggett
Track 2 written by R. Hingley
Produced by Joe Jackson
All songs © Breakfast Music
Made in England
©1988 Unicorn Records
At 7:30am on May 4th 1983, a tired New York band walked out after their first gig at the Lower East Sides notorious A7 Club with $30 and a black eye. Five years and a small stack of vinyl later the same group is widely touted as the spearhead of a major East Coast revival movement and boasts a huge cult following.
That band is the Toasters and the music is ska! As a five-piece in early 84, they launched their own label, Moon Records, which developed into the stable promoting the emergent NYC area ska groups, and later that year issued their first single. Since then they have signed on with Britains Unicorn and Ska Records labels and with Americas Celluloid. Their U.S. Skaboom album climbed to No. 54 in the CMJ college radio charts and backed up a runaway stateswide tour from Burlington, Vermont, to San Diego, California.
Meanwhile, on this side of the pond, the bands Pool Shark album was attracting considerable attention in Britain and Europe, with Underground in England calling The Toasters "more than capable of carrying on where The Specials left off", Scotlands Zoot seeing the band as "the best thing to come out of America since sliced bread", and Scene Plongeon saying various unmentionable things in French.
Currently as a powerhouse eight-piece The Toasters are throwing down material for their second album, welding influences from a wide spectrum of styles to the adrenalin-soaked dance party that IS The Toasters.
The Recriminations mini-album reflects The Toasters first real demos, instigated by their mentor Joe Jackson, who produced and mixed this session over the course of one weekend at Chelsea Sounds studio on New York Citys Times Square. It encapsulates The Toasters [sic] development as a guitar-based band before the inception of their monster horn section and the introduction of the Unity Twos flying feet fleshed out their sound. Released by Moon in the summer of 1985, Recriminations immediately provided a springboard for the Toasters to break out to the wider audience that is now skanking from coast to coast.
The Toasters Then: (1985)
Bucket Guitar & vocals
Steve Hex Keyboards
Gary Eye Percussion
Vicky Rose Bass
Danny Johnson Drums
Joe Jackson melodica on "Run Rudy Run"
The Toasters Now: (1988)
Bucket Guitar & vocals
Steve Hex Keyboards
Gary Gunnell Bass
Jonathan McCain Drums
Lionel Bernard Moves & chats
Sean Cavo Dinsmore Vocals & feet
John "Mad Dog" Dugan Saxophones
Ann Hellandsjo Trombone
Art by Bob Fingerman; Logo by Don Alan
Produced by Joe Jackson (aka Stanley Turpentine)
All songs arranged by The Toasters
Made in England. Dist. by THE CARTEL
UNICORN RECORDS 191 SEVEN SISTERS ROAD, FINSBURY PARK LONDON N4 3NG 01-281-2821
45 RPM
Sleeve © 1988 Unicorn Records
Licensed from Moon Records, Suite 2FE, 244 W. 16th Street, New York City 10011 United States - (212) 657-5089
Discography:
Autumn 84 Beat Up 7" (Moon)
Jul 85 Recriminations mini-LP (TOAST-6, Moon)
Aug 86 Hit & Run compilation (TOAST-10, Moon)
Dec 86 Naked City E.P. (PHZ-4m Unicorn)
Feb 87 Skaville U.S.A. compilation (SKAR-001, Ska)
Mar 87 Unicorn One compilation (PHZA-3, Unicorn)
May 87 Talk Is Cheap 7" (Toast-13, Moon)
May 87 Pool Shark LP (PHZA-5 Unicorn)
June 87 Skaboom LP (MT-11, Moving Target)
Oct 87 East Side Beat mini-LP (SKAT-1, Ska Records, Wales)
Apr 88 Licensed To Ska (SKANK-LP 102) "Shocker"
May 88 Recriminations mini-LP (PHZA-18, Unicorn) GREEN JACKET
May 88 Recriminations mini-LP (MR-005, Moon) BLACK JACKET
Jun 88 Skankin Round The World compilation (PHZA-21) "Thrill Me Up"
via Mesa AZ, 3/13/09
Green issue 12 APRIL 1988
Later as part of PHZCD-55.
Added to Skaboom! CD, Moon 1994 press, Megalith 2003,
Phoenix City UK 2012 press.
(Moon US LP issue is black)
PHZA-19
The Mondays! Fortune & Glory 12" E.P.
45 RPM
(Mods from Washington D.C.)
Tim Becker Drums [Acoustic], Vocals
Neal Sherman Electric Bass, Vocals
Bill Crandall Guitar, Vocals
Neil Augenstein Vocals
Steve Murphy Engineer, Producer
The Mondays! 1821 Newton St. NW Washington D.C. 20010 (202) 232-0431
Photography: Bill Crandall. Model: Elizabeth,
Distributed by THE CARTEL
Made in England
A1. Well Enough Alone (2:50)
A2. Long Time Ago (1:45)
All songs written by Augenstein
Produced by The Mondays! and Steve Murphy. Engineered by Steve Murphy Made in England (C) & (P) Unicorn Records
B1. The Call (2:40)
B2. Fortune and Glory (1:45)
Track 1 written by Augenstein
Track 2 written by The Generation and published by Ace Face Songs BMI
Produced by The Mondays! and Steve Murphy. Engineered by Steve Murphy Made in England (C) & (P) Unicorn Records
2c printed on the inside-out of the cardboard jacket; glossy inner sleeve.
runout groove A reads: "FAREWELL MODEST PROPOSAL...." LYN20520
via San Ysidro CA, 2/4/12
5 May 1988
PHZA-20
The Risk Back to the Future *
All rare n' unreleased compilation LP by Guernsey mods The Risk
1
I Dont Want To Know Your Name
Waiting At The Airport
Forget The Girl
Know The Truth
Dont Let Go
I Know A Girl
2
Nice People
Maxine
Whisky And Wine
Jobs For The Boys
Carrie-Ann
Good Times
12 May 1988
PHZA-21
PHZC-21Various Artists Skankin' Round The World
Unicorn L.P. / CASS / CD in UK
Skaloid LP 8002 in USA (1988)
SKA, Jamaica's first homegrown musical style, has spread from its roots in the shantytowns of the Caribbean to all corners of the globe. The United States, Germany, Spain, Holland, France, Italy and the UK (all represented on this album, all have expanding ska scenes - and even Japan boasts its crop of ska bands and rude boys. After the initial interest from Mods and then skinheads in Britain during the mid and late sixties, ska went underground until, in 1979, the Two-Tone label was set up and re-launched ska on an unsuspecting world. The style had changed, incorporating elements of punk, soul and rock but it still had the drivin' riddim and dance appeal of the original Jamaican creation. Another ten years on, and Ska is enjoying a worldwide boom. Two-tone has gone, and its been followed by a music becoming more diverse yet still owing its sound to Jamaica. Following the ska trail to seven countries, this album presents the most ambitious look yet at the ways today's bands interpret the classic Jamaican style. Listen, Enjoy and do the SKA !!! Andy Taylor
A
Baby Elephant Walk (H. Mancini) - Bad Manners 2:01
Dial 'M' for Murder (Hickson/Aberdeen/Aitken) - Potato Five 3:05
I Love to Dance (Wooley/Elli) - Skaos 3:08
Losin' My Mind (A. Visser) - Mr. Review 3:43
Steps in the Alley (Wesselkampf/Fuhlendorf) - Blue Chateau 3:40
Stay Where You Are - Deltones (Smith/Goldsmith) 3:03
B
Bangin' - (Ferranti/Vitale) Bim Skala Bim 2:40
Le Robot - (Loeb/ Cailleaux) Saxawhaman 2:43
Don Vito and The Revolt at the Madhouse (Kortatu) - Kortatu 1:54
Brand New Beat (Fragiacomo) - Spy Eye 2:54
Thrill Me Up (S. Cavo Dinsmore) - Toasters 3:03
Mister Brown (Zambrano / Campbell) - Donkey Show 3:43
This compilation ©1988 Unicorn Records
runout B: ...of the Jamaican Sound! LYN 20771
USA pressing (Skaloid 8002) is heavier weight vinyl,
sleeve notes are in black & the orange is duller - as is the USA CD traycard
UK press / Steve Friel sleeve/ orange label added 10/15/10
UK press / Graeme Fayers sleeve/ blue label added 3/2013
PHZCD-21
Various Artists Skankin' Round The World, The Int'l Ska Compilation CD
Skaloid CD 8002 in USA (1988) black/white/red Moving Target logo
Skaloid CD 8002 in USA (1988) black on silver Celluloid
Skaloid CD 8002 in USA (1988) black on silver Celluloid STEMRA
DOJO CD 175 UK (1990)
M.I.L. Multimedia Esperanto USA (1996)
M.I.L. Multimedia Esperanto USA (1997)
1. Baby Elephant Walk - Bad Manners 2:01 /recorded Mar 23 '88
2. Dial 'M' for Murder - Potato Five 3:05 /recorded Nov '87
3. I Love to Dance - Skaos 3:08 /recorded March '88
4. Losin' My Mind - Mr. Review 3:43 /recorded Dec '85
5. Steps in the Alley - Blue Chateau 3:40 /recorded Apr 7, '88
6. Stay Where You Are - Deltones 3:03 /recorded Jul '87
7. Bangin' - Bim Skala Bim 2:40 /recorded Jan '87 & Aug '88
8. Le Robot - Saxawhaman 2:43 /recorded Jan '88
9. Don Vito and The Revolt at the Madhouse - Kortatu 1:54 /recorded Nov '85
10. Brand New Beat - Spy Eye 2:54 /recorded Apr 28, '88
11. Thrill Me Up - Toasters 3:03 /recorded Apr 18, '88
12. Mister Brown - Donkey Show 3:43 /recorded Nov 20-21 '87
Moving Target Skaloid CD 8002 variant discovered 6/2012 by JWP
PHZA-22
The Second Generation Spy Catcher
Debut studio longplayer by Scottish Mods The 2nd Generation, released 8/88. Vocalist Rod Spark now runs Groove Tunnel Studio Edinburgh
A
1. Kick In The Teeth
2. Standard Life
3. Throw It All Away
4. Fate
5. Day Of The Triffids
B
6. You're All Mine
7. Spy-Catcher
8. Changing Faces
9. Thinking Of You
10. Pictures On My Wall
11. The Way You Were
12. Look Who's Coming
4 Aug 1988*
PHZA-23
Various Artists Unicorn 3: Into the Light
A collection album from the mod revival of the late eighties. Released fall 1988.
1
Purple Hearts Friends Again
The Dilemmas Fresh out of Nothing
Modest Proposal Do it for the Movement (USA)
Statuto Ghetto (Italy)
The 2nd Generation Standard life
The Boys Going out
2
The Risk Mad about you
The Presidents Men I spy you
The Direct Hits No one will
Skaos The Munsters
Crocodile Shop April Reigns
The Losers Maybe shes right
Compilation L.P.
6 October 88*
PHZA-24
Skaos Beware! 11 NOV 88
The 11 track debut record from southern Germany's top Ska funsters 1988 including "The Munsters", "Going Insane" & "I love to dance"
Later Released on Reciever as LOMA 29 UK
Going Insane
After Midnight
Destination Skaville
J.B.s Death
These Boys
The Munsters (MCA Music)
Side 2
I Love to Dance
The Invincible Seven
Jesse James
Prison
Frankensteins Party
!?
All songs GEMA/EMI Virgin Music. Written by Prince Elli, Mr. Mad Wolley and Skaos except track 6 written by Jack Marshall. Produced by Peter LaBonte. Engineered by Sven Von Strauch
Mr. Mad Wolley lead vocals and trombone
Prince Elli Guitar and backing vocals
Prof. Sex Peter Sax and backing Vocals
Konsti "Linus" Trumpet, percussion and backing vocals
Lloyd Schiffi Keyboards
Master Schussel Bass
"Beware" Sleeve Design by Wolley Winkler. Special thanks to Ruiada, Bollock, Gramme and Ede.
added 2/10/09
PHZA-25
The Risk Bitter Sweet
Third studio full-length L.P. by The Risk, released just before 1989.
1
State of the union
You are the one
Once bitten
Rain
Eyes of ice
2
Good together
Out of my head
This years model
Mad about you
Dancing with a stranger
ISSUED ON LIMITED QTY CD 4 MARCH 2013 ON DETOUR SUBLABEL
12/8/88*
PHZA-26
The Donkey Show Bali Island E.P.
Six tracks of mirth and mayhem from America's West Coast ska stars.
A
Bali Island (3:53)
Insomnia (3:19)
Jump To Dance (2:41)
All songs written by Zambrano & Campbell
except 2. Bird & Clift and 3. Campbell & Bates
B
Mr. Brown (3:38)
Mira Qué Sabé (2:34)
Feeling Nice (4:10)
All songs written by Zambrano & Campbell
except 2. Zambrano / Hillyard
RUDE ORIGINAL SKA & REGGAE
Kym Clift Lead Vocals
Ray Campbell Vocals
Dave Hillyard Tenor Saxophone
Stan "Bronco" Farwell Trombone
Kent Graves Drums
Robert Dominguez Percussion
Matt Parker Keyboards
Tom Zambrano Bass Guitar
Chris Bates Guitar
Recorded during 1988 in sunny, sub-tropical California. Information Service: The Donkey Show, 10403 Fort Rose Court, Whittier CA 090603 United StatesSleeve Front Mushroom Cloud Design Studio (Art Director: Scott Sorell; Illustrator: Bill Eaken)
Sleeve back Mark Johnson
©1989 Unicorn Records. Distributed by The Cartel (U.K.) & New Rose (France). Made in England. Send long SAE for catalogue.
The band is actually from San Diego. We all started there except for the bass player Tom, who was from Whittier. but within a year about half of us were in L.A. because of college. The trombone player went to Whittier College for school. so we spent a bunch of time in Whittier, but the band was originally all San Diego people. DS Hillyard, 3/10/09
Arrived 2/27/09
9 February 89
Later part of The Ska Parade's
A to Y anthology U.S. compact disc 10/1998
PHZA-27
The Busters Ruder Than Rude [17 JAN 89]
"A baker's dozen classic and modern Ska tracks with a kick! Pre-Moon Ska, this record was released in January 1989 and is to be the first record released one year after they formed. Comes with lyrics insert and also released on Bondage Records in France BL-016 with a different cover art, & Bobby McFerrin version as the intro track (on CD only). All time classic from the European revival of the late 80's!! Fun bouncey post 2-Tone ska that did not involve crunchy guitars! This is way before "punk ska" had taken off in the States thus these bands were still very true to the ska sound even though they were fast and manic! This is simply one of the best ska records to have come out of that European revival - songs like Rude Girl, Ruder Than Rude, Mickey Mouse In Moscow and Scooter Maniacs are all time greats! 13 tracks are winners!" WNUR D.J. Chuck Wren
SIDE ONE
Warship 2:34
Small Town 2:50
Rude Girl 3:55
Scooter Maniacs 2:48
Tribute To The Skatalites (Big Trombone) 5:17
Tom Ray 2:02
All songs written by M. Grittnir except 1. Traditional & 5. Skatalites
Produced by Weser Label, 2-4 & 6. Published by Sturmflut Musikverlag
Made in England. P 1989 Unicorn © 1989 Unicorn Records
SIDE TWO
Ruder Than Rude 3:23
Mickey Mouse In Moscow 3:21
Drinking In The Pub 2:27
Memories 4:39
In A Sentimental Mood 0:59
Their Game 3:22
Jamaica Stomp 2:02
All songs written by M. Grittnir and Published by Sturmflut Musikverlag
Produced by Weser Label
Made in England. P 1989 Unicorn Records © 1989 Unicorn
The band would like to thank and greet...
PHZCD-27
The Busters Ruder Than Rude, CD (1989)
I'm mean I'm bad I lie to you I never tell the truth
Includes 'Mickey Mouse in Moscow', 'Scooter Maniacs', 'Tribute to Skatalites', 'Jamaican Stomp'. The Berlin wall just fell, and so they sing about Perestroika.
2. Warship (2:37)
3. Small Town (2:55)
4. Rude Girl (3:58)
5. Scooter Maniacs (2:48)
6. Tribute To Skatalites (5:22)
7. Tom Ray (2:07)
8. Ruder Than Rude (3:25)
9. Mickey Mouse In Moscow (4:23)
10. Drinking In The Pubs (2:26)
11. Memories (4:44)
12. In A Sentimental Mood (0:56)
13. Their Game (3:25)
14. Jamaican Stomp (2:09)
15. No Respect (3:38)
16. Keen On Games (3:39)
cheap used Unicorn issue found locally via Clark's Green, PA 7/13/2017
PHZA-28
Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds Born Again
Unicorn Records matrix PHZA-28, Brand New Records matrix BN LP 001
Genre: Blues, Rock / Rhythm & Blues
A1 Into The Night
A2 Starting All Over Again
A3 Lonely Eyes
A4 One Night Stand
A5 Ain't Got No Money
A6 I'm Yours
B1 I've Been Born Again
B2 Living Ain't Easy Without You
B3 Never Too Old
B4 End Of The Line
B5 I Stayed Away Too Long
Originally released on Brand New Records and later stickered as a Unicorn release (but only on the sleeve)
PHZA-29
Napoleon Solo How to Steal the World
The five song debut by Danish soul/ skasters, recorded in October 1988 at Silent Music, London
A1 Wanna See My Baby
A2 I Don't Believe You
A3 Drive Me Wild
B1 Daddy
B2 Sweet Susie
All songs written by Jesper [except 3, Jesper/Marvin/Palitzsch].
Mixed by Buster Bloodvessel.
----
Jens Wennecke drums
Poul Siersbæk bass
Sonny Rasmussen lead guitar
Jesper Jørgensen - Rhythm guitar /vocals
Søren Christensen - Lead vocals
Jacob Palitzsch Hammond Organ
Michael Thieltoft Trumpet
Jack Rothe - Tenor and alto sax
Napoleon Solo is a Danish SKA/soul band which was formed in the summer of 1984 by eight youngsters living in Copenhagen. The name was chosen from a Ska album by LYNN TAIT AND THE JETS, and they didn't realize until later that it was also the name of the hero of the 60's American TV show The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Napoleon Solo's unique blend of 60's influenced soul, ska and R&B proved from the beginning to be a huge success with live audiences mostly because the emphasis has been on dance, dance, dance ! Napoleon Solo has built up a large and loyal following in Denmark and they have been voted "Band of the Month" at Copenhagen's leading rock venue. [later "Band of the Year"] This latter event leading to a contract with a major Danish concert agency as well as one of their live concerts being broadcast on Danish national radio. In addition to many continental concerts, Napoleon Solo are featuring on the December 1988 Blue Beat Explosion Tour headed up by Bad Manners.
Information Service: NAPOLEON SOLO, Tølløsevj 1, 2700 BRH Copenhagen DENMARK Tel. 01-28 27 01
Napoleon Solos sole U.K. representatives are Cardboard Box Promotions, 33 Anson Street, Rugeley STAFFS WS15 2BA
33 1/3 RPM ...the first songs on my first ipod, 2005
Out 15 Dec 1988
Denmark E.P.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
PHZA-30
The Braces Prime Cut
Ten pop-ska classics as sharp as a razor, "Prime Cut" PHZA-30.
Original UK pressing from 1989 comes with insert!
A
In Ska Mood
Julie, Julie
The Girls of Today
No Reason
B
Something Special
Guilty
Her smile means nothing
Riding West
The Letter
It's O.K.
Track 2,3,4 and 8 recorded Oct/ Nov 1987 at A-track studios Bochum.
Produced by The Braces. Engineered by Pete Steinbrink
Track 1, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 recorded Oct/Nov 1988 at the Grundfunk Studios Dusseldorf.
Produced by Ulli Swillens and the Braces. Engineered by Michael Grund
Julie, Julie and The Letter licensed from Link Records and Music Ltd. (SKANK: LICENSED TO SKA)
Sleeve design: Thomas Orths
Photography: Stefan Wieland
Jockel Uerschels guitar, lead vocal
Gregor Pottmeier keyboards
Zeb Pottmeier baritone & alto saxophones
Lars Dannenberg bass, vocals
Daniel Mauss drums, vocals
Martin Storkmann tenor sax, lead vocal
Bernhard Storkmann trumpet
Wolfgang Storkmann trombone on 2, 3, 4, 9
Christoph Wiesner trumpet on 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Andreas Wernsing trombone on 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10
Thomas Orths violin, vocals 1, 6, 7, 8, 10
4150 KREFELD WEST GERMANY
via Twist & Shout Recs Tucson AZ, 3/8/08
*****
The thing with the Firefighter Helmet was not to be taken too seriously.
On our UK tour in '88 we all bought plastic firefighter helmets at a stop on the motorway. The next year or so we wore these helmets at the beginning of our shows. Until we left them at some place. We even had a press photo with the firefighter helmets.
The discussion over the album's title was heated. The majority didn't think it was a good idea to name the record after one of the songs, because it would have meant too much focus on one particular song.
That's why "Give Love A Chance" "Too True To Be Good" "Boys Don't Cry"
"In The Dark" etcetera were out of the question.
"Blue Flame" was a title that I liked. Just liked the sound of it, and the fact that there was Randy Crawford album with the same title. Yes, a strange sense of humor. The other guys liked "Blue Flame" ok, but wanted to add something more.
Our flirt with fire fighter helmets came in -- Joachim Uerschels, 3/1/11
****
Released 9 Mar 1989
PHZA-31
The Deltones Nana Choc Choc In Paris (1989)
Excellent ten track debut LP by London's (almost) all-girl band; of 10 members drummer Jeremy was lone male
Includes faves "Oddball Boy", "Saturday", "Scream Jean" & Big Trouble"
Recorded in Paris August 1988 and licensed from Boucherie Productions
Title translates as Tasty Birds in Paris
Later issued 1990 ROIR in U.S.A. +3 bonus tracks [b-sides of PHZ-34 & PHZ-41], now renamed "Oddball Boy" for cassette & L.P. (A-186 pictured right) USA cassette liner notes by Elena Oumano
-----------------------------------------
A
1. SCREAM JEAN (Hammond/Parsons/Fenn) 4:07
2. DON'T FALL IN LOVE (Penny Leyton) 3:37
3. SHOW OFF (Johns) 3:20
4. SATURDAY (The Marvels) 2:45
5. IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME...HELEN (Parsons) 3:10
Publishing 4: Copyright Control
Recordings licensed from Boucherie Productions Paris
P & C 1989 Unicorn Records Made in England
B
1. BIG TROUBLE (Johns) 4:11
2. MAKE ME SMILE (Leyton/McGuinness) 3:27
3. EVERYTIME (Risner) 3:53
4. ODDBALL BOY (Liggett) 3:45
5. STAY WHERE YOU ARE (Smith/Goldsmith) 3:27
Publishing 5: Burlington Music Ltd.
Recordings licensed from Boucherie Productions Paris
P & C 1989 Unicorn Records Made in England
Dill - Vocals
Amanda - Vocals
Verona - Vocals
Jeremy - Drums
Angela - Bass
Julie - Keyboards
Serena - Guitar
Penny Leyton - Trumpet
Nicky - Alto Saxophone
Anna - Tenor saxophone
Paula - Additional Bass
Dedicated to Lillie, Sam, Lauren, Darian & Jemima & Lambert
Recorded in Paris, August 1988. Produced by Dider Le Marchand
Assistant Producer: Petros Drossor. Design: Ug
Deltones Fanclub and Management:
RPM PROMOTIONS, 141 Railton Road, Herne Hill, LONDON SE24 0LT UK
Thanks to: Philippe Renaud, Gilly Johns, Anna Bianchi, Karen James, Sara McGuiness, Frances Gant, Michelle Chowrimoto, Jacqui Callis, Jackie Freman, Debsey Wykes. Nicky Lunn-Rockliffe, Paul Hickson (Potato 5), Roger Greatorex, everyone at Crockwells, Justin Semmens, Gena Dry, Stella Mantzos, and everyone who looked after us in France.
©1989 Unicorn Records. Distributed by THE CARTEL (U.K.) and NEW ROSE (France) Made in England.
Unicorn Records 191 Seven Sisters Road, London N4 3NG
LP arrived here 11/5/08 via Adobe Systems, CA
+ another moldy one via Gillingham, West Midlands UK, 3/17/12
PHZCD-31
The Deltones Nana Choc Choc In Paris (CD)
Penny Leyton left 2Tone's Bodysnatchers to form The Belle Stars but was later replaced by Clare Hirst (saxophone and keyboards). She played keyboards and trumpet. Though recorded in 1988, this is still considered by some to be a classic 2Tone album. Licensed from Boucherie Productions Paris
1. Scream Jean
2. Don't Fall in Love
3. Show Off
4. Saturday
5. It's Been a Long Time...Helen
6. Big Trouble
7. Make Me Smile
8. Everytime
9. Oddball Boy
10. Stay Where You Are **
11. Lemon Squeezy (b-side of PHZ-34, CD only)
BIG GIRL RECORDS CD ISSUE's JEWELBOX / DISC / TRAYCARD
** 7in Island 1965 WI 169 UK, 7in Treasure Isle
A1 Cow In A Pasture - Stranger Cole With Owen & Leon
B1 Stay Where You Are - Gloria & The Dreamlets
Notes: Duke Reid, Jamaica
compact disc digital audio 8/88
BIG GIRL RECORDS, LONDON
matrix BIGGEE-1
PHZA-32
Casino Royale Ten Golden Guns
"Brilliant ten track debut. Tight bond of Ska and soul licensed to thrill"
A1. Mr. Spock never met Mr. Space (3:43) Sept 88
A2. Never Let You Go [Blues Busters] (3:25) July 87
A3. Unemployed Investigator (4:03) April 88
A4. Soon Youll Be Gone [Blues Busters] 2:46 April 88
A5. Someone Says (5:05) April 88
B1. Bonnie & Clyde - Video Version (5:18) Sept 88
B2. Under The Boardwalk [Drifters] (2:56) April 88
B3. Bad Times (2:59) April 88
B4. Stand Up Terry! (2:45) Feb 88
B5. Casino Royale (3:30) April 88
**Recordings licensed from Vox Pop Records, Milan**
33 1/3 RPM. All tracks recorded between 7/87 - 9/88
Release Italy "Soul Of Ska" as VoxPop DN 02/88, red underline WHITE WAX
Some UK (Unicorn) variant pressings have the blue underline as yellow
Released Italy ©1991 on VoxPop Records 05 in lime green and red / black James Bond sleeve as "El Casino Royale - Rien Ne Va Plus"
Guiliano Palma V/G [goes on to G. Palma & BlueBeaters - boogaloo since '94]
Aliosha Bisceglia Vocals
Michelino Pauli Guitar
Antonio Marrone Bass guitar
Michele Danca Hammond organ
Ferdinando Masi Drums
Silvio Rovati Saxophone
Nicola Frisia Saxophone
Andrea Incerti Trumpet
Daniele Israel Trombone
Casino Royale Fun Club, c/o Marras, via Teodosio 82 20131 Milan, Italy
Many Thanks to: Pippo, Checco, Dedi, Loppi, Gianni and Paolo at Jingle Machine, Rino at Gamma Studio, Roberto, Marco, Gino, Omar, Orsola, Cicca, Chiara, Claudio BG, Pube, Charlie, Laura, Debora, Laura Mars, and Giacomo Spazio.
PRODUCED BY CASINO ROYALE
Sleeve by Loppi & Casino Royale. Photo by R. Taroni
©1989 Unicorn Records Made in England.
STOP APARTHEID
--------------------------Prodotto da Casino Royale
Registrato al Gamma Studio, Milano Aprile 1988
Mixato al Jingle Machine
Tecnico del suono: Paolo Lovat
Copertina: loppi e Casino Royale
Foto: Roberto Taroni (Eclat studio)
LP arrived 2/27/09
9 May 1989
Later avail on Vox Pop CD05 Vox Pop LP05, Italy 1991
Royality Recs CD, Italy 2007
PHZA-33
Various Artists Skankin' Round The World, Volume 2, LP
Zoot! was first written by die-hard Ska fans harkening back to the days of 2-Tone and the late Sixties and the early Seventies. But now The Ska has leapt from the pages of fanzines like Zoot! and from small pubs and clubs into a new era. Once again The Ska is taking One Step Beyond, and Ska fever has infected the world. Skankin' Round The World Vol. 1 (PHZA-21/PHZC-21/PHZCD-21) displayed a wealth of Ska talent from around the Globe, and Volume 2 is just as diverse. Kicking off with the killer track "You Make Me Wanna Laugh", San Diego's The Skeletones show the proper Ska spirit; get drunk and piss yourself laughing. The Deltones and Skaos are here again The Deltones as delectable as always, and Skaos with a brand new stomper. There's some older stuff here from The New Breed and Sweden's Baby Snakes, and plenty of previously unheard tracks too. Italy's Casino Royale have remixed their title track, and even Miss Moneypenny's a Rude girl now. Cardiff's Rude Boys, also known as the Moreno Mafia, pull out the stops with "Ska Fever (A Live Infection)", a track that's as catchy as a dose at a drunken orgy. The Busters warn us about the ways and wiles of women in their track "They Rule The World", a caution to us all. You still want more? Well there's Denmark's besuited Napoleon Solo mixing soul and Ska, and France's Les Frelons with a hot and steamy number called "Expresso". The Braces plum for romance with their cut "Gypsy in my Soul", a footloose and fancy free instrumental, and Australia's Just Kidding give this compilation three continents of Ska another nail in the coffins of all those who push bland factory Pop on us and a reason for Rude persons all over the world to celebrate and do The Ska! Tim "Bilko" Wells, Zoot! Skazine.
<<The type used for these notes is Zapf Elliptical BT>>
The Skeletones You make me wanna laugh /recorded July '88
Napoleon Solo I dont believe you /recorded Oct '88
Skaos Straight to your heart /recorded Feb 11-12 '89
The Braces Gypsy in my soul /recorded Jan 30-31 '89
The New Breed Wanted /prod by The Jam's Rick Buckler, Nov 10 '87
The Deltones Scream Jean /recorded August '88
SIDE B
Baby Snakes Whiskey Bar /recorded May '87
Just Kidding Watch the fires /recorded Aug '88
Les Frelons Expresso /recorded Jan 14 '89
The Busters They rule the world /recorded Jan '89
The Rude Boys Ska Fever /recorded Dec '88
Casino Royale Casino Royale /recorded April '88
This compilation ©1989 Unicorn Records, Made in England.
PHZCD-33
Various Artists Skankin' Round The World, Volume 2, CD
The Skeletones You make me wanna laugh (The Skeletones) 3:02
Napoleon Solo I dont believe you (Jesper) 2:53
Skaos Straight to your heart 3:15
The Braces Gypsy in my soul (G. Pottmeier) 3:23
The New Breed Wanted (Casey /Agen / Skinner) 3:25
The Deltones Scream Jean (Hammond / Parsons/ Fenn) 4:07
Baby Snakes Whiskey bar (Baby Snakes) 4:18
Just Kidding Watch the Fires (Mills) 3:32
Les Frelons Expresso (Les Frelons) 2:19
The Busters They rule the world (M. Grittner) 3:12
The Rude Boys Ska fever, a live infection (Moreno) 3:24
Casino Royale Casino Royale (Casino Royale) 3:30
Licensed from: #6 Boucherie Productions France, #10 Weserlabel Germany, 12 Vox Pop Records Italy
Our thanks again to Frederic Dornier, George Marshall & Rhona Leichmann, and also Tim Wells, Grogger (Steve Goodman), Gaz who is absent but not forgotten, and Simon & Steve in Oz who came through when it counted.
The Busters appear courtesy of WESERLABEL, Casino Royale appear courtesy of VOX-POP RECORDS, The Deltones Appear courtesy of BOUCHERIE PRODUCTIONS. Les Frelons appear courtesy of SQUALE RECORDS, and The Rude Boys appear courtesy of SKA RECORDS, Wales.
Later DOJO CD 176 in UK
PHZ-34
Deltones - Stay Where You Are 45 .... [see 7"s below]
PHZA-35
The Dilemmas And On The Conveyor Belt Tonight
Mini album from Eighties mod band, out on record spring '89
Side 1
Man or machine
Losin' ground
Don't walk away mad
Side 2
Fresh out of nothing
Everything caved in today
I am the law
11 Apr 89*
PHZA-36
Mr. Review Walkin' Down Brentford Road
Dutch skanksters' 12-track debut album with full colour sleeve and lyric insert.
Recorded at the Studio Sound Enterprise (SSE) in Amsterdam, NL.
Recording/mixing done by Andre Westland and Frans Hagenaars.
Grover Records Germany's 001 release 1993 (10th anniversary of the band)
Grover re-pressed 2002 (for that label's 10th anniversary)
Brentford Road in Kingston, JA renamed Studio One Boulevard spring 2004
1. The Feeling's Alright
2. Another Town
3. Chess
4. Buf Buf
5. Scars On Our Soul
6. Chasing
7. Ice & Snow
8. Complications of Life
9. Tarzan of The Eighties
10. Skampilation
11. Paradise By The Batmobile's Dashboard Light
12. Shifting Sand
13. Christine Keeler (live) = Grover CD only bonus cut
MR REVIEW ARE:
Dr. Rude - vocals
Arne Visser - guitar/ vocals
Henny Brouwer - keyboards
Roel Ording - drums
Nico Maruanaya - bass
Hans Hoffmann - saxophone
Remico Korporaal - saxophone
Julian Kok - trumpet
Henk Epskamp - Bass on "Another Town" & "Chasing"
Nanny Anderson & Inge Severijnsse - backing vox on "Scars on Our Soul"
via Clacton-On-Sea Essex, 2/2010
PHZ-37
Busters - Rude Girl 45 .... [see 7"s below]
12-PHZ-37
The Busters Rude Girl, 12"
So what is your game?
RUDE GIRL (3:55)
Recorded at Gronemeyer Studio, Rauenberg, September 1988 and produced by Weserlabel.
1. IS IT TRUE (4:07)
2. THEY RULE THE WORLD (3:12)
Recorded at Gronemeyer Studio, Rauenberg, January 1989 and produced by Weserlabel. All songs written by M. Grittnir
From the UNICORN album Ruder Than Rude (PHZA-27).
B-sides here were added to/taken from their second L.P. Couch Potatoes, + the Bobby McFerrin 12"
Three color sleeve art by Steve Friel, model: Sarah
*Unicorn sold a T-shirt of this artwork as well*
Big group photo of all 13 Busters appears on reverse;
Up your jacksie you slag!
Published by Sturmflut Musikverlag. 45 RPM © 5/18/1989 Unicorn Records
added 10/17/10
PHZA-38
Just Kidding Watch The Fires
Eight great Australian ska n' rocksteady tracks on low-priced debut L.P
Side 1:
All I wanna be (3:35)
Makin Time (3:37)
Why Must We Fight (3:41)
We Got Soul (3:39)
Side 2:
Watch the Fires (3:34)
Bite the bullet (3:17)
Shop window dummy (3:43)
I dont understand it (3:25)
Chris Mills Vocals, Guitar
Paul Dudig Backing Vocals
Bart Bee Backing Vocals
Steve Phillips Drums & Percussion
Dave Artmonas Saxophone (tracks 1,2,3)
Dave Palmer Trombone (tracks 1,4,5 & 7)
Warren Heading Trumpet (tracks 1,4,5 & 7)
Edward Sharp Trumpet (track 5)
John Glenn Trombone (tracks 6 & 8)
Mark Stopps Trumpet (tracks 6 & 8)
Sleeve artwork & design: Steve Phillips
Photograph: James Braund
All songs written by Chris Mills & arranged by Just Kidding.
Recorded September 1988 + March 1989 at Bartels Street Studio, Adelaide Australia
©1989 Unicorn Records. Made In England
JUST KIDDING 16 TRENNERY AV, INGLE FARM SOUTH AUSTRALIA 5098
Released in the UK on 6/8/89, Anti-aparthied Aussie ska from 1986-93.
Some sleeves feature slight differences in cover illustration
Membership in this band went on to form Idle Hands Collective in the 1990s, with recurring melody of "Why Must We Fight" into "Coffee and Cream", as featured on Moon Records Fall 1996 Skank Down Under collection.
*Purchased at Record Peddler's liquidation sale Queen W. Toronto ON 4/21/01
8 JUN 89
PHZ-39
The Boogie Brothers "She's the Boss", b-side "Boogaloo"
elusive 7" single
12-PHZ-40
The Legendary Laurel Aitken & his band The Pressure Tenants
Skinhead/ Everybody Ska, 12"
Six and one half minute recording of one of Laurel's most popular live songs + modern tech track, 2 mixes.
HIP TO THE HOP TWO SUPER MEGA-MIXES MUSIC IS UNITED
A
Everybody Ska (Mixbuster Mix) (5:30)
Everybody Ska (Dubble Mix) (2:43)
Recorded at F-2 Studios, Mt Pleasant March-April 1989; remixed 13 May 1989 by Laurel Aitken & Mixbusters. Published by Sunbeam Music
B
Skinhead (6:23)
Recorded at Slamm Jam, Leicester on 12 & 26 April 1989. Published by Sunbeam Music
Songs composed and arranged by Laurel Aitken. "Everybody Ska" megamixed by Laurel Aitken & Mixbusters
The Pressure Tenants are
David Anderson drums
Clem Dublin guitar
John Southgate bass
Stan Samuels keyboards, guitar
Tony Robinson trumpet
Glen Adcock tenor saxophone
Sleeve design & artwork: Steve Friel
Photo: The General
45 RPM ©1989 Unicorn Records
out 27 June 1989
There is also a 7" of this, PHZ-40, misspelled 'Laurel Aitkin'
later on GRO-CD/LP-064, 2002
12-PHZ-41
The Deltones Make Me Smile 12"
Side A
MAKE ME SMILE 3:27 (Leyton/ McGuiness)
From the UNICORN album
NANA CHOC CHOC IN PARIS (PHZA-31)
Recorded in Paris
P & C 1989 Unicorn Records, Made In England
runout: LYN23289
Side B
1. PATRICIA HAMILTON 3:30 (Parsons/ Leyton)
2. RUNNING AROUND 2:20 (Owen Grey)
Recorded at Studio 227 Islington London UK 10-11 & 15 April 1989
P & C 1989 Unicorn Records, Made In England
runout: LYN23290
Released 6th June 1989
Title track appears on PHZ-31
The non-album coverversion 'Running Around' soon to appear on PHZA-52
(V/A : Skankin' Round The World #3)
The Deltones:
Dill, Fen, Jeremy, Anna, Serena, Penny, Julie, Angela, Nicky & Verona
Cover art: Penny Leyton, Distributed by The Cartel UK, New Rose (France), Rude (Germany). Made in England P & C 1989 Unicorn Records
via Gillingham, West Midlands 3/17/12
PHZ-41
[see 7"s below]
12-PHZ-42
The Risk - State of the Union 12"
3 song E.P. (July 1989)*
PHZA-43
Little Chief Loosen Up
Four tracks including excellent cover of Baba Brooks' "Teenage Ska" (you remember, that old sixties Jamaican composition which found itself in a Prudential Auto Insurance commercial in 1997)
1. Loosen Up (4:28)
2. Teenage Ska (2:46)
written by L. Dowling, 2. Baba Brooks
Recorded May 1988 at Chapel Studios, Lincolnshire, produced by Jock & Mike.
Mixed at Rooster Studios and engineered by Maurice & Matt
Side B - Live at the Astoria London, November 1987
1. Darkhouse (3:25)
2. Lose it (4:17)
Songs written by L. Dowling
Remixed March 1989 at the Billiard Room, engineered by Carl
Little Chief are:
Andrew Whitehead (keyboards & vocals)
Sean Clough (drums),
Steve Arrano (trumpet),
Simon Pugsley (trombone & trumpet),
Sam Bell (percussion),
Paul Matthews (bass)
Henry Brook (lead guitar),
Lorry Dowling (rhythm guitar and lead vocal)
Many thanks to Mike Taylor, Tony Hinnigan, Nick Sykes, Andy Grover, David Hall, John Dowling, Marc and Jules, Tony W., Mike Harvey, Kev Charnley, Nick and DannyCathy, jane, Melly, Noddy, Saskia, Vanessa and our audiences who have made it all possible.
Sleeve design: Sam Bell and Colin French. Photo courtesy Beamish Museum Coal Trimmers (1885).
45 RPM ©1989 Unicorn Records Made in England
Info & merchandise: Little Chief, 69-A Victoria Road, Leeds
Yorkshire ENGLAND LS6 1AS Phone: 0532-757-994
Bookings Allied Agency, 76 Tottenham Court Road. London W1P 9PA. Tel. 01-636-1174
FROM THE DESK OF MARK JOHNSON
______________
ARTISTS: Little Chief
TITLE: Loosen Up
LABEL: Unicorn PHZA-43
Four-track reggae and ska mini-album distributed by The Cartel (UK), New Rose (France) and Rude (Germany)
RELEASE DATE: Tuesday, 8 August 1989
LEEDS-based reggae and ska band Little Chief have scheduled the release of their summertime reggae classic "Loosen Up" as part of a four-song mini-album which also includes a rousing version of Baba Brooks' "Teenage Ska" plus two live tracks recorded at Leeds Astoria.
A hard-working 8-piece which has been together almost four years, Little Chief have a heavy concert schedule but still find time to be involved in projects like Channel 4's "Maggie's Children" documentary which they wrote the music for. Upcoming dates for Little Chief in August include LEEDS Duchess of York (11 AUG), BRISTOL Thekla (17) AMSTERDAM Milkweg (25) and HUDDERSFIELD Leisure Centre (28). More information from Mark on 01-281 2821
Booking: Allied Agency
via Hampstead, MD 3/2011
12" E.P., out 8 August '89
Variant exists as 12" E.P. on BIG BANG RECORD LABEL
matrix# LIP 1, 1989
PHZ-43
Little Chief Loosen Up 7"
Loosen Up (3.20)
(L. Dowling)
Published by Howlin' Music
(P) 1989 Unicorn Records
© 1989 Unicorn Records
Made in England
Leeds ska band featuring Julian Barrett, who went on to form THE MIGHTY BOOSH in the 1990s + Lorry Dowling who now fronts PEPPERJAM
via Frinton-on-Sea, UK 1/2013
Limited radio promo 7"
blank second side
PHZA-44
Various Artists Vive Le Ska
Excellent 12 track French Compilation LP including 11 tracks in English + lyrics insert.
Side A
1. Les Internés: Pushska (Les Internés) 3:15
2. Verska Vis: Go Out Anymore (Rouxel/ Verska Vis) 3:57
3. Carre Blanc pour Serie Noire: Jackson The Ripper (Carre Blanc) 3:20
4. Les Toons: Miss America (Loeb/Cailleaux) 2:50
5. Dr. No: A Frenchy In Brooklyn (Dr. No) 3:50
6. Pick It Up: Charlemagne (Pick It Up) 2:08
RUNOUT: PHZA-44A Ensemble Aimons - Le, Dansons-Le!
Side B
1. Les Frelons: C'est du Ska (Monster Version) (Les Frelons) 2:59
2. Machtoc: The Yeti (Machtoc) 4:24
3. Les Giovanni's: Wa Ya Go?? (Bashyr/Les Giovanni's) 2:41
4. Les Éjectés: Aaoaoaa (Les Éjectés) 3:04
5. Les Bubars: King Of The Jungle (Les Bubars) 3:15
6. Les Saxas: Chez Féfer (Kemar/Les Saxas) 4:02
Licensing: 1. Squale Records (Paris) [aka Patrick Shan]
This compilation (P) & (C) Unicorn Records. Made in England
RUNOUT: PHZA-44B Lisez Skactualités pour les dernières nouvelles! DAMONT
Compiled by Patrick Shan Tchikidop
Cover art & design: Steve Friel
Based on a design by Colonel Etchegarry
Typefaces: various weights of Souvenir by Bitstream
Sometimes text on labels is in red ink, as MACHTOC's PHZA-74 faces
Les Frelons courtesy of SQUALE RECORDS
©1989 UNICORN RECORDS Made in England
Thanks to Steve Shafer for sleeve scans, summer '09!
Arrived via Lancaster PA, USA 6/27/13
All French bands,
out 20 October 1989
PHZD-45
Various Artists Double Barrel Ska Explosion: London Int'l Ska Festival II
2X album of SKAFEST II including 17 tracks by: Laurel Aitken, Pressure Tenants, Casino Royale, Mark Foggo's Skasters, Mr. Review, Les Frelons, Arthur Kay's Originals, Floyd Lloyd and Spy Club.
Plus interview with "Godfather of Ska" and a photo/ discography insert.
Laurel Aitken Sahara
Arthur Kays Originals Limehouse Lady
Les frelons Les Marginaux
Floyd Lloyd Ska party
Casino Royale Jungle Jubilee
SIDE B
Mr Review Chess
The Pressure Tenants Ska-tistics
Mark Foggos Skasters Two legs
Spy Club Balla con me
Floyd Lloyd Mr Yo Yo
Laurel Aitken Rudy got married
SIDE C
Casino Royale Available swing
Arthur Kays Originals King of the jungle
Les Frelons Un an de sursis
Spy Club Tontorello di luna
Mr Review Skampilation
Mark Foggos Skasters Goodbye ska people
SIDE D
is an interview with Laurel Aitken by Unicorn boss Mark Johnson.
It's creepily similar to the interview Hoi Polloi! Skazine did with Laurel a decade later, in February 1999
arrived via UK, 4/25/06
Second landmark festival
12/1988
sponsored by Unicorn
2xLP released 11/1989
PHZA-46
Various Artists It's a Skandal! (25 July 1989)
Thirteen Skank-down Teutonic tracks from all German bands like Skaos, No Sports, The Braces, Spy Club, Blechreiz, The Butlers, and El Bosso (who featured Richie Senior, AKA early Ritchie "Dr. Ring Ding" Jung)
SIDE A
1. Spy Club - Intro
2. No Sports - Stranger To London
3.Skaos - Oh, Sally
4. No Sports - King Kong
5. Spy Club - Rainy Days
6. The Braces - Playing Darts
7. Blechreiz - News From UK
8. El Bosso & die Ping Pongs - Immer Nur Ska!
SIDE B
9. The Braces - Chinese Love
10. Skaos - Superheroe
11. Blechreiz - Out Tonight?
12. The Butlers - Paranoia
13. The Butlers - Something Upbeat
14. Spy Club - Torero
arrived 4/28/06 via San Diego CA
see "Ska Ska Skandal 1 & 2" CD series later on Pork Pie Records Germany for select cuts
PHZA-47
Hotknives The Way Things Are
Brighton UK skinhead ska band
A1. Dave & Mary - 3:22 (Marshall/Clare)
A2. Another Day - 3:49 (Marshall)
A3. One Man & His Dog - 4:15 (Clare)
A4. Mr. Deejay - 2:57 (Marshall/Clifton)
A5. Believe it - 2:54 (Clare/Clifton)
A6. Julie Julie - 2:52 (Marshall)
B1. Bad Boy - 3:21 (Marshall)
B2. Don't Go Away - 3:46 (Marshall/Clare)
B3. The Way Things Are - 3:02 (Clare/Clifton)
B4. Bedsit Land - 4:20 (Marshall)
B5. Man in the Cellar - 3:09 (Marshall)
Unicorn LP tenement sleeve: dreary b&w high-in-the-sky council housing
1995 reissue CD/LP (by Grover Germany/ Moskito Promotion) front cover was changed to Spuds MacKenzie terrier from back [see GRO-005]
compact disc issuance Unicorn twofer PHZCD-82 split with Liquidators
33 1/3, 11 tracks produced & arranged by Gary Marshall, Jim Mills & Mark Dawson. Recorded and mixed at Goldust Studios, Bromley, in October 1990
Released through the co-operation of Skank Records
Cover Photo: Andrew Taylor
Sleeve design: Mark Johnson
All songs copyright control. Made in England
Gary Marshall - vocals, guitar
Mick Clare - vocals, guitar, harmonica
Jim Mills - keyboards
Mick Matthews - saxophone, backing vocals
Paul Mumford - saxophone
Nigel Clements - drums, backing vocals
Mick Merritt - bass
Special thanks to Dave Clifton for his contributions to this album, and to the engineers who have helped us in the past: Rob Muir, Charlie Foley, Mark Metcalfe and Koos Cornelissen. Our thanks to Jan & Tracy Mills, Karen Fletcher, Sarah Wilkes, Paulette, Naomi, Ben & Nicole Clements, Raewin-Coreena from Kiwiland, Kay Bainbridge, Jim Mills Sr., Jackie Marshall, Jez, Spike, Paul, Shaun & Jackie, Nats, Mackie / Mark, Lauri, Bugs & Sonia from Link Records / Darren & the lads from Bedford, Scooter Paul & Phil, and all scooter clubs / Lads & Lassies from Skippy the Fridge, Jason Vivien & Ben Mozar, Chuck Wallace, Mark Foggo & His Skasters, Arnold Coulton from Beauvais, Bosher the Dog, and Ed from BeBop Promotions.
booking/info HOT KNIVES 60 Heathway, Horsham, Sussex ENGLAND RH12 4XUvia Gillingham, West Midlands UK, 3/17/12
10 December 90
PHZA-48
Laurel Aitken Rise and Fall: Personal Selections 1960-85
Artist: Laurel Aitken
Label: Unicorn PHZA-48
Release Date: 5 October 1989
Laurel Aitken, the legendary "Godfather of Ska" who first brought that most dancable of rhythms to Britain in 1960 and released the initial single on the historic Blue Beat label, has selected twelve of his most classic tracks (including three previously unheard) for the first of a series of re-issue albums chronicling the rise of ska music. The track listing of this long-awaited album will warm the hearts of all those who appreciate the best in Jamaican R&B / Ska:
A1. You Got me Rockin' DICE CC-1-B (1962) 2:03
A2. Baby Baby (with Eva Maria) D.I.P. DL-5055-A (1975) 3:22
A3. Back to New Orleans BLUE BEAT BB-84-A (1962) 2:45
A4. Skinhead Train NU BEAT NB-047-A (1969) 2:55
A5. Bug-a-Boo RIO R-36-B (1964) 2:18
A6. Heile Heile (The Lion) DOCTOR BIRD DB 1202-A (1969) 2:32
B1. Withdoctor from Amsterdam (1977, previously unreleased) 4:02
B2. Boogie Rock BLUE BEAT BB-1-A (1960) 2:24
B3. Rasta Man Power (1979, previously unreleased) 2:57
B4. Whos Taking You Home NU BEAT NB-054 (1971) 2:55
B5. Let Me Love You Little Darling (1985, previously unreleased) 4:10
B6. Rise and Fall DOCTOR BIRD DB-1197-A (1969) 2:23
A particularly significant factor in the compilation of this album is the fact that, unlike all of the classic Jamaican ska singers (except Prince Buster), Laurel kept the rights to almost his entire catalogue of recordings - Thus the first Blue Beat single is included here as well as tracks from such diverse labels as Doctor Bird, Dice, NuBeat, RIO, and D.I.P. For further information ring Mark on 01-281-2821
----------------------------------
Laurel Aitken well deserves to be called Mr. Blue Beat as his long career in the music business includes the first-ever release on that legendary British record label. This debut "blue beat" (which is what Ska was called in Sixties England) single was "Boogie Rock" way back on 1960, and that is just one of the tracks on this fine collection of Laurel Aitken gems that also contains three previously-unreleased songs: "Witchdoctor From Amsterdam" (1977), "Rasta Man Power" (1979), and "Let Me Love You Little Darling" (1985). Lovers of pioneer Ska will enjoy the opening track on this personally-selected compilation, "You got Me Rockin'", which was first released in 1962 on the Dice label, and "Back To New Orleans" on Blue Beat also from 1962. The Ska sound of "Bug-a-boo" in 1964 was in the air about the first time I met Laurel and he was releasing a few singles on Rio Records. But it was in the late Sixties that Laurel Aitken in his two-tone suit and porkpie hat became one of the skinhead cult heroes, and he was a regular feature at the U.K. club scene's top venues as the Ram Jam Club in Brixton and at the regular weekend skinhead haunt Toffs in Folkestone where I helped him record a live album. Two of the classic skin records from this period, both from 1969, are featured on this nostalgic piece of vinyl: "Skinhead Train" and the rudie "Rise and Fall" which paved the way for me a few years later. All in all this album is a must for all collectors of early Jamaican music from one of the world's greatest exponents of art, Laurel Aitken. Now into his fourth decade as a singer, "The Godfather of Ska" is still working as hard as ever. May he live long and keep the name Skinhead alive forever. Judge Dread, September 1989
Note: With only a few exceptions, notably the unreleased recordings, the original master tapes of most of the singles on this album have long since vanished. Selecting the best vinyl copies available, including a few from Laurel's personal collection, has still left the album some "pops" and "clicks" probably because singles by Laurel Aitken have been played to near-death by all who own them. BLUEBEAT! 14 October 1967 newspaper cutting supplied by Tiziano Ansaldi.
Palm trees sky blue photo cyan on L.P. moved to dark green on PHZCD-71
via Edinburgh, Midlothian (Scotland) United Kingdom 5/2013
<<< HP7 HERE >>>
5 October 1989
PHZA-48 combined w/ PHZA-53 on digital as PHZCD-71
Later part of Grover CD/LP-055 Germany, 1998
PHZA-49
No Sports King Ska (1989)
A1. 2 Times a Minute (Intro) 1.03
A2. Communication 3.10
A3. How Do You Do 2.22
A4. Workin Man 3.05
A5. Rudy 4.49
A6. Famous 3.26
A7. Heidi 3.09
Songs written by Dollar except 4. & 7. Voran/Dollar, 5. Machner/Dollar
Recorded and mixed by Klaus Scharff at Basement Studio, Stuttgart, Jan-Feb 89
B2. Easy Life 3.44
B3. Fukkin Week 3.09
B4. Arabija 3.56
B5. Lack of Time 3.00
B6. 2 Times a Minute (Outro) 1.04
*Vocal by Oliver Zwist
Songs written by Dollar except 1. Zwist, 3. Mayer/Erico. 4. Dollar/Mayer
Recorded and mixed by Klaus Scharff at Basement Studio, Stuttgart, Jan-Feb 89
Miami Weiss baritone & alto sax (photo 1)
Andy Fuchs alto & soprano sax (photo 4)
Oliver Zwist trumpet/ trombone/ vocals (photo 2)
Flupp Mayer guitar/backing vocals (photo 3)
Gerald Machner bass (photo 6)
Don Erico keyboards (photo 7)
Tschelle drums & Percussion (photo 8)
D-Mark Dollar lead vocals/guitar (photo 5)
Vocal arrangements by Klaus Scharff
Photos: Dominik Strohner
Cover concept: Dollar
Sleeve design: Mark Johnson
7000 Stuttgart 1, West Germany 0711-24 21 57
Distributed by Cartel(UK), Rude (D) and New Rose (F).
©1989 Unicorn Records. Made in England.
33.3 RPM LC1411
Recd 2/4/10
UNICORN RECORDS London Paris Berlin
NEW RELEASE
Artist: No Sports
TITLE: King Ska (album)
LABEL: UNICORN PHZA-49
RELEASE DATE: 7th September 1989
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------No Sports, Stuttgarts standard bearer for the non-sportive movement in Germany, release their debut album KING SKA on Unicorn. Included on the LP is the bands near-classic send-up of all those muscular Gods gifts to who litter the summertime beaches throughout Europe (King Kong), a very timely song about a girls defection from East Germany, a look at telephone addicts, and the saga of Rudy the roadie for a Babylon band. The debut album is released a month before the band makes its English debut on 7th October at the Third London International Ska Festival.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Band biography
NO SPORTS were founded in 1985 and have been playing with the current lineup since 1987 in the western German city of Stuttgart. Their style of Ska is less influenced by the English bands of the Two Tone period than it is by the examples set by GRUPPO SPORTIVO in the Eighties, taking Ska a step forward and relating specifically to the realities of life on the Continent. Combining theatrically and on-stage showmanship with an extremely danceable style and a committed social philosophy, NO SPORTS have been gigging to increasingly-larger audiences as the love of the Ska captures the imaginations of the German concert-going public. Strong emphasis on brass gives NO SPORTS a very strong sound for an eight-piece band.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------For further information, phone Mark on 01-281-2821
PHZCD-49
No Sports King Ska + Stay Rude Stay Rebel (1990)
JUDGE DREAD called the 12 track LP "probably the most powerful debut vinyl from a Ska band in recent years" And he's right! Includes full lyric insert
The 1990 traycard uses Eric Gill's sans
Country: Germany Released: 1993
1. Two Times A Minute (Intro) (1:03)
2. Communication (3:10)
3. How Do You Do (2:22)
4. Workin' Man (3:05)
5. Rudy (4:49)
6. Famous (3:26)
7. Heidi (3:09)
8. King Kong (5:08)
9. Easy Life (3:44)
10. Fukkin' Week (3:09)
11. Arabija (3:56)
12. Lack Of Time (3:00)
13. Two Times A Minute (Outro) (1:04)
+ STAY RUDE, STAY REBEL E.P.
A. Stay Rude, Stay Rebel (4:33)
B. Tour De France (2:53)
C. Love Song (3:43)
D. Girl (Tango) (4:12)
disc 2/5/10 via UK
PHZA-50
Laurel Aitken Ringo The Gringo
Laurel's first new LP in many years including the title track, + Hitchhike, I Love You Yes I Do and Nighttrain to Tokyo. Matrix: A1 / B1
SIDE A
I love you, yes I do 3:36
Lookin in the mirror 3:06
Night Train to Tokyo 3:53
Dont turn your back 3:48
Rock with you tonight 3:51
SIDE B
Ringo the Gringo 4:35
Peggy Sue 2:26
Going back to the frontline 3:29
Rude boy dream 3:29
Hitchhike 3:49
The Pressure Tenants:
John Southgate - bass
Tony Looby - tenor & alto saxophone
Adam "Flymo" Birch trombone & trumpet [Specials '98, Toasters '99]
Stan Samuels keyboards
Fitzroy Simon drums
Clem Dublin guitar
Special Thanks to:
Nick Murphy additional drums
Glen Adcock additional tenor sax
Andy Povall additional keyboards
All songs written and produced by Lauren Aitken.
Recorded December 1988 & January 1989 at Slamm Jam, Leicester
Engineered by Andy Povall
Cover photo: Sandra Aitken
Sleeve design: Mark Johnson
Also Available:
Sally Brown miniLP (PHZA-54)
The Legendary Godfather: Sixties Ska series
PHZA-48, 53, 59, 67
NEW ALBUM RELEASE
ARTIST: Laurel Aitken
TITLE: Ringo The Gringo
LABEL UNICORN PHZA-50
New ten-track studio album by 68-year young Ska-boogie legend
RELEASE DATE : Thursday 15 February 1990
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Unicorn Records celebrates their fiftieth release on 15th February with the first new solo album by Laurel Aitken in over twenty years! Ringo The Gringo covers ambitious yet familiar ground for Laurel as he smoothly shifts from Classic Ska (I Love You, Yes I do and Hitchhike through rocksteady (Rude Boy Dream) to lovers rock (Dont Turn Your Back), Latin (Rock with you Tonight) and the modern sounds of the Nineties (Night Train To Tokyo and Going Back To The Frontline). The titie track, Ringo The Gringo, proves to be the long-anticipated answer to Prince Busters cover of Phoenix City, and features gunshots from Laurels 1969 hit Jesse James (ironically the little gunshots tape has survived all these years, while the master of Jesse James hasnt).
Hardly giving himself time to rest (Laurel says hell get enough eternal rest), he has plunged back into the studio once again where he is laying down French tracks for the mini album set to support his 10-date March tour of France and the Netherlands (7-17 March). That is of course following his six-date tour of Italy (23-28 February) and his 15-date German tour in April.
In the U.K. however, Laurels legions havent been forgotten be able to catch him (on the hop) at Bedford College in Bedford (16 FEB), Bristol POLISH CLUB (3 MAR) and Hackney Empire (16 MAR) the stage at Hackney being shared that night with Derrick Moon Hop Morgan.
For further information, phone Mark on 01-281-2821
LP is later part of
Grover CD/LP-064,
2003
PHZCD-50
Laurel Aitken - Ringo The Gringo
Format: CD, Unicorn Records. England 1990.
Adds the 5 bonus tracks sung in French (PHZA-69 Eskapade in France)
1. I Love You Yes I Do
2. Looking In The Mirror
3. Night Train To Tokyo
4. Don't Turn Your Back
5. Rock With You Tonight
6. Ringo The Gringo
7. Peggy Sue
8. Going Back To The Frontline
9. Rude Boy Dream
10. Hitchhike
11. Hey Little Girl
12. Sally Brown
13. Since You Went Away
14. Je T'aimerai Toujours
15. Eh Mon Amour
On 9th April 2012:
one of these PHZCD50 sold for £42 sterling (that's $66 USD) online --YIKES!
bonus tracks here showed up on vol. 5 of Grover collection CD/LP-064
PHZV-51
Laurel Aitken & The Pressure Tenants
Live At Gaz's Rockin' Blues, Soho London, 17 AUGUST 1989
The 30th Anniversary Concert, a 60 min professional color video includes 9 songs performed live at Gaz's plus interview clips with the man himself - also found as side 4 of PHZA-DLP 45
1. Jesse James
2. Sally Brown
3. Sahara
4. Skinhead Train
5. Bartender
6. Everybody Ska
7. Pussy Price
8. Rudy Got Married
9. Skinhead
I - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uv9jfkoYzXM
II - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KDAkzwnT_k
III - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGokHuwgU-Q
[Released 15 Sep 1989]
In both VHS PAL and NTSC videocassette formats!
PHZA-52
Various Artists Skankin' 'Round The World, Volume 3
(Later DOJO CD 185, once Unicorn Int'l was based in Istanbul, Turkey)
SIDE 1
The Busters Summer Time (from PHZA 47/ Weserlabel 2449)
Les Frelons Les Politiciens (from mini-LP Mouvement Non-Stop Squale 011)
The Frits Teardrops
The Deltones Running Around (from Make Me Smile maxi-single 12-PHZ-41)
Mr Review Every Day Another Day
No Sports Fukkin' Week (from King Ska PHZA-49)
SIDE 2
Laurel Aitken Ska Locomotion (from forthcoming Ringo The Gringo PHZA-50)
Casino Royale Someone Says (from Ten Golden Guns PHZA-32)
M.S.Q. Modern World
The Elevators Rocksteady
Shot Black & White Day in Day Out (from Understand SKA SKAR-007)
Potato 5 Never Take The Place
Once again our thanks for the assistance and inspiration to Frederic Dornier, George Marshall at Zoot!, Holgi & Axel at Skaboom!, and all the other Skazines who keep the scene alive and stompin'.
Cover art: "Skalien" by Steve Friel
Sleeve Design: Mark Johnson
The Busters appear courtesy of WESERLABEL, Bremen Ger
Casino Royale appear courtesy of VOX-POP RECORDS, Milan Italy
Les Frelons appear courtsey of SQUALE RECORDS, Paris Fr
and Shot Black & White courtesy of CONFLICT RECORDS, NY USA
©1989 Made in England. Distribution by The Cartel (UK), New Rose (France) and Caroline International.
UNICORN RECORDS
191 SEVEN SISTERS ROAD, FINSBURY PARK LONDON N4 3NG UK
01-281-2821 / FAX: 01-281-6677
Hot off the presses in time for the Third London International Ska Festival (7-8 October 1989) comes a great selection of Ska from new bands and fave groups from Germany, France, England, Holland, Jamaica, Italy and the United States. Making their vinyl debut here is The Elevators, with "Saxa" on the 'phone and Everett Morton on skins (both highly-respected veterans of The Beat!) - plus debuts from two more bands with a promising future: The Frits from Germany and M.S.Q. from England. And, since Ska is (to quote Laurel Aitken) like a river in constant movement, we have two brand-new examples of the world's most dancable rhythm being brought right into the Nineties - the Godfather's "Ska Locomotion" and Potato 5's "Never Take The Place Of Your Man" - with a fusion of the classic off-beat with just the right amount of modern instruments. Then, to remind all Europeans' of 1989's best summer in human memory (thus ruining England's claim as rain capital of the world), The Busters present thier new track "Summer Time" complete with scooters and absent girlfriends - and Skankin' Vol. 3 is also pleased to present yet another new track from Holland's Mr. Review. Finally, rounding out this ska-rific journey across the globe, we have a selection of some of the best Ska tracks released in recent months by The Deltones (England), Casino Royale (Italy), Les Frelons (France). No Sports (Germany), and Shot Black & White (U.S.A.). The skaville train just keeps on rollin' along! All aboard!
via Fresno, CA 11/1/11
11 October 89
(Later DOJO CD 185)
PHZA-53
Laurel Aitken It's Too Late: Personal Selections 1961-84
2nd classic 12 track "Godfather" volume includes title track. Mr. Popcorn, Jesse James and Bouncing Woman +1 unreleased song "Blue Beat Dance" from 1984.
Its Too Late Trojan, TR-7826 A (1971)
Shoo Bee Doo Nu Beat, NB-043-A (1969)
Bouncing Woman Blue Beat, BB-52-A (1961)
Daniel Saw The Stone Blue Beat, BB-194-A (1963)
Blue Beat Dance (1984 previously unreleased)
Mr. Popcorn Nu Beat, NB-048-A (1970)
SIDE B
Fire In My Wire Doctor Bird, DB-1187-A (1969)
Gimme Back mi Dollar Nu Beat, NB-046-B (1969)
Brother David Blue Beat, BB-084-A (1962)
Sweet Jamaica Dice CC-13-A (1963)
Whole Lotta Rock CARIBOU (196?)
Jesse James Nu Beat, NB-045-A (1969)
Those who were quick to shout the praises of Cliff Richard after his much publicised 30 years in the music business, should do themselves a favour and check out one Laurel Aitken. It's 30 years since Laurel's first hit in Jamaica, and his life and times would make far better telling than Cliff Richard's or any of your other so-called pop stars.
It's one thing to keep on churning out the records when you are guaranteed chart success (if Cliff read from the Yellow Pages it'd make the Top Ten), but quite another ball game when you have to keep on coming up with the goods without getting the recognition you so justly deserve. And Laurel Aitken deserves to be up there with the best of them.
This second volume of Laurel's personally selected songs, kicks off with the title track, "It's Too Late", my personal favourite from the Aitken vaults. It is one of the most simple and beautiful love songs you will ever hear. The other tracks span the period 1961 to 1984, with a good few classics from the golden skinhead reggae year of 1969. "Jesse James", "Mr. Popcorn" and "Fire In My Wire" are skinhead faves to this day. And just for the collector within you, there is previously unreleased "Blue Beat Dance" from 1984, which also serves to underline three decades plus of dance floor mashin' from the Godfather Of Ska.
Laurel recently described himself as a river. During the good times and the bad times it just keeps flowing. And even when you don't hear about him, he's still somewhere making good music. Start spinning the disc and that river will flow straight into your heart. The man wicked! - George Marshall, November 1989.
Note: With the single exception of the unreleased recording, the original master tapes of the singles on this album vanished long ago. Selecting the best vinyl copies available, including a few from Laurel's personal collection, has still regretfully left the album with some unavoidable "pops" and "clicks".
All songs written and produced by Laurel Aitken
Front Photo: Jean Bernard Sohiez
Sleeve Design: Mark Johnson
Drawing: Steve Friel
©1989 Unicorn Records. Made in England
via Echo Park CA, 8/2011
December 12, 1989
12" LP combined with Unicorn PHZA-48 CD to make PHZA-71
Later part of Grover Germany CD/LP-055
PHZA12-54
Laurel Aitken & The Pressure Tenants Sally Brown 12" (1989)
she hits you with a kukumaka stick! Three new recordings including the title classic, Rude Boy Dream, Hey Little Girl + one unreleased 1979 song Since You Went Away. maxi 12" E.P.
A
1. Sally Brown (5:10)
2. Rude Boy Dream (3:28)
All songs written by Laurel Aitken and published by Sunbeam Music (P) (C) 1989 Unicorn Records Made in England.
B
1.Hey Little Girl (4:31)
2. Since You Went Away (2:40)
All songs written by Laurel Aitken and published by Sunbeam Music (P) (C) 1989 Unicorn Records Made in England.
All songs written & produced by Laurel Aitken. 1, 2, & 3 October 1989 at Ramjam Studios, Leicester. "Since You Went Away" was recorded in 1979
Cover art: Steve Friel
Back Photo (motorcycle/ also used on Zoot #14): Phoenix J. Bay
Distributed by The Cartel (UK), Rude (D) & New Rose (F) Made In England.
Unicorn Records, 191 Seven Sisters Rd, London N4 3NG England
arrived 4/2012 via Torfaen, UK
"Rude Boy Dream" soon to appear on Bib Records' V/A The Shack CD, USA 1993
PHZ-54
Laurel Aitken Sally Brown / Hey Little Girl, Limited edition radio promo 7"
PHZCD-55
The Toasters The Naked City, CD (1989)
Sixteen track CD collects the Pool Shark album [PHZA-5] + Recriminations mini E.P. (Their first four recordings from 1985 produced by Joe Jackson) [PHZA-18]
plus an extra track from Skankin' Round The World compilation. Band history and full discography included too
2. Razor Cut (3:20)
3. Run Rudy Run (4:11)
4. Radiation Skank (2:06)
5. Pool Shark (3:42)
6. Talk Is Cheap (3:44)
7. Renee (3:59)
8. Shocker! (4:27)
9. Toast On The Coast (2:02)
10. Matt Davis (2:35)
11. Weekend in L.A. (4:17)
12. Now Or Never (3:11)
13. Ideal Man (3:12)
14. Naked City (3:05)
15. So Long Buck (1:10)
16. Thrill Me Up (3:03)
All songs published by Breakfast Music and licensed from Moon Records, N.Y.
Songs 1-4 originally appeared as the Recriminations mini LP, #5-15 as the Pool Shark album and #16 on the Skankin' Round The World 1 compilation.
---------------
At 7:30am on May 4th 1983, a tired New York band walked out after their first gig at the Lower East Sides notorious A7 Club with $30 and a black eye. Five years and a small stack of vinyl later the same group is widely touted as the spearhead of a major East Coast revival movement and boasts a huge cult following.
That band is the Toasters and the music is ska! As a five-piece in early 84, they launched their own label, Moon Records, which developed into the stable promoting the emergent NYC area ska groups, and later that year issued their first single. Since then they have signed on with Britains Unicorn and Ska Records labels and with Americas Celluloid. Their U.S. Skaboom album climbed to No. 54 in the CMJ college radio charts and backed up a runaway stateswide tour from Burlington, Vermont, to San Diego, California.
Meanwhile, on this side of the pond, the bands Pool Shark album was attracting considerable attention in Britain and Europe, with Underground in England calling The Toasters "more than capable of carrying on where The Specials left off", Scotlands Zoot seeing the band as "the best thing to come out of America since sliced bread", and Scene Plongeon saying various unmentionable things in French.
Currently as a powerhouse eight-piece The Toasters are throwing down material for their second album, welding influences from a wide spectrum of styles to the adrenalin-soaked dance party that IS The Toasters.
The Recriminations mini-album reflects The Toasters first real demos, instigated by their mentor Joe Jackson, who produced and mixed this session over the course of one weekend at Chelsea Sounds studio on New York Citys Times Square. It encapsulates The Toasters [sic] development as a guitar-based band before the inception of their monster horn section and the introduction of the Unity Twos flying feet fleshed out their sound. Released by Moon in the summer of 1985, Recriminations immediately provided a springboard for the Toasters to break out to the wider audience that is now skanking from coast to coast.
Toasters Information Service
c/o Moon Records 110 East 13th Street, Suite 4-A New York City 10003
United States (212) 260-8011
Type: Hand Drawn LET, by Letraset Foundry
Distributed by The Cartel (U.K.), Rude (D) and New Rose (F)
©1989 Unicorn Records Made in England
Send long-stamped envelope or 2 IPRC's for free mail order catalogue.
UNICORN RECORDS, 191 Seven Sisters Rd, London N4 3NG ENGLAND
Phone 01-281-2821 Fax 01-281-6677
Tracks 1-15 here are later found on Moving Target 1987, Moon Ska 1994 and Megalith Records 2003 CD issuances of their SKABOOM! debut. Also Phoenix City/ Cherry Red Records UK 2012 CD issue.
arrived via West Milford, NJ in 3/2012
PHZA-56
Skaos Catch this Beat
Their second album of mash 'em up party stompers "Do the Ska", "Better Beware" & "Living in Bavaria" was released on December 12, 1989
Side 1
Do The Ska
Oh Sally
Straight To Your Heart
Brainkiller
Jungle Beat
Side 2
Everything(Girl) But You
Better Beware
Bonehead (I Just Cant Stand It)
Superhero
Living in Bavaria
All songs written by W. Winkler/E. Tahedl
Produced by Matzge, Engineered by Matzge and Georg. Recorded and mixed at Veilklang Studios, August/September 1989. Cover art & design: Steve Friel. Special thanks to Sibylle and Manne at Blockshock (Berlin), Ede, Norbert Mascha, Horst, and Ralf. © 1990 Unicorn Records Made in England
SKAOS FAN CLUB: Norbert Mascha, Zeppelinstr. 23, 8873 Ichenshausen, WEST GERMANY
For more ska-otic beats catch Skaos' debut album Beware! (PHZA-24) available exclusively on Unicorn
Not available for sale in Germany, Austria or Switzerland. Send long stamped envelope or 2 IPRC's for FREE mail order catalogue.
via Minneapolis MN, 9/2010
PHZA-57
Various Artists: Planet Ska - The International Ska Compilation L.P.
6 FEB 1990
with printed insert of bandinfos and standard full 4 page Unicorn catalog
Skaos - These Boys (W. Winkler/ E. Tahedl) 2:56
Pick it Up - Partir (Pick It Up) 2:35
Galaxy of Prizes - Ska Lip Soul (D. Marin) 4:34
Ska'd for Life - Generally Desensitized*** (L.Huber) 2:20
Skatala - De Jamaica a Roma (via Budapest) J.M Puges/ E. Gallart 3:57
Just Kidding - All I wanna be (C. Mills) 3:35
*** (early vox by Allstonians' Nigel Knucklehead Dana Thurston)
Publishing: 1. Untied Balls [sic], 3. Innervoice, 5. Skamarla Music
Compiled by Squale Records (Paris). This Compilation P + © 1990 Unicorn Records. Made in England
Runout: LYN25065 DAMONT
SIDE B
Bim Skala Bim - Hung Up (J. Cameron/ J. Starr) 2:47
The Late Notes - Local Member (Late Notes) 2:26
Blue Beat - Really Unreal (Blue Beat) 2:24
Ska Cha Cha - Lost Angeles (M. Nine/ D. Marin) 3:15
Les Naufrages - Le bal des Naufrages (J. M. Poisson) 3:01
Maroon Town - City Riot (C. Campbell) 4:16
Publishing: 4. Innervoice, 6. Melodisc
Compiled by Squale Records (Paris). This Compilation P + © 1990 Unicorn Records. Made in England
Runout: LYN25066 DAMONT
Special thank to Zoot, Monkey Business, the Rude Boys Society of Glasgow, Matthew (Oz), Mark (California) , Dan (Boston) Sean, Enrique de Cataluna, Thomas, Fred (Paris), Ralf, Marco, Chris (Oz) and Devon
LP via Sète, France 11/14/2013
(rubber stamped "45.0 Danceteria 20.02.90")
PHZCD-57
Various Artists: Planet Ska - The International Ska Compilation CD
Unicorn International p & c 1994
Compiled by Squale Records (Patrick Shan), Paris France
Playing Time 37:40 Photo and design by TIAN
1. Skaos (Germany) These Boys 3:09 Wooly Winkler / Elli Tahedl, United Balls;
2. Pick It Up (France) Partir 2:41 Pick it Up
3. Galaxy of Prizes (USA) Ska Lip Soul 4:21 D. Marin / Innervoice
4. Ska'd For Life (USA) Generally Desensitized 2:25 * (early Allstonians) L. Huber
5. Skatala (Catalonia) De Jamaica a Roma via Budapest 4:00 J.M. Puges & E. Gallart
6. Just Kidding (Oz) All I wanna be 3:39 Chris Mills
7. Bim Skala Bim (USA) Hung Up 2:51 J. Cameron & J. Starr
8. The Late Notes (Oz) Local Member 2:31 Late Notes
9. The Bluebeat (Germany) Really Unreal 2:28 Blue Beat
10. Ska Cha Cha - (USA) Lost Angeles 2:10 M. Nine & D. Marin
11. Les Naufrages (France) Le bal de Naufrages 3:04 J.M. Poisson
12. Maroon Town (U.K.) City Riot 4:16 C. Campbell / Melodisc music
compact disc via Iggy "Two Tone" Golecenzsky, Passaic NJ 8/2006
PHZA-58
The Late Notes Hallelujah Ska / we're on a mission from God
Eight tracks from Sydney's finest classic and modern ska band. Five storming originals plus 3 brilliant covers "Bouncing Woman, Confucius, and Hard Man Fe Dead". Preaching to the choir? Amen! Recorded July & November 1990
A
Ska Hop
Yeah Alright
Suzie Sue
Hallelujah Ska
B
Bouncing Woman
Local Member
Confucius
Hard Man Fe Dead
Produced by The Late Notes. Recorded at Trackdown and Rio Grande Studios. July & November 1989. Mixed at Axent Studio, April 1990. ©1990 Unicorn Records. Made in England.
Sleeve art: Steve Friel
Photos: Heather De Plazier
Sleeve design: Mark Johnson
Richard Gaymer Guitar
Adam Hampson Bass
Melinda Eliot Tenor saxophone
David Cunningham Trumpet, vocals track 4
Brendan Tracey Keyboards, vocals track 5
Matthew De Wilde Lead vocals
Rudy Powell Backing vocals
Shane Roberts Drums
Allen Cave Percussion
Guest Instrumentalists:
Daniel Barnett (trombone)
Vanessa Edwards (tenor sax)
Martin Thomas (trumpet)
DRUMMOYNE, 2047 AUSTRALIA
out 6/18/90
added 6/19/07!
Aussie ska, 1986-92
PHZA-59
Laurel Aitken w/The Skatalites
During the Long Hot Summer of 1963 (1990)
"The Legendary Godfather of Ska Vol. 3"
Twelve songs recorded w/ the Skatalites in Jamaica during the long hot 1963 summer. Some of the best Ska ever recorded. LP created by Unicorn using available vinyl, as the tapes had long since vanished. out Jan 11th
Side 1
1. Bad minded woman, RIO R-13-A (1964)
2. Adam and Eve, RIO R-11-1 (1963)
3. Hometown, RIO R-12-B (1963)
4. Devil or Angel, RIO R-17-A (1963)
5. Sunshine, RIO R-15-B (1963)
6. Freedom Train, RIO R-18-A (1964)
Side 2
1. Life, RIO R-13-B (1964)
2. Fire, RIO R-17-B (1963)
3. The Saint, BLACK SWAN WI-411-A
4. Mary, RIO R-12-A (1963)
5. Peace perfect peace, RIO R-18-B (1964)
6. Lion of Judah, BLACK SWAN WI-401-B (1963)
Laurel Aitken: Vocals
Tommy McCook: Tenor Sax
Lester Sterling: Alto Sax
Baba Brooks: Trumpet
Jah Jerry: Guitar
Lloyd Brevitte: Bass
Lloyd Knibbs: Drums
Gladdy Anderson: Keyboards
NOTE: Without a single exception, the original master tapes of the singles on this album vanished long ago. Despite selecting the best vinyl copies available and editing out as many clicks as possible without turning the tracks into musical mush, some unavoidable "pops" and "clicks" still regretfully remain
All songs written and produced by Laurel Aitken
Front photo: Jean Bernard Sohiez
Sleeve design: Mark Johnson
via Stanford-le-hope, Essex 5/2012
11 Jan 1990
Parts make up the 1998 grover.de
CD /LP of same name
"Long Hot Summer"
PHZCD-59
The Skatalites and Laurel Aitken
The Long Hot Summer: Jamaican Ska 1963
(ROIR USA cassette 1991, Unicorn UK CD 1993)
It was the summer of 1963 and Blue Beat, which Laurel Aitken had introduced to England three years earlier, was reaching the height of its popularity in the sceptered isles. Laurel hadn't been back to Jamaica since he emigrated in 1960, and as he stepped off the plane at Kingston airport he was looking forward to a pleasant month at home. But it wasn't all relaxation, because one of the first things he did was to walk down to a place called Coney Island which, says Laurel, is where they play games, like an amusement arcade but they also play music there. I knew bass player Lloyd Brevette from there, so I went 'roundand got in touch and The Skatalites just got together for my session.
The Skatalites were not a full-time band. You might do a session and have two or three of them playing on it, and I'd done sessions with a number of the guys before. But this was the first time I'd worked with the full Skatalites - except for Don Drummond, and I don't know where he was at this time. But we were all happy to see each other because everybody knew I had gone to England. We went into Khoury Studio in Foreshore Road in West Kingston for two days, and not even two full days. Including mix-down, I thinkand we came out with twelve tracks.
Being in the rough Jamaican studios of the early Sixties didn't exactly make recording an easy affair, but the songs on this compact disc show what can be done with little or no rehearsal - when the songs and musicians are tops in their league. As each song was finished, remembered Laurel, you'd say 'Yeah, yeah' cos that was it and it was there. Like a jam session but not like a jam session because it all comes out good. The band didn't have an actual leader - cos everyone was a professional musician. Tommy McCook sometimes cos he's a horn man. They would just get together and each would know as much as the next one. They were jazz musicians most of them, but you see at one time they couldn't get work playing jazz so they started playing the Ska.
With the dozen songs down, and not letting the precious tape reels out of his sight (bootlegging being a favourite pastime of even the most respected of Jamaican producers), Laurel brought the tapes back to England myself and cut a whole lot of acetates. I gave the acetates to the sound systems for them to play cos this is how you used to do that music. You get acetates and you take them to the biggest sound system in a certain area. People get to listen to it and, if it's popular and people want copies of it, then you press up the records and release it. I don't think these tracks were released in Jamaica, unless it was by the pirates. The singles sold real good, cos Skatalites tracks are real Ska music. If you're talking about Ska music, then this's it. The most popular song from the session, and the one I like best (and I also really like 'Mary'), was 'Bad Minded Woman', so this album starts off with that one. That one's baaaad! - Mark Johnson
A NOTE ON THE RECORDINGS
These songs, which were almost all major hits for Laurel Aitken in the United Kingdom, were originally released under his name with no mention of the band playing on them. It was only when discussing other Unicorn projects with Laurel that the identity of the band came up accidentally in conversation. Needless to say, the original tapes were probably recycled for newer recordings and no longer exist. The music on this CD was remastered under the direct supervision of Laurel Aitken from original vinyl, and represents the best possible sound reproduction. LP©1990, CD©1993 Unicorn Records. Made in England.
1. Bad Minded Woman, RIO R-13-A (1964)
2. Adam and Eve, RIO R-11-1 (1963)
3. Hometown, RIO R-12-B (1963)
4. Devil or Angel, RIO R-17-A (1963)
5. Sunshine, RIO R-15-B (1963)
6. Freedom Train, RIO R-18-A (1964)
7. Life, RIO R-13-B (1964)
8. Fire, RIO R-17-B (1963)
9. The Saint, BLACK SWAN WI-411-A
10. Mary, RIO R-12-A (1963)
11. Peace perfect peace, RIO R-18-B (1964)
12. Lion of Judah, BLACK SWAN WI-401-B (1963)
PHZCD-59. All songs written and produced by Laurel Aitken, and published by Sunbeam Music. Recorded in the summer of '63 at Khoury Studio, Foreshore Road, West Kingston, Jamaica, W.I.
CD via Hiriam, GA 6/15/09
Reachout International Records' (NYC USA) A-201 cassette ©1991
Cassette via Athens 11526 Greece, 9/25/09
Parts make up the 1998 grover.de
CD /LP of same name
"Long Hot Summer"
Unicorn-issued CD '93
ROIR A-201, 1991
PHZA-60
The Toasters 'Frankenska'
LIVE ISLINGTON LONDON 6/12/89
10 excellent live tracks include Run Rudy Run, Matt Davis and the new song Don't Blame Me. Shipped with free 16.5" x 23.5" B&W fold-out poster!
Like the nightmare scenes from "Escape From New York" they rose from the steaming manholes and emerged from dark alleyways out of the world's most feared concrete jungles intent on spreading their contagion to the unsuspecting Europeans the Ska killers were on the rampage! Their first Trans-Atlantic victims were in England (the secret location of their Leader's original crypt) at London's second international Ska festival which the quickly and mercilessly transformed into a Ska-Ghoul's paradise more to their liking. With the assembled victims drawn from the four corners of the earth, the mayhem was astounding and no quarter was given. Untold numbers of veiled appearances followed in the Spectred Isles, and this album captures these marauding fiends at the height of their horrific power. Having thoroughly enthralled their followers both new and old, the ghostly Skatrain rumbled in the dead of night to Europe where the Ska-plague infected yet more of the unsuspecting in a still-divided and defenseless Germany. Now the word was rapidly spreading: The Ska Killers are coming again, and daughters and old-fashioned ideas are being locked away in a futile search for safety. But there is no defense against The Toasters -- We're doomed to dance forever! Skankenstein
< Type used for these notes is Stymie on LP/ Copperplate Gothic Bold on CD >
SIDE A:
Matt Davis
Weekend in L.A.
Go Girl
Run Rudy Run
Thrill Me Up
SIDE B:
Don't Blame Me
One-Track Mind
Ska Killers
East Side Beat
Pool Shark
arrived via Chicago IL USA, 2/15/07
arrived via Decatur GA USA, 2/27/14 (complete w/ poster)
Rec'd 12 JUN 89 Islington
PHZCD-60
PRESS RELEASE: from the desk of Mark Johnson
Ten track undead album recorded in London by America's No. 1 Ska ravers
Release date: Thursday, 8 February 1990
During their first Eurotour last year, New York City's skasters supreme, The Toasters, played a major Ska gig at London's Town & Country II with Potato 5* and The Deltones and their set was captured on a 10-track live album which combines new material with the band's own audience favourites. Included are live versions of "Pool Shark" and "Thrill Me Up", the title tracks from The Toasters' first two albums -- as well as a new song never before on vinyl" "One-Track Mind". Included in the album is a free A2-sized poster of the Ska lampoon "zombie" sleeve by artist Steve Friel.
The Toasters are expected to tour the U.K. and Europe in the early summer 1990, and are currently involved in recording their third studio album.
CD arrived via Paradise, CA 4/18/09
Rec'd live 12 Jun 89
CD release 1993 PHZCD-60
PHZD-61
Laurel Aitken & Derrick Morgan Two Knights of Ska
Double album with 22 songs. Includes insert with Laurel's full biography b/w a long exclusive 12" x 12" interview with Derrick. 1, 2, 3, 4 & 6 engineered by Tony Elgin. Released 3-9-1990
Two Knights of Ska: Derrick Morgan
A
1. The National Dance * 4:46
2. Greedy Girl / Wet dream / Hold Yu Jack * 4:22
3. Meekly Wait / Housewives Choice / Shes so Young * 4:27
4. Miss Lulu * 3:05
5. The Moon Hop + 3:59
6. Tougher and Tough * 2:52
B
7. Fat Man / Be Still / Sunday Monday * 6:47
8. In my Heart I feel like a King * 2:41
9. Dont call me Daddy * 2:28
10. Blackhead Chinaman / Blazing Fire + 3:07
11. Some Women Must Cry + 4:36
12. Laurel & Derrick - Boogie in my Bones jam session + 5:58
Two Knights of Ska: Laurel Aitken
C
13. Mad About You # 3:41
14. Bartender # 4:18
15. Caledonia + 3:42
16. Rudy got Married # 4:48
17. Skinhead # 6:50
D
18. Landlords & Tenants / Pussy Price # 7:06
19. I Love You, Yes I Do # 5:40
20. Im A Rebel # 3:17
21. Its Too Late + 4:40
22. Sally Brown (Guest vocals by Verona) # 5:03
* Recorded at the Sir George Robey, London, 7 DEC 1989
+ Recorded at Hackney Empire, London, 18 NOV 1989
# Recorded at Gazs Rockin Blues, Soho, 17 AUG 1989
Cover Photos: Phoenix J. Bey
Sleeve Design: Mark Johnson
©1990 Unicorn Records / Made in England
The Ska Immortals:
Over the thirty-year history of Ska music a group of four singers have established themselves as The Ska Immortals: Laurel Aitken, Derrick Morgan, Prince Buster and Desmond Dekker (in chronological order). The first was and is Laurel Aitken, whom Gaz Mayall christened "The Godfather of Ska" and has the distinction of being Jamaicas first recording star. One of the musics originators, Laurel brought to the Ska the important influences of calypso and rhythm n blues. His first Ska releases were really "ska boogie", took him to No. 1 in the Jamaican charts the first Jamaican to top the nations own hit parade. After this first flush of success Laurel emigrated to England where he established the "blue beat" on new and fertile ground, and his was the first single on the legendary Blue Beat Label.
Meanwhile, back in Jamaica, Derrick Morgan was releasing the Ska to an increasingly enthusiastic island audience. The Ska was their first truly home-grown music, andwhen independence came in August 1962, it was indisputably "The National Dance". Derricks string of Jamaican chart hits (having the top seven in the Top Ten is a record no artist has even approached in the years since) as unrivalled, and he produced the first songs by Prince Buster, Desmond Dekker and Jimmy Cliff all up-and-coming artists who soon became legends in their own right. In fact, the friendly rivalry between Derrick and Buster soon became deadly serious to their fans and the government put pressure on the two artists to do a massive concert together to stop the violence.
When the Ska audiences matured and looked for a more "steady" beat. The Immortals evolved Rocksteady which others took into Reggae. Laurel and Derrick continued to release the hits their audience wanted to hear and this audience soon included the English skinheads (whose style and musical tastes combined that of the Jamaican Rude Boys with the Sixties Mods) who championed Skinhead Reggae. While times always change the popular styles of music, certain tastes remain and Laurel, Derrick, Desmond and Prince Buster still represent the Voice of The People.
2xLP added 7/17/06
2xLP out 9 Mar 1990
PHZCD-62
Skaos Catch This Beat / Beware CD (1990) = PHZA 24 + PHZA 56
1. Going Insane
2. After Midnight
3. Destination Skaville
4. J.B.s Death
5. These Boys
6. The Munsters (MCA Music)
7. I Love to Dance
8. The Invincible Seven
9. Jesse James
10. Prison
11. Frankensteins Party
12.
!?
13. Do The Ska
14. Oh Sally
15. Straight To Your Heart
16. Brainkiller
17. Jungle Beat
18. Everything(Girl) But You
19. Better Beware
20. Bonehead (I Just Cant Stand It)
21. Superhero
22. Living in Bavaria
13-22 released in Germany, 1989 pink cover
2 vinyls on 1 CD, Dojo LTD UK, 1993
1989 German issue includes BEWARE!Backtolive+Catchthisbeat
combo on Pork Pie CD 10/95
PHZA-63
Derrick Morgan The Moon Hop
Mr. Skinhead Reggae presents 6 new recordings of his classic Moon Hop, Housewives' Choice and In My Heart plus the new song Baby Come Home. Recorded 1st December 1989 at Aosis Studios, Chalk Farm, LONDON.
Engineer: John Lyons
Tape operator: Ant Danbury
Produced by Derrick Morgan
Sleeve design: Mark Johnson
Photos: Phoenix J. Bey and Mark Johnson
Skangaroo & art: Steve Friel
©1990 Unicorn Records Made in England
1
Moon Hop
Moon Hop (Guava Dub)
Housewives Choice
2
In My Heart I Feel Like a King
Baby Come Home
Baby Dub
The Musicians
Trevor Whitey White bass
Trevor Starr guitar
Lloyd Donaldson drums
Alphonso Al percussion
Eddy TanTan Thornton trumpet
Fata Morris piano
Floyd Lloyd melodica
Donna Michael backing vocals
June Powell backing vocals & lead vocals on Housewives Choice
Thanks to Steve Shafer for sleeve scans, 2009!
via Ealing (London W5) on 20 JUNE 17!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRESS RELEASE::::FROM THE DESK OF MARK JOHNSON
Derrick Morgan
The Moon Hop
UNICORN PHZA-63
Release Date: 9 January 1990
--------------------------------
Two decades ago the "moon hop" performed by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldren [sic] was witnessed by tens of millions on television, including one of the top Jamaican vocalists named Derrick Morgan. The result of this inspiration was the rousing "skinhead reggae" song called "Moon Hop" which entered the U.K. charts in late 1969 and reached the Top Fifty in January of 1970. Although the single was covered almost note for note under the name "Skinhead Moonstomp" by Simaryp on the Trojan label (without a word of credit or royalty to the original song's composer), the original "Moon Hop" has been a particular target for record collectors -- which has encouraged Derrick Morgan to record a new version for the Nineties which modernises the sound and instrumentation without abandoning the roots feeling of the original.
Coupled with "The Moon Hop" are three additional songs making up a classic new mini-album: renewed versions of "Housewives' Choice" and "In My Heart I Feel Like A King" plus a new song composed for the release by Floyd Lloyd called "Baby Come Home". Combined with dub versions of "The Moon Hop" and "Baby Come Home", this six-track release brings the Jamaican sound of the late Sixties up to date as we plunge headlong into the last decade of the century.
The Moon Hop by Derrick Morgan is distributed by APT & Jetstar (UK), Rude (D), Danceteria (F), Recordex & Bertus (NL), Good Stuff (I) and Caroline International Exports. 191 Seven Sisters Road, Finsbury Park LONDON N4 3NG 01-281-2821 Fax 01 281 6677. Unicorn France 11 allee J.-B. Clement, 78570 Andresy, France. Unicorn Deutschland, Pucklerstrasse 22, 1000 Berlin 36 West Germany.
out 9 January 1990
PHZA-64
No Sports - Stay Rude, Stay Rebel 12" / out 7 May 1990
BOY SIDE
Stay Rude Stay Rebel 4.33
Tour De France 2.53
Music: 1. Dollar, 2. Machner
Lyrics: 1. Dollar/ Zwist, 2 Machner/Pettnau
GIRLY SIDE
Love Song 3.43
Girl (Tango) 4.12
Music & lyrics: Dollar
These 4 tracks get added to Unicorn CD PHZCD49
Also subsequently included on Pork Pie Records CD (Germany) 1993, 2006
Musicians:
DM $ - lead vocals / guitar
Flupp Flushaway guitar / backing vocals
Gerald Machner bass/backing vocals
Max keyboards
Tschelle drums
Eggi Rodriguez trombone
Miami Weiss baritone & tenor sax
Andy Fuchs alto sax
Oliver Zwist trumpet / vocals
Sleeve design & art: Dollar
Engineer: Klaus Scharff
Mix/production: Scharff /Dollar
Recorded at basement Studio, Stuttgart
Management and Booking:
Gerald Machner, Im unteren Kienle 8-B
7000 Stuttgart 1, W GERMANY 0711-2421
No Sports supports the non-sportive movement
Produced & ©1990 Unicorn Records Made In England
thanx to: winnie gabi ulli iris georg albert mark johnson doti casino pizzeria italia anker stanley the passion of the musicians girlfriends moms and dads fans and friends ping pongs foggo skasters and all the other ska bands rudies and rude girls letter writers normal people all the helping hands and brains gallons of beer and orange juice fidutia saxophon shop stgt godfather of vater-reisen tschelle and all the scooter jumpers andy for making a record instead of buying a car ollie for driving the van ute for giving reason for the love song klaus for being dead on time twice a year all the king kongs of sporting studio and an encore to winnie.
Thanks to Steve Shafer for jacket scans mid-August 2009!
via Torino Italy 12/10/12
Combined with King Ska for Unicorn (UK), Pork Pie Records (D) CD 1993 which was issued again in 2006 for the band's 20th anniversary.
PHZA-65
The Downtowners Yes I Do!
5 track mini E.P. of great Ska and rocksteady from Rome's top Skankers and their Jamaican singer. Released in June 1990
A
Why the violence
Freedom song
Downtown boys
B
Mandy
Yes I do
Italy
PHZCD-66
Ska-Boom - Lost in Ska
1. Classic Case (4:02)
2. Hard Times (3:30)
3. What Did I Do? (4:09)
4. But My Love (4:26)
5. So Far Away (2:50)
6. Carry Go Bring Come (3:05)
7. Lost In Ska (4:57)
8. Sister (2:17)
9. Romeo [live] (4:46)
10. Today (4:04)
11. Ska Summer 1990 (2:51)
12. I didnt mean it (3:56)
13. More Tea, Vicar? (2:33)
14. Runaway Girl (4:11)
Produced by Andy Poval for Holier Than Thou Productions. Made In England.
Songs written by Murphy (4,8,10,11 & 14), Murphy/Pearson (1), Murphy/Monroe (2), Murphy/Sampson (7), Sampson/Panczak (3), Munroe (5), J.Hinds (6*), Caleb/Murphy (9), Sampson/Connealy (12) and Ska-Boom (13). All songs Copyright control, except 6* by Blue Mountain Music
"Iron" Mark Pearson - Keyboards
Nick "Shoulders" Murphy Vocals
Richard Sampson Guitar
"Robbo" Drums
Henry "Al Capone" Munroe Bass Guitar
Dave "Longshot" Collins - Trumpet
Billy "The Kid" Davidson Sax
Matt Drowse - Trombone
There's another press (1st?), w/ monochrome sleeve on Extremely Nice Records UK, 1990
SKA-BOOM LP 'LOST IN SKA' 1990 EXTREMELY NICE RECORDS ENR 002
CD was released 1/1991 Leicester UK
PHZCD-67
Various Artists Super Ska: The Unicorn Ska Singles & Mini albums
"The songs on this compact disc are our favourite Ska tracks which appeared on Unicorn's mini-albums, budget elpees, maxi-singles and 7" releases between 1987-1990"
Yes, typeface is Banco too [as is the Thrasher skate mag masthead]
01. Moon Hop - Derrick Morgan (Jamaica) 5:30
02. Make Me Smile - The Deltones (UK) 3:27
03. Mr. Brown - Donkey Show (Los Angeles) 3:38
04. Wichdoctor from Amsterdam - Laurel Aitken (Jamaica) 4:02
05. Whisky Bar - Baby Snakes (Sweden) 4:18
06. Downtown Boys - The Downtowners (Italy) 4:45
07. Rude Boy Dream - Laurel Aitken (Jamaica) 3:28
08. I Don't Believe You - Napoleon Solo (Denmark) 2:54
09. Lemon Squeezy - The Deltones (UK) 3:34
10. Why Must We Fight - Just Kidding (Australia) 3:41
11. Jet'aimerai toujours/I Love You, Yes I Do - Laurel Aitken (Jamaica) 3:35
12. The First Time/1ere Foie - Machtoc (France) 2:55
13. Insomnia - Donkey Show (Los Angeles) 3:19
14. Housewives' Choice - Derrick Morgan (Jamaica) 3:46
15. Teenage Ska - Little Chief (UK) 2:46
16. Everybody Ska - Laurel Aitken (Jamaica) 5:30
17. Running Around - The Deltones (UK) 2:20
18. Stay Rude, Stay Rebel - No Sports (Germany) 4:33
TAKEN FROM
1 & 14: From the MOON HOP mini-album (PHZA-63, 1/90)
2 & 17: From the Make Me Smile 12" (12-PHZ-41, 6/89)
3 & 13: From the BALI ISLAND mini-lp (PHZA-26, 2/89)
4 & 11: From the ESCAPADE EN FRANCE mini-album (PHZA-69, 2/90)
5: From the IMPUDENT REPTILES mini-lp (PHZA-12, 12/87)
6: From the YES, I DO! mini-album (PHZA-65, 6/90)
7: From the SALLY BROWN mini-lp (PHZA-54, 11/89)
8: From the HOW TO STEAL THE WORLD mini-album (PHZA-29, 12/88)
9: From the Stay Where You Are 7" (PHZ-34, 3/89)
10: From the WATCH THE FIRES budget lp (PHZA-38, 6/89)
12: From the ZIPPY mini-album (PHZA-74, 10/90)
13: From PHZA-26
14: From PHZA-72
15: From the LOOSEN UP mini-lp (PHZA-43, 8/89)
16: From the Everybody Ska 12" (12-PHZ-40, 6/89)
17: From the MAKE ME SMILE 12" B side (12-PHZ-41 6/89)
18: From the STAY RUDE, STAY REBEL mini-lp (PHZA-64, 5/90)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
what seemed like eternity leading up to, via Nova Scotia 10/30/07
in 1990, matrix #67 was "soon" intended to be Laurel Aitken's The Blue Beat Years (1960-66), Godfather of Ska Vol.4 which was never released
compact disc ©1993
at least 2 different press / variant
Japanese sale included OB1 strip
PHZA-68
Derrick Morgan The Blazing Fire 1959-69 Vol. 1
A dozen classic 60's Ska/rocksteady faves include Loverboy, Forward March, Sunday Monday, Be Still, Miss Lulu, and title track. Hot dragon sleeve!
The Immortal DERRICK MORGAN: Blazing Fire, Vol. 1 Classic Ska 1959-1965
Released 1990. Cat # PHZA-68. Liner notes by Watford Jon
ONE
1. Blazing Fire (2:46)
2. Should Be Ashamed (2:32)
3. Be Still (2:35)
4. Shake A Leg (2:35)
5. Edamarine (2:27)
6. Sunday Monday (2:14)
All songs by Derrick Morgan and Published by D & N Music. P & C Unicorn 1990
LYN 26183
TWO
1. Forward March (2:45)
2. Meekly Wait* (2:35)
3. Lover Boy (2:37)
4. You Never Miss The Water (2:37)
5. Oh My (3:20)
6. Miss LuLu (2:51)
All songs by Derrick Morgan and Published by D & N Music. P & C Unicorn 1990
LYN 26184
sourced from
[title/ JA studio/ year/UK release matrix #/ UK release year]
Lover Boy - Duke Reid 1959 (BB-18-A 1960)
Be Still - Beverley's 1961 (BB-76-B 1962)
Meekly Wait* - Count Bells 1961 (BB-94-A 1962)
Should Be Ashamed - Prince Buster's 1962 (BB-130-A 1962)
Sunday Monday - Beverley's 1961 (BB-76-A 1962)
Forward March - Beverley's 1962 (WI-011-A)
Miss Lulu - Prince Buster's 1960 (BB-239-A 1964)
Shake A Leg - Prince Buster's 1960 (BB-239-A 1964)
Oh My - Duke Reid 1959 (BB-18-A 1960)
Edmarine - Beverley's 1963 (WI-402-B)
Blazing Fire - Beverley's 1963 (WI-051-A)
You Never Miss The Water** - Beverley's 1965 (PYR-6027)
* w/ Yvonne, ** w/ Pauline
arrived 11/15/07
PHZA-69
Laurel Aitken Eskapade En France
Four of Laurel's best known songs (two w/ French versions) like Witchdoctor from Amsterdam and Bad Minded Woman. Laurel sings in French on Je t'aimerai toujours (I love you yes I do) and Eh mon amour (Hey little girl).
Side 1
Je t'aimerai toujours (I love you yes I do)
Bad minded woman (avec The Skatalites)
Side 2
Witchdoctor from Amsterdam (Enregiste en 1977)
Eh mon amour (Hey Little Girl)
Tous les titres ecrits et produits par Laurel Aitken.
When I came to play concerts in France in May of 1989, after many years absense, I was impressed by the friendliness and enthusiasm of the audiences in Paris, Toulouse and Rennes and I told myself (and everyone I know) that I would escape to France in 1990 to start the new decade in the best possible way. I have now been able to schedule a full tour, with the cooperatoiion of the excellent Beurk's Band, and it will be wonderful to be able to sing for the many French-speaking people who enjoy the true original Jamaican sounds.
This mini-album, which contains my first recordings in French, is a sample of the past, the presnt and the future. The oldest song, "Bad Minded Woman", is one of my forever favourites. It was recorded (along with eleven others) during an amazing two-day session Jamaica in the the summer of 1963 with The Skatalites as my backing band and comes from my recent With The Skatalites album (PHZA-59). "Witchdoctor From Amsterdam" was recorded in 1977 but was not released until last year on the Rise And Fall LP (PHZA-48), and I am very happy to see how much everyone enjoys it. But I must admit this was aa great surprise to me because I only recorded it for my own enjoyment - not as a serious release!
But the two major songs here, "I Love You Yes I Do" and "Hey Little Girl", represent the ska which I most enjoy the sound of the nineties. "Hey Little Girl", The English version was released on my Sally Brown mini-album (PHZA-54) and "I Love You, Yes I Do" from my first new album in many years - Ringo The Gringo (PHZA-50). It is my pleasure to record these new versions in French for you, and I hope you like them as much as I do.
Jacket notes: also written in French
Photo: Sandra Aitken, Pochette: Frederic Dornier
Distribue par Danceteria (France), APT (GB). Rude (RFA), Bertus & Recordsex (PB). Made in England P & C 1990 Unicorn Records
runout groove states - "Le Porky Prime Cut", "DAMONT"
UNICORN FRANCE, 11 allee J.-B. Clement, 78570 Andresy FRANCE
arrived 4/2/12 via Torrance CA
E.P. out February '90
All of these appear on Grover Records' Rudi Got Married Laurel Aitken retrospective Volume 5 2003, and + Pressure Drop UK's anthology 2010
PHZA-70
Various Artists Skankin' Round The World, Volume 4
SIDE A
1. The Mobsters Stepping Out (rec'd Pan Pot Studios, Rome, March 1990)
2. Blue Chateau Nightmare (rec'd Metropol Studios, Hamburg, Dec 1989
3. The Riffs How We Laughed (Airwave Studios Kilburn LDN March 1990)
4. No Sports Love Song (rec'd Basement Studio Stuttgart Germany)
5. The Skatalites Big Trombone (Blue Monk Jazz Gallery 17 Jul 83)
6. Laurel Aitken I Love you, yes I do (Slamm Jamm Leicester Jan 1990)
Track 5 licensed from Danceteria, Lille
runout A: PHZA-70A
SIDE B
7. The Toasters T-Time (rec'd Z Studio, Brooklyn NY, 12 May 90)
8. Dance Hall Crashers Dance Hall Crashers (rec'd SF CA, Dec 89)
9. The Liquidators Black & White Pictures (Jan 1990)
10. Derrick Morgan In my heart (rec'd Aosis Studios London 1 Dec 90)
11. Just Kidding A Girl Called Sunshine (Bartels St. Studio Feb 1990)
12. Tchiky Monky - Ok Les Boys (Dijon France 12 Feb 90)
Track 7 licensed from Skamming Music, Moon Records New York City USA
runout B: LYN26536
Once again [its London International Ska Festival time and] once again Unicorn presents its latest compilation of Ska and rocksteady sounds from around the world this time featuring three of the greatest Ska artists of all time: The Skatalites, Laurel Aitken and Derrick Morgan. Since the dawn of the Ska age in the Fifties, Ska has set out to entertain, and our sleeve by Steve Friel reminds us of Laurel and his band greeting visitors to Jamaica with that most infectious rhythm. But Ska has always sought also to remind its listeners of the many problems in the world, not the least being racism, poverty and oppression all subjects explored by the world-spanning bands included here. We are pleased to present the debuts of a host of excellent bands including Italy's The Mobsters, The Liquidators, and Dance Hall Crashers from the United States, and Tchiky Monky from France. Returning to the "Skankin'" series is Germany's Blue Chateau who have reclaimed their name after the American bean company took exception to their being called Heinz 57. Finally, we present some of the best recent or new recordings by The Toasters (USA), No Sports (Germany), The Riffs (UK) and Just Kidding (Australia). Now its time to relax in your deck chair, and float into Kingston harbour to the sounds of The Ska. Bon voyage!
THIS COMPILATION IS DEDICATED TO THE FOLLOWING SKAZINES, ESPECIALLY TO GEORGE MARSHALL ZOOT [RIP] AND SKINHEAD TIMES, SKABOOM!, THE NUTCASE, ENJOY YOURSELF, LONGSHOT, THE SCENE, AND EAST CAIRO NEWS.
Read the press release HERE
#4 From the mini-album Stay Rude Stay Rebel (UNICORN PHZA-64)
#5 From ROIR cassette and DANCETERIA album Stretching Out (ROIR A-141)
#6 From the album Ringo The Gringo (UNICORN PHZA-50)
#7 From the forthcoming MOON RECORDS album.
#9 From the forthcoming UNICORN mini-album.
#10 From the mini-album The Moon Hop (UNICORN PHZA-63)
#12 From forthcoming album Skazophrenic, Vol. 1 (UNICORN FRANCE PHZA-XX)
arrived 6/13/12 via London UK
18 June 90
Later DOJO CD 186 by Lol Pryor
It was by far hardest of the series to track down; recovered at the
Record Peddler W Queen Toronto liquidation sale, 4/21/01
Unicorn International - Perihan Sok. 117/5 Sisli. Istanbul Turkiye
PHZCD-71
Laurel Aitken Rise & Fall / It's Too Late:
Legendary Godfather of Ska, volume I & II
24 Personal Selections 1960-85, CD (1990)
Track sequence similar to Rasta Man Power, a later ROIR cassette (matrix A-205) in U.S.A. 1992
1. You Got me Rockin' DICE CC-1-B (1962) 2:03
2. Baby Baby (with Eva Maria) D.I.P. DL-5055-A (1975) 3:22
3. Back to New Orleans BLUE BEAT BB-84-A (1962) 2:45
4. Skinhead Train NU BEAT NB-047-A (1969) 2:55
5. Bug-a-Boo RIO R-36-B (1964) 2:18
6. Heile Heile (The Lion) DOCTOR BIRD DB 1202-A (1969) 2:32
7. Witchdoctor from Amsterdam (1977, previously unreleased) 4:02
8. Boogie Rock BLUE BEAT BB-1-A (1960) 2:24
9. Rasta Man Power (1979, previously unreleased) 2:57
10. Whos Taking You Home NU BEAT NB-054 (1971) 2:55
11. Let Me Love You Little Darling (1985, previously unreleased) 4:10
12. Rise and Fall DOCTOR BIRD DB-1197-A (1969) 2:23
13. Its Too Late Trojan, TR-7826 A (1971) 3:08
14. Shoo Bee Doo Nu Beat, NB-043-A (1969) 2:44
15. Bouncing Woman Blue Beat, BB-52-A (1961) 2:24
16. Daniel Saw The Stone Blue Beat, BB-194-A (1963) 3:16
17. Blue Beat Dance (1984, previously unreleased) 3:57
18. Mr. Popcorn Nu Beat, NB-048-A (1970) 2:33
19. Fire In My Wire Doctor Bird, DB-1187-A (1969) 2:32
20. Gimme Back Mi Dollar Nu Beat, NB-046-B (1969) 2:50
21. Brother David Blue Beat, BB-084-A (1962) 2:51
22. Sweet Jamaica Dice CC-13-A (1963) 2:04
23. Whole Lotta Rock CARIBOU (196?) 2:18
24. Jesse James Nu Beat, NB-045-A (1969) 2:40
All songs written by Laurel Aitken and published by Sunbeam Music.
disc ordered thru Trojan catalog via Bop Shop Records USA sometime Y2K
<<< HP7 HERE >>>
ROIR USA cassette via Athens 11526 Greece 9/17/09
PHZA-72
Derrick Morgan The Blazing Fire Vol. 2
The Immortal DERRICK MORGAN: Blazing Fire, Vol. 2: Ska and Skinhead Reggae 1960-1975, Collection released in 1990. Unicorn Records Cat # PHZA-72 $33 / 33 RPM. Liner notes by Steve 'Grogger' Goodman
ONE
1. Fat man (2:23)
2. Don't Call Me Daddy* (2:33)
3. I Found a Queen (3:09)
4. It's Alright (3:01)
5. Housewive's Choice (2:35)
6. I'm in a Jam (2:46)
All songs by Derrick Morgan and Published by D & N Music. P & C Unicorn 1990
TWO
1. Tougher Than Tough (Rudie In Court) (2:26)
2. Derrick-Top The Pop (2:48)
3. I Love You (2:45)
4. hey Boy Hey Girl** (3:20)
5. Seven Letters (3:13)
6. Some Women Must Cry (3:12)
All songs by Derrick Morgan and Published by D & N Music. P & C Unicorn 1990
except #5 Ben E. King (Shapiro Bernstein Ltd.)
* with Baba Brooks Band
** with George Dekker
sourced from
[title/ JA studio/ year/UK release matrix #/ UK release year]
Fat Man - Smith's 1960 (BB-7-A 1960)
Dont Call Me Daddy* - Duke Reid's 1965 (JB-218-A)
I Found A Queen - Beverley's 1966 (WI-288-A)
Its Alright - Beverley's 1966 (WI-277-A)
Housewives Choice - Beverley's 1966 (WI-18-A)
Im in A Jam - Beverley's 1963 (WI-51-B)
Tougher than Tough (Rudie In Court) - Beverley's 1967 (PYR-6010-A)
Derrick-Top the Pop - No JA release (UN-540-A 1969)
I Love You - Duke Reid's 1968 (NB-8-A)
Hey Boy Hey Girl** - The Hop 1968 (NB-8-A)
Seven Letters - No JA release (JP-700-A / CB-8-A 1969)
Some Women Must Cry - No JA release (HOSS-105-A 1975)
added 11/13/07
LP matrix PHZA-72
CD matrix is PHZCD-80
PHZA-73
Potato 5 Five Alive
Five go mad in London! The final album by Britain's most popular modern ska band. Twelve tracks, nine of which appear here for the first time. Full colour sleeve.
By 1989 The Potato 5 and Laurel Aitken had gone their own ways, and the band recruited Spider Johnson on vocals. Back at the peak of their form, the band moved closer to the classic skinhead reggae sound and released the excellent Do The Jerk single (RHYME N' REASON 12-RNR-5). The band then headed off to tour Europe and the United States, but upon their return decided to play their final gig at London's Town & Country on 20th December 1989.
This album, composed of an even dozen songs (nine of which the band never had time to record in the studio). Was taped on a 16-track during a peak in Britain's Ska "revival" summer on 12th June 1989 at Town & Country II in Islington and captures the excitement created by one of England's best-ever live Ska bands.
Produced by Mick Anthony. Sleeve design by Mark Johnson & Farmer
Cover photo Justin Semmens, Back photo crowd of Dublin Castle, Camden Town 12 Aug 89 by Phoenix J. Bey
SIDE A:
Shuttle Disaster (3:15)
Spit N' Polish (2:41)
Call Me Master (3:12)
Live Up (2:19)
Jail Me (3:17)
Stop That Train (3:29)
SIDE B
Harvest in the East (3:02)
Hi-Jacked (2:25)
Stopped by a Cop (4:48)
Do The Jerk (2:06)
Western Special (2:59)
Got To Go (2:58)
1990 Unicorn Records, Made in England. 36:38
LP via Southport, Merseyside UK 4/11/07
CD via UK, 2/5/10
Paul Hickson - drums
Paul Seacroft - guitar
Paula Richards - bass
Rick Walker - tenor sax
Spider Johnson - Vocals
Simon Driscoll - trombone
Andy Minion - alto/baritone sax
Martin Aberdeen - keyboards
Unicorn release 6 August 90
Later DOJO CD 181
PHZA-74
Machtoc Zippy [6 track mini L.P. out 12 OCT 90]
A1 The first time (lère Foie) 2.55
A2 Marquis de Sade 5.08
A3 Too much hassle (Fête de cons) 3.20
B1 Ska cha cha 2.20
B2 Cradle song (Cantine) 6.25
B3 Queen of the night_(Reine de la nuit) 3.43
Eric B. - Drums
Hervê P. Saxophone
Laurent Watteel Vocals
Jerome C. Bass
Oliver P. Guitars
For booking and information:
MACHTOC, 36 rue Claude-Groulard, 76200 Dieppe, FRANCE
Recorded 3-7 March 1990 at Studio des 4A, Verneil-le-Chetif, FRANCE
Engineering and mix by Fabrice Lazard
MACHTOC remercie: Patrick Shan, Marc Johnson, les Machtokettes, Nenees (le Dog), Frederique, Hakim, eux-mêmes, et tout le monde. P & C 1990 Unicorn Records.
Sleeve Design: Machtoc
Photography: Régis Houlet
Test Press 22 October 1990
Unicorn label on 1st side - white label on 2nd
Press release on pink paper -
New Mini-Album Release
Artist: Machtoc
Title: Zippy
Label: UNICORN PHZA-74
U.K. RELEASE DATE: 3rd December 1990
EXPORT RELEASE: 22nd October 1990
----------------------------------------------
MACHTOC is an increasingly visible French Ska band from Dieppe, a city more famous for some of the most violent fighting of World War One. The band have been very active this year at pop festivals in France, and in June played the Fourth London International Ska Festival (Their debut U.K. date) where they were received with a great enthusiasm. Previously MACHTOC appeared on the French Ska compilation Vive Le Ska (Unicorn France PHZA-44) with their paen to the Himalayan endangered species The Yeti, and their song "The First Time" will be featured on Skankin' Round The World, Vol. 5 set for December release. Zippy, MACHTOC's debut mini-album, is a six-track opus revolving in the main around erotic lyrics sung in both English and French.
--------------------------------------------------
Zippy by MACHTOC is distributed by APT and Jet Star (UK), Rude (D). Danceteria (F), Contempo & Good Stuff (I), RAS USA, Multirock (ESP) and Caroline International.
Skinhead ska band from Dieppe in France Recorded 3-7 March 1990
PHZA-75
Strange Fruit At Last! (9 October 90)
10 track UK release by this 6 piece Roman ska band.
Produced by Gianni Del Popolo, licensed from Klang Records, Rome
Sleeve design by Strange Fruit, photography by Fausto Ristori
Recorded at Pan Pot Studio in Roma, on 13 February 1990
A1. Back To Me Again
A2. No money in de pocket
A3. Soul Shakedown Party
A4. The Bomb
A5. Over The Border
B1. In the mood for lovin'
B2. Crazy World
B3. Peer Gynt
B4. Tender
B5. City Raindrops
Gianni del Popolo -guitar vocals
Gabriele Cavallari - trumpet, flugel horn, vocals
Gianni Colaiacomo - bass, baritone vocals
Renato Oliva - drums, percussion
Sandra Gallatini - vocals
Enrico Cioccolini - lead vocals, keyboards
00175 Rome, Italy
added 2/21/06
Also released in Italy on Klang, 1990
PHZA-76
Spy Eye Hot Pursuits! (11 SEP 1990)
10 Tracks from this Italian band from Trieste
later on the Unicorn twofer PHZCD-81 (1994) split with Mr. Review
A
1. VC10 [1:25] (R. Alphonso)
2. NEITHER RED/BLACK NOR RACIST [3:35]
3. LOOK SMART [3:55]
4. SHAKE IT UP [2:20]
5. MESSAGE TO YOU RUDY* [2:30] (R. Thompson)
runout groove states - "A Porky Prime Cut", "DAMONT"
B
1. THE THINGS I FEEL [3:45]
2. PHANTOMS [2:35]
3. MORANGE [3:05]
4. REMINDS ME OF CAIRO** [2:13]
5. EVERYTHING CRASH [7:05] (L. Dillon) This Ethiopians cover tune appears on L.P. only, later was cut off PHZCD-81 four years afterward
All songs by Spy Eye (Copyright Control) except if otherwise noted
P & C Unicorn Records Made In England. Note the Zoot! fanzines on back cover
Lorenzo Fragiacomo: vocals/melodica
Enrico Marzaroli: guitar
Walter Squazzin: bass
Lamberto Bello: drums
Massimillano "Volpe" Calo: alto saxophone
Plus the assistance of
Alessandro Giacaz: drums on **
Davide Kirchmayr: dancer/ chorus on *
Luca Micai: keyboards on *
Mixed and engineered by Toni Juris
Recorded May 1990 at Studio Tivoli (Liubliana) except ** recorded at EMG Studio (Trieste).
Thanks to Toni Juris, Guido "Zut" Pezzolato, Davide Valussi, Fabio Lai.
Greetings to everyone at the Nutty Bar, the staff of the Granmalabar, Plip (Come on, we're waiting for you!), to Paola a message to you Enrico, Kenny and Polska, The Monks, to all the kids in Australia (sorry), to the the Cottham City Heroes, I ragazzi del villaggio, Massimo Varuti, to George and Rhona, Maurillo di Genova, the Vespa Club Trieste "Gatta Randagi", to Ambra (The Things I Feel) from Lorenzo, and to everybody who believed in Spy Eye - I've told you, now we've done it!
Sleeve design Guido "Zut" Pezzolato - Photography: Elvio Moi
contact Spy Eye: Via Romagna 58 34134 TRIESTE ITALY
These Boots Were Made For Stomping 2:49
Max The Dog Says .... Do The Ska (Phoenix City 1989, later Dojo)
Brand New Beat 2:56 Skankin' 'Round The World 1 (1989)
The Things I Feel 3:50 Skankin' 'Round The World 5 (1990)
out 11 September 1990
LP via Hesperia CA, 13 March 2012
-------------------------------------------------------------
You know, the first time I came to London was as a musician, I was 21 years old and I was playing with a Ska band at the time, anyway, the band did a record with the London based label Unicorn Records, so we came to play at a festival somewhere in Camden, Friday December 29, 1990. A great trip in the deep end of London really. And now that I was reminded of it, I googled it and found the catalogue of Unicorn and there it is, my disc with also my face on the cover: [http://www.hpska.com/related/unicorn/unicorn.html] Its the Spy Eye disc, count seven from the bottom, in the cover photo Im the one on the left.
Max "Volpe" 9/2/08 Subject Re: Hot Pursuits
Hi John, It's amazing, somebody remembers the Spy Eye! And appreciates!
I googled and took a look at the compilation "Max the Dog..." looks good, and a great title. I remember us being on some compilation at the time, maybe it was that one.
It was all driven by Lorenzo Fragiacomo that is still active, he's a natural song-writer and quite a show-man. He's got a pub/club in Trieste, it's called Iguana, in case you pass by there. We played quite a few gigs in the north of Italy and also at ska festivals that at the time was enjoying a revival in Italy. We had a good couple of years I suppose, good reviews on specialized magazines and Lorenzo was very active finding good gigs to play. And then there was the London festival, that was the highlight of the life of the band. We recorded the Hot Pursuit disc in a studio in Ljubiana and I always thought that it was good disc, although as all studio recordings they're very polished but always miss on some energy. I think that in studio we played everything a bit slower than usual to start with. As for the members we were all very different from each other, which was interesting and we did get along very well. We were from different towns too. Lorenzo, me, the trumpet player and the drummer(s) were from Trieste, the guitarist was from Gorizia (about 50 km from Trieste) and the bass player from Udine (about 70km). Anyway, they were mobile people so they didn't mind doing a bit of driving to come and reherse in Trieste and we did reherse quite oftenn. Me and the trumpet player were coming from a soul funk band that at that time was on hold for military duties of a few members, that's why we joined, before us they only had a tenor sax that couldn't play very well, which was a bit painful as the rest of the band was pretty good instead, he stayed for a bit then he left. The bass player had a very fat sound and was really into funk so me and him used to groove on funk any time there was a break which wasn't appreciated by Lorenzo that was really into ska and nothing else those days.
I think I played in the band for about three years until I moved to Milan for work but maybe I'm wrong and the band stopped before, a long time has passed so I can easily be wrong. Anyway, they were good times and the music wasn't bad either, lots of parties and late nights.
I must get hold of the disc. I haven't listened to it since.
Listening to it make me I remember that on disc there's no trumpet because he was in the army too at the time of the recording and couldn't come to Ljubliana to record because he couldn't cross the border so most of the horns are just me doing different lines and one day we had a friend of mine on Tenor sax doing horn sections with me.
Was the trumpet with us in London is now the question?
Maybe not actually. I shall give him a call and ask him...
Italianissimo!
Spiderman-turned-bootboy
fanzine advert
PHZA-77
The Liquidators Black and White Pictures
A
1. Swing Easy 2:09
2. Black & White Pictures 2:50
3. Do I Worry 3:50
4. Where You Going?* 4:03
5. Do The Best That You Can 2:58
All songs Copyright Control except 3. Blue Mountain Music Ltd. All songs written by Quintos/Johnson/Crowell except 1. Traditional, 3. Derrick Harriott. 5. Crowell/Johnson. P & C 1990 Unicorn Records Made In England.
Runout groove states "A Porky Prime Cut"
B
1. Long Time Again 4:49
2. Soul Steppin' 3:17
3. Do What You Wish* 3:40
4. Swing Time Ska 2:25
5. Riches To Rags* 5:31
All songs Copyright Control. All songs written by Quintos/Johnson/Crowell except 1. Johnson, 4. Crowell/Johnson, 5. Crowell/Quintos. P & C 1990 Unicorn Records Made In England. Runout groove states "MT LYN27768"
Lead Vocals: John Quintos
Vocals : Misty Hecht
Vocals: Derrick Jackson
Guitar, vocals on "Long Time Again": Scott Johnson
Guitar: Stefan Cajina
Keyboards: Randolph Arguelles
Bass: Mike Crowell
Drums/vocals: Kathy "K.G." Guillen (Zoot skazine's U.S.A. correspondent)
Drums on * by Eric Halliday
SPECIAL THANKS to Santa Cruz Centurions S.C. and friends, Leland McNeeley, John Scruggs, Joel Loya and Boots N' Booze zine, Memo, 100 Men, Spot Productions, Heath Avery, Middle Kingdom S.C., George, Tim, and all at Zoot!, The Allsorts, all our families, David, Johnny Pee-Bucks and the Utters, Dean, Mary Funsten, Trevor Mischler, West End Rude Boys, John Dilkes, Glen McHenry, Doug Fatone, The Toasters, Potato 5 and RPM Promotions, Jules, and all sussed skinheads, mods, and rudeboys keeping the spirit alive, plus all of our supportive friends and following -- without you it couldn't be done. Cheers!
Produced by The Liquidators, recorded at B. Street Studios, San Francisco, in September 1990, and (*) at Skyline Studios in January 1990. Engineered and mixed by George Rivas. Front sleeve & photography: John Quintos, Back sleeve quickie design: Mark Johnson. © 1990 Unicorn Records. Official contact address: THE LIQUIDATORS c/o Mike Crowell, Santa Cruz, CA 95061 United States
Years later some members form the SF CA Northern Soul band Durango 95
L.P. via Chateauroux, France 1/16/13
American skinhead band The Liquidators
(Santa Cruz, CA)
see also split PHZCD-82
PHZA-78
A2. Spit n' Polish 2:34 (Martin Aberdeen) - Potato 5 (London England) rec'd live 6/12/89
A3. Riches To Rags 5:18 (Crowell/ Quintos) - The Liquidators (Santa Cruz USA) rec'd January 1990
A4. Silent River 4:51 (Traditional) - The Deltones (London England) rec'd September 1990
A5. Over The Border 4:14 (E. Cioccolini) - Strange Fruit (Rome Italy) rec'd 2/13/90
A6. Yeah Alright 3:11 (DeWilde) - The Late Notes (Drummoyne Australia) rec'd July & Nov 1990
All songs Copyright Control, Licensing #5 Klang Records Rome Italy
Runout: LYN-27931 Damont A Porky Production
B1. No Fun 2:08 - Gangbusters (San Diego USA) rec'd 3/17/90
B2. Trouble In Town 3:20 - Tighten Up (Devon England) rec'd 9/22/90
B3. Ska Polka 5:48 (J. Heffernan) - Skapa (Wellington New Zealand) rec'd Feb / Mar 1990
B4. The Things I Feel 3:45- Spy Eye (Trieste Italy) rec'd May 1990
B5. Jah-maica 2:45 - Lady Fun (Courbevoie France) rec'd September 1990
B6. We Need Enid 4:27 (David Finnon) The Speakeazy (Oxon England) rec'd 9/29+30/90
All songs Copyright Control.
Runout: Damont Porky
Also Available in this Series:
Volume One (PHZA-21/ PHZCD 21) Bad Manners The Toasters, Potato 5, Skaos, The Deltones, Donkey Show, Bim Skala Bim, Mr. Review, Blue Chateau, Spy Eye, Kortatu, Saxawhaman
Volume Two (PHZA-33/ PHZCD 33) The Deltones, Skaos, The Busters, Napoleon Solo, Baby Snakes, The Braces, Casino Royale, The Skeletones, Les Frelons, Just Kidding, The Rude Boys, The New Breed
Volume Three (PHZA-52/ PHZCD 52) Laurel Aitken, The Potato 5, The Busters, Casino Royale, Mr. Review, The Deltones, Les Frelons, No Sports, The Elevators, Shot Black & White, The Frits, M.S.Q.
Volume Four (PHZA-70/ PHZCD 70) Skatalites, Laurel Aitken, Derrick Morgan, The Toasters, No Sports, The Riffs, Just Kidding, Blue Chateau, The Liquidators, The Mobsters, Dance Hall Crashers, Tchiky Monky
arrived 9/8/16 via Torino Italy
10 December 90
PHZCD-78
Various Artists Skankin' Round The World, Volume 5 (10 December 90)
Potato 5, Deltones, Spy Eye, Liquidators, Latenotes, Machtoc, Strange Fruit, Skapa, Tighten Up, Gangbusters, The Speakeazy, Lady Fun
2. Spit n' Polish (live) - Potato Five
3. Riches To Rags - Liquidators
4. Silent River - Deltones
5. Over The Border - Strange Fruit
6. Yeah Alright - Late Notes
7. No Fun - Gangbusters
8. Trouble In Town - Tighten Up
9. Ska Polka - Skapa
10. Things I Feel - Spy Eye
11. Jah-Maica - Lady Fun
12. We Need Enid Speakeazy
From the Desk of Mark Johnson:
Unicorn Records London/ Paris / Berlin Incorporating the UNICORN, L.A. RECORDS and PHOENIX labels. Artist: Various
Title: Skankin' 'Round The World, Volume Five
RELEASE DATE: 10th December 1990
-----------------------------------------------------
Unicorn Records releases the fifth volume in their highly-successful Skankin' 'Round The World series of international ska compilations on 10th December. Six countries are represented (the UK, United States, Italy, France, Australia, and New Zealand). including major ska stars like The Potato 5 (one of their last recordings), The Deltones, and fast-rising Italian skasters Spy Eye.
New talent on the international ska scene is also well-represented bt France's Lady Fun, Skapa from New Zealand, Gangbusters from San Diego (California) and England's Tighten Up and The Speakeasy -- plus contributions from The Liquidators (USA), The Latenotes (Australia). Machtoc (France) and Strange Fruit (Italy).
-----------------------------------------------------
Skankin' 'Round The World, Vol. 5 is distributed by APT & Jet Star (UK), Rude (D), Danceteria (F), Good Stuff & Contempo (I), RAS (USA), Multirock (ESP), and Bertus (Benelux).
CD issued as DOJO CD 190
PHZCD-80
Derrick Morgan "Blazing Fire 1 and 2 Ska & Reggae Hits 1959-69" CD
The Immortal: Blazing Fire, Vol. 1 - Classic Ska 1959-65
The Immortal: Blazing Fire, Vol. 2 - Ska & Skinhead Reggae 1960-75
sourced from
[title/ JA studio/ year/UK release matrix #/ UK release year]
1. Lover Boy - Duke Reid 1959 (BB-18-A 1960)
2. Be Still - Beverley's 1961 (BB-76-B 1962)
3. Meekly Wait* - Count Bells 1961 (BB-94-A 1962)
4. Should Be Ashamed - Prince Buster's 1962 (BB-130-A 1962)
5. Sunday Monday - Beverley's 1961 (BB-76-A 1962)
6. Forward March - Beverley's 1962 (WI-011-A)
7. Miss Lulu - Prince Buster's 1960 (BB-239-A 1964)
8. Shake A Leg - Prince Buster's 1960 (BB-239-A 1964)
9. Oh My - Duke Reid 1959 (BB-18-A 1960)
10. Edmarine - Beverley's 1963 (WI-402-B)
11. Blazing Fire - Beverley's 1963 (WI-051-A)
12. You Never Miss The Water** - Beverley's 1965 (PYR-6027)
13. Fat Man - Smith's 1960 (BB-7-A 1960)
14. Dont Call Me Daddy*** - Duke Reid's 1965 (JB-218-A)
15. I Found A Queen - Beverley's 1966 (WI-288-A)
16. Its Alright - Beverley's 1966 (WI-277-A)
17. Housewives Choice - Beverley's 1966 (WI-18-A)
18. Im in A Jam - Beverley's 1963 (WI-51-B)
19. Tougher than Tough (Rudie In Court) - Beverley's 1967 (PYR-6010-A)
20. Derrick-Top the Pop - No JA release (UN-540-A 1969)
21. I Love You - Duke Reid's 1968 (NB-8-A)
22. Hey Boy Hey Girl** - The Hop 1968 (NB-8-A)
23. Seven Letters - No JA release (JP-700-A / CB-8-A 1969)
24. Some Women Must Cry - No JA release (HOSS-105-A 1975)
* w/ Yvonne Harrison
** w/ Pauline Morgan
*** w/ The Baba Brooks Band
****w/ George Dekker
U.K. releases in brackets ( ).
Released/ marketed by Unicorn Records, a division of Unicorn International.
Distributed by Plastic Head Music, Oxfordshire England
Liner notes by Watford John, Cover art by Steve Friel
Sleeve design and colours: Mark Johnson
Compilation C & P 1993 Unicorn Records, Made in England
Many of these cuts can now be found on Trojan Records' Moon Hop: 1960-1969 Early Years 2CD anthology (out 5.19.03)
arrived 6/21/14 via Lake Forest, CA USA
[collects LPs PHZA-68 + PHZA-72 on 1CD]
PHZCD-81
**UNICORN SKA DOUBLE-FEATURE**
Mr. Review - Walkin' Down Brentford Road + Spy Eye - Hot Pursuits split
2. Another Town
3. Chess
4. Buf Buf
5. Scars On Our Soul
6. Chasing
7. Ice & Snow
8. Complications of Life
9. Tarzan of The Eighties
10. Skampilation
11. Paradise By The Batmobile's Dashboard Light
12. Shifting Sand
13. VC10 [1:25]
14. NEITHER RED/BLACK NOR RACIST [3:35]
15. LOOK SMART [3:55]
16. SHAKE IT UP [2:20]
17. MESSAGE TO YOU RUDY* [2:30]
18. THE THINGS I FEEL [3:45]
19. PHANTOMS [2:35]
20. MORANGE [3:05]
21. REMINDS ME OF CAIRO** [2:13]
Compile cuts off the final track on the Spy Eye portion, "22. Everything Crash", even though the print lists it - I'm guessing the limitations of 74:00
20 years later, inner aluminum is corroding
[collects PHZA-36 + PHZA-76]
PHZCD-82
**UNICORN SKA DOUBLE-FEATURE**
Hotknives / The Liquidators split CD - 74:01
HOTKNIVES THE WAY THINGS ARE, recorded Bromley UK 10/90
1. Dave & Mary 3:22
2. Another Day 3:49
3. One Man & His Dog 4:15
4. Mr. DJ 2:57
5. Believe It 2:54
6. Julie Julie 2:52
7. Bad boy 3:21
8. Don't Go Away 3:46
9. The Way Things Are 3:02
10. Bedsit Land 4:20
11. Man in the Cellar 3:09
LIQUIDATORS BLACK & WHITE PICTURES, recorded San Francisco US 9/90
12. Swing Easy 2:09
13. Black & White Pictures (diff't mix than Skankin' Round The World) 2:50
14. Do I Worry 3:50 (orig. David "Scotty" Scott / Derrick Harriot)
15. Where Are You Going? 4:03
16. Do The Best That You Can 2:58
17. Long Time Again 4:49
18. Soul Steppin' 3:17
19. Do What You Wish 3:40
20. Swing Time Ska 2:25
21. Riches To Rags 5:31
CD arrived via DRDISC UK, 9/1/06
[collects PHZA-47 + PHZA-77]
1994
L.A. RECORDS IS A UNICORN IMPRINT
OF RELEASES PICKED BY LAUREL AITKEN
LA RECORDS
Floyd Lloyd - Painted Faces
A
1. Soulful Lover (F. Seivright) 3:33
2. Moondance (Van Morrison) 6:24
3. Painted Faces (F.L. Seivright & Peter Frie) 5:38
4. Shattered Dreams (F.L. Seivright) 6:44
5. Sweet Lady (F.L. Seivright, co-produced by Eddy Grant) 5:52
6. You're For Real (F.L. Seivright / Mark Mallery) 4:49
B
1. I Can See The Light (F.L. Seivright) 5:08
2. Wake Up Your Mind (F.L. Seivright) 5:10
3. Beautiful Goodbye (F.L. Seivright) 5:25
4. When a Man Loves a Woman (C. Lewis / A. Wright) 4:06
5. Babylon Shall (F.L. Seivright / Shelia O' Shea) 4:38
6. Jah Jah Why (F.L. Seivright) 4:41
Thousands of mothers, Thousands of fathers,
confined to their Silence, fearing to dream - Soweto 1985
Distributed by Jet Star & APT (UK), Danceteria(F), Rude (D), Good Stuff (I), & Bertus (NL) Sleeve by Parrot Press London
Bass - Zanu (UK), Avenger (JA), Francis (UK) Rudy Steel
Guitars - Tomlin Mills (JA), Trevor Starr (JA)
Pianos/ Organ: Floyd Lloyd
Ojemba: Sonny Binns
Horns: Eddie Tan Tan Thornton (trumpet), Steve Gregory (sax & flute), Chris Mercer (sax)
Percussion: Sonny Akpan (UK), Skully (JA)
Backing vocals: The Chanter Sisters - Jackie Robinson, Rudy Barry St John, Chrisie
Solo Rock Guitar: Eddy Grant (on Sweet Lady)
Recorded at Concert Studios, Jamaica and CFS, Coachouse in London.
Many of these same tracks can be found on his USA 1997 Tuff Gong/ Lightyear Recs compilation CD, (Tear It Up: The SKA Album) which also adds from Floyd Lloyd meets Laurel Aitken and Potato 5 on Gaz's Rockin Records UK (1985)
L.A. Records logotype = Flamenco Inline
arrived 1/7/08 via Chuck JumpUp, Chicagoland
Out 6 April 1990
12-LAR-4
Floyd Lloyd - Sweet Lady 12"
Sweet Lady 5:52 (Featuring Eddy Grant)
Soulful Lover (Remix) 4:20
LALP-5
Ansel Collins - So Long
available on at least vinyl and cassette
A1 So Long 3:12
A2 Let Your Yea Be Yea 4:02
A3 Penthouse 2:50
A4 Dream Dream 3:30
A5 Happy Feeling (Love) 3:25
B1 Are You Ready 3:15
B2 Let Me Love You 3:30
B3 Burning Fire 3:36
B4 I Can't Believe It 3:22
B5 Mr. Big Shot 3:25
Credits
Bass Richard "Richie" Barr*, R. McLean*
Drums Sly Dunbar, T. Williams*, Squiddly Cole*
Engineer D. Mason, E. Brown*, L. Bansie
Engineer, Programmed By T. McDonald
Guitar C. Willis, R. "Dougie" Bryan*
Keyboards Carol "Bowie" McLaughlin, D. Mason, M. Williams, Robbie Lyn
Producer Ansel Collins
Notes Recorded 1987 & 1988 at Sunpower, Dynamic, Tuff Gong and Caribbean Sound, Kingston, Jamaica.
Barcode and Other Identifiers Barcode: 5 019695 100518
Other (Label Code): LC 1411
LACD-6
YELLOWMAN: Badness
Twelve tracks of characteristic slackness from Jamaica's master of the rude double-meaning. Recorded in Jamaica, and the musicians include Sly Dunbar (drums), Ansel Collins (keyboard), Lloyd Parks (bass), Ranchie McLean (bass), Rad Bryan (guitar), Lloyd Willis (guitar), and Sticky Thompson (percussion).
1. "Operation Radication"
2. "11 + 11"
3. "Shorties"
4. "Lover's Corner"
5. "Eventide Fire"
6. "Bim and Bam"
7. "Stay With Me"
8. "Out Of Hand"
9. "Them a mad over me"
10. "Morning Ride"
11. "My Rosie"
12. "Badness"
LACD-7
LEE "SCRATCH" PERRY: Blood Vapour
Nine amazing Dub Reggae tracks recorded in two sessions in 1976. Musicians include Sly Dunbar & Mikey Boo (drums), Robbie Shakespeare & Flabba Holt (bass), Tony Chin & Rascher (guitar), Ansel Collins & Bobby Chalfat (keyboards), Bonger Herman & Skully (percussion), Dwight Pickney & Dougie (guitar) and Hutley (theife).
1. "The Zoic"
2. "The Man From Zion"
3. "Black Street"
4. "Ruff Ruf Step"
5. "Venus"
6. "Hold of Death"
7. "Dayler Gate"
8. "Victoria Fight"
9. "Zebra"
LALP-8
side one
Ooh Girl
You Are Everything
Pleasure Ride
My Heart
Wishing on a Star
Trouble
Stage
Good News
Ride You Donkey
Be My Guest
Shame
Hop Skip & Jump
L.A Records 191 Seven Sisters Road, Finsbury Park London N4 3NG England
The Tennors began recording in 1967 and had several very popular hits in the Jamaican charts including "The Stage", "Pressure and Slide", "Another Scorcher", "Ride you Donkey", "Massie Massa" and "Hard To Believe" to name some of the best known. They released two albums and were featured on various compilation albums on the Island and Trojan labels. Touring all the major entertainment spots in Jamaica, The Tennors reached their peak as a band in the early seventies when they were finalists in the Jamaican Festival Song Contest. When the group finally disbanded in the early Eighties all its members stepped away from the recording scene, but this was only temporary. Then in 1986 the band's leader, Clive Tennors, returned to the stage and the studio and since then has released three singles in his new hometown of Miami: "Pleasure Ride". "Sexy Girl" and "Prisoner of Love." Ride You Donkey is Clive's first solo album and marks the proper return to public acclaim of one of Jamaica's classic reggae singers.
Vocals - Clive Tennors
Guest Vocals** - Tweetie Fade
Drums - T. Benbow
Drums* Paul Pablo
Guitar - Charles Farquaharson
Bass - Teach
Bass* - Paul Pablo
Keyboards - Charles Farquaharson and Teach
Flute - Charles Farquaharson and Bruce Yarrock
Harmonies - Merlene, Marie and Glenda
Recorded at Bunny Lee's Studio, Kingston JAMAICA (June 1989) and Hollywood Sync, Miami, FLORIDA (August 1989). Engineers: Ray Rochester, Thomas Anthony and Bunny Tom Tom.
Special Thanks to Bunny Striker Lee, Derrick Morgan, Clint O'Neil (WLRN), Ronnie Burke & John T (WAVS), WEDR Radio Star Force 99, Danny Breckenridge (Reggae Report), Pablo & Charles 'Budgie' Farquaharson (Massive Crew Band). Cover Art: Martin Taylor Sleeve Design: Mark Johnson © 1990 Unicorn Records Made In England
LACD-9
GRASS ROOTS, Vol. 1
A really enjoyable 12-track Reggae, Rap, Dub and Soul compilation.
1. ANSEL COLLINS: "Big Shot"
2. CLIVE TENNORS: "Pleasure Ride"
3. KENDRICK ANDY: "Natural Doctor"
4. YELLOWMAN: "Morning Ride"
5. RAS DAKARAI & THE SPICE ROOTS BAND: "I Don't Want To Be A Junkie"
6. MIKE BROOKS: "It's A Wonderful World"
7. DAVID JAHSON: "Formila"
8. RADICAL DANCE FACTION (RDF): "Chinese Poem"
9. LEE "SCRATCH" PERRY: "The Zoic"
10. DERRICK MORGAN: "Ride The Rhythm"
11. CARLTON GRAY: "Baltimore"
12. JERRY BAXTER: "Come With Me"
UNICORN RECORDS 7"s
PHZ-0
The Times 'London Boys' b/w 'When The Sun Goes Down'
Update of D. Bowie's 1966 classic
Unicorn Records PO Box 554, NW8. Distributed by Nine Mile & The Cartel
7"
red/ black 2C pic sleeve
16 Jun 1986
PHZ-2
Various Artists The Phase III Mod bands E.P.
1. The Threads - Step Back
2. The Threads - Alison
3. The Underground Arrows - The Beat Of Line
4. The Underground Arrows - Sabry
7"
blue/ black 2C pic sleeve
28 Jul 1986
PHZ-3
Purple Hearts - Friends Again
hard to find late release from Romford's Purple Hearts on Unicorn Records (PHZ 3)
'Head On Collision Time' on the flip
A: Purple Hearts Friends Again
B: Purple Hearts Head On Collision Time
Unicorn Records PO Box 554, NW8. Distributed by Nine Mile & The Cartel7"
purple/ black 2C pic sleeve
26 Aug 1986
PHZ-4
Various Artists The Phase III Mod bands E.P.
1. The Risk (Guernsey /Channel Islands) - Jobs For The Boys
2. The Outlets (London) - Love Someone
3. The Toasters (NYC) - Naked City
4. Modest Proposal (D.C.) - The Look In Your Eyes
Unicorn Records PO Box 554, NW8. Distributed by Nine Mile & The Cartel
MANUFACTURER'S TEST PRESSING RUBBER STAMPED "26 NOV 86" by Mayking Recs Ltd.
7"
maroon/ black 2C pic sleeve
1 Dec 1986
PHZ-5
A Sharp - Entertain Me
B Sharp - So Say Hurrah (The Emperor's New Clothes)7"
10 Nov 1986
PHZ-6
Various Artists The Phase III Mod bands E.P.
1. City Motions (Holland)- Theme
2. XL (England)- The World To Me
3. The Pictures (England) - My Home Town
4. Manual Scan (USA) - 31968
Unicorn Records PO Box 554, NW8. Distributed by Nine Mile & The Cartel
7"
orange/ black 2C pic sleeve
5 May 1987
PHZ-7
Underground Arrows
No Chance To Escape
Keep On Going On
We Have Learnt
Title: NO CHANCE TO ESCAPE
Format: 7 INCH
Country: ITALIAN
Label: MANTRA
Year: 1987
Description: 3 TRACK (DM87004) PIC SLEEVE, EX/EX
7"
1 Jun 87
PHZ-13
Various Artists The Phase III Mod bands E.P.
1. The Key - Nothing Gets Better
2. The Sons Of Jet - Marilyn Monroe
3. The Second Generation - Throw It All Away
4. The Switch - Please Don't Walk Away
Unicorn Records PO Box 554, NW8. Distributed by Nine Mile & The Cartel7"
green/ black 2C pic sleeve
13 Oct 1987
PHZ-34
The Deltones Stay Where You Are**
Debut 7" from the album Nana Choc Choc in Paris (UNICORN PHZA-31) c/w Lemon Squeezy (Previously Unreleased)
Distributed by: The Cartel (UK) New Rose (France)
Made in England P & C Unicorn Records 45 RPM
Stay Where You Are 3:18 (Smith/Goldsmith)
Taken From PHZA-31, Published by Burlington Music
2
Lemon Squeezy 3:34 (J. Ligett)
Prev Unrel+
Recorded in Paris, August 1988
Gorgeous picture sleeve release for this cult UK ska revival band!
Superb 2Tone-style cover of Gloria & the Dreamlets classic JA side "Stay Where You Are." A must for ska / skinhead / Madness / Specials fans
+ Studio B-side recording won't be available elsewhere until
PHZCD-31 (Nana Choc Choc CD bonus cut)
PHZCD67 (Super Ska yellow sampler 1993)
STEPCD040 (Ska Explosion Live! Astoria London 3/1989 pink CD, 1995)
the original** 7in Island 1965 WI 169, Treasure Isle
A1 Cow In A Pasture - Stranger Cole With Owen & Leon
B1 Stay Where You Are - Gloria & The Dreamlets
Notes: Duke Reid, Jamaica
STAY WHERE YOU ARE * GLORIA AND THE DREAMLETS * ISLAND 169 * UK
via Lidköping, Sweden, 10/2010
7"
pink/ black 2C pic sleeve
7 Mar 1989
PHZ-37
The Busters Rude Girl, 7"
So what is your game?
RUDE GIRL (3:55)
Recorded at Gronemeyer Studio, Rauenberg, September 1988 and produced by Weserlabel
THEY RULE THE WORLD (3:12)
Recorded at Gronemeyer Studio, Rauenberg, January 1989 and produced by Weserlabel. All songs written by M. Grittnir
added to this page 12 July 2017
PHZ-40
Laurel Aitkin [sic] Everybody Ska / Skinhead 7"
No logo just text on standard blue Unicorn label.
PHZ-41
The Deltones Make me Smile / Patricia Hamilton
Ltd. radio promo 7" (June 1989)
Title track and instrumental previously appear on PHZ-31
chromed logo cover at right mock up 2003 as placeholder;
has been stolen for youtube since
PHZ-54
Laurel Aitken - Sally Brown 7"
radio?
7Wake-1
A. Busters Mickey Mouse In Moscow (RADIO PROMO) / Deltones
B. Deltones Scream Jean (RADIO PROMO) / Busters7", 1989
Charlie L, Kevin F (gofeet.info) and Steve S (duffguidetoska) for their input
This discography listing is provided for your research and information. We're not a catalog, we are not affiliated with any record company, we are not a record or CD store, nor are we a search service. We cannot find the records listed in the above discography for you. E-mails asking us to sell records listed, or to find these records for people will be ignored. We're sorry to have to say this but getting e-mails asking us to find specific records for people is not fun. I've tried to answer them in the past but any other on-topic correspondence is welcome.
Post-2Tone's first multinational corporation 1988, long defunct.
UNICORN RECORDS 191 Seven Sisters Road, Finsbury Park London N4 3NG
UNICORN FRANCE, 11 allee J.-B.Clement, 78570 Andresy, France
UNICORN DEUTSCHLAND, Pucklerstrasse 22, 1000 Berlin 36, West Germany
UNICORN INTERNATIONAL, Perihan Sok. 117/5 Sisi. Istanbul Turkiye
Several illustrations & 70 jackets by Steve Friel, ultimate skinhead artist
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Steve, Chas, a pint and a packet of crisps
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Glen Dizzybeat, 2011
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Steve Shafer's 'BLUEPRINT' in TPSA#5, 1998
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RARE N' RUDE #6, Co. Louth Ireland, 1990
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UNICORN UK PRESS, 1988
DOJO UK PRESS, 1992