| 4AD | |
|---|---|
| Parent company | Beggars Group |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Founder | Ivo Watts-Russell Peter Kent |
| Distributing label | Beggars Group |
| Genre | Alternative rock |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Location | London |
| Official website | http://www.4ad.com |
4AD is a British independent record label that was started in 1979 by Ivo Watts-Russell and Peter Kent, funded by Beggars Banquet Records, and is still active today. The companies’ roots stem from the Beggars Banquet record shops which first opened in 1973 with a shop in Earls Court, London. Ivo Watts-Russell (born 1954 in Northamptonshire, England is the founder and president of the English indie record label 4AD. The companies’ roots stem from the Beggars Banquet record shops which first opened in 1973 with a shop in Earls Court, London. Alternative rock (also called alternative music, alt-rock or simply alternative; known primarily in the UK as indie) is a genre of The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located London ( ˈlʌndən is the capital and largest urban area in the United Kingdom. An independent record label (or indie record label) is a Record label operating without the funding of or outside the organizations of the Major record labels Ivo Watts-Russell (born 1954 in Northamptonshire, England is the founder and president of the English indie record label 4AD. Beggars Banquet is an English Independent record label that began as a chain of record shops owned by Martin Mills and Nick Austin, and is part of [1] It now forms part of the Beggars Group, along with Matador Records, Rough Trade Records and XL Recordings, and 4AD has the likes of Beirut, Blonde Redhead, Bon Iver, The Breeders, Stereolab, TV on the Radio and Scott Walker on their roster. Matador Records is an Independent record label, famous for a roster of highly-respected Indie rock artists and bands Rough Trade Records began as an Independent record label, based in London, England. XL Recordings is an Independent record label which was launched by Tim Palmer Nick Halkes and Richard Russell with Beggars Banquet Records in 1989 to release Beirut is the band of -year-old Santa Fe native Zach Condon. The band's first official release was assisted by Jeremy Barnes ( Neutral Milk Hotel Blonde Redhead is an American rock trio comprised of Kazu Makino and twin brothers Simone and Amedeo Pace Bon Iver is the name of Indie folk Singer-songwriter Justin Vernon' s current band and most notable music project to date The Breeders are an American Alternative rock band formed in 1988 by Kim Deal of the Pixies and Throwing Muses ' Tanya Donelly Stereolab are an Alternative music band formed in 1990 in London, England TV on the Radio (often abbreviated to TVOTR is a New York City Experimental rock band formed in 2001 whose music spans genres as diverse as Post-punk Scott Walker is the Stage name of the American Singer-songwriter Noel Scott Engel (born 9 January 1943 in Hamilton
Contents |
History
4AD was originally formed as Axis Records, but this was changed when it became apparent that the name Axis was already being used by another music company. The solution to this problem came from a promotional flyer that they had printed up to call attention to the new releases. The flyer's designer had added some typography which played on both the new year and the idea of progress:
1980 FORWARD
1980 FWD
1984 AD
4AD
Quickly scrambling for a new name, Ivo glanced at the flyer and suggested "4AD". Peter Kent agreed, and, with that split-second decision, 4AD was born.
Shortly afterwards, Kent left the company to start another label (also funded by Beggars Banquet): Situation Two Records. Situation Two, aka Situation 2, was a Record label which began life in 1981 as an offshoot of the larger Beggars Banquet label Watts-Russell invited the graphic designer Vaughan Oliver to create sleeve art for the label and as a result 4AD quickly acquired a visually distinctive identity. Vaughan Oliver (born 1957) is a Graphic designer based in Wandsworth, South West London Its artists like the Cocteau Twins and Dead Can Dance developed substantial cult followings in the mid-1980s, but 4AD continued to evolve, and, after signing Throwing Muses and Pixies, the label increasingly concentrated on underground American rock music. Cocteau Twins were a Scottish Alternative rock band active from 1979 to 1997 Dead Can Dance is a band comprising Lisa Gerrard ( Contralto) and Brendan Perry ( Baritone) Throwing Muses are an Alternative rock band formed in 1981 in Newport Rhode Island, that toured and recorded extensively until 1997 when its members began concentrating Pixies are an American Alternative rock band formed in Boston Massachusetts in 1986 In 1987, 4AD had a UK Number One hit with the collaged "Pump Up The Volume" by M/A/R/R/S. In Music montage (literally "putting together" or sound collage ("gluing together" is a technique where Sound objects or compositions " Pump Up the Volume " ( 1987) was the only single released by British recording act M/A/R/R/S. " Pump Up the Volume " ( 1987) was the only single released by British recording act M/A/R/R/S.
In the 1990s, 4AD established an office in Los Angeles and enjoyed success with bands such as The Breeders, Red House Painters, Unrest, and His Name Is Alive. Los Angeles (lɑˈsændʒələs los ˈaŋxeles in Spanish) is the largest City in the state of California and the American West The Breeders are an American Alternative rock band formed in 1988 by Kim Deal of the Pixies and Throwing Muses ' Tanya Donelly Red House Painters were an Alternative rock group formed in 1989 in San Francisco by singer/songwriter Mark Kozelek. Unrest is an Indie rock band from the Washington DC area It was one of Mark Robinson's projects for what would eventually become the TeenBeat His Name Is Alive is an experimental rock band/ project from Livonia Michigan. In 1999, Watts-Russell sold his share in 4AD back to the Beggars Group (as it had by then become), but the label continued to release music and add new artists to its roster. [2]
Current artists
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Alumni
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Noteworthy releases
1980
- Bauhaus Dark Entries (AD3); the only AXIS single to be re-issued under the 4AD name
- Rema-Rema Wheel in the Roses (BAD5); the first release bearing the 4AD logo
- Bauhaus In the Flat Field (CAD13); the first full-length LP on 4AD
- Modern English Gathering Dust (AD15); later the inspiration for This Mortal Coil's first record
1981
- The Birthday Party Prayers on Fire (CAD105); debut full-length from classic post-punk band
- Dif Juz Huremics (BAD109); debut EP from classic proto-"post rock" outfit
- Natures Mortes (Still Lives) (CAD117); definitive summary of the label's post-punk years, originally only available in Japan
1982
- Colin Newman Not To (CAD201); Third solo LP from Wire frontman, featuring several previously unreleased Wire tracks
- Modern English After the Snow (CAD206); LP contains 4AD's first mainstream hit, the New Wave classic "I Melt With You. The Glee Club was an Irish rock band active in the early 1990s Rachel Goswell (born May 16 1971 in Fareham, England) is a Singer-songwriter who was a vocalist with Shoegazing pioneers GusGus is a band from Reykjavík, Iceland. They were founded in 1995 David J Haskins (b April 24, 1957, in Northampton, England) better known as David J, is a British Alternative rock Neil Halstead is an English songwriter and musician He was a founding member of Slowdive, a band often associated with the shoegazer musical genre Kristin Hersh (born August 7, 1966) is an American singer/songwriter who performs solo acoustic concerts she also has performed as lead singer and guitarist His Name Is Alive is an experimental rock band/ project from Livonia Michigan. The Hope Blister was an ambient band founded by Ivo Watts-Russell, head of the 4AD Records label Rowland Stuart Howard (born 1960 is an Australian Rock musician Guitarist and Songwriter, best known for his use of electric guitar Audio feedback Lydia Lunch (born Lydia Koch on June 2, 1959 in Rochester New York) is an American Singer, Poet, In Camera was a musical project of Andrew Gray, who later formed The Wolfgang Press. Matt Johnson (born 15 August 1961, in London, England) is the founder and only constant member of the multimedia band, The Lakuna was an electronic instrumental project begun by drummer David Narcizo after Throwing Muses first split up following their 1996 Limbo album Liquorice (UK or licorice (US (see spelling differences;, or) is the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, from which a sweet flavour can be extracted Lydia Lunch (born Lydia Koch on June 2, 1959 in Rochester New York) is an American Singer, Poet, Lush were an English Shoegazing band formed in 1988 and disbanded in 1996 " Pump Up the Volume " ( 1987) was the only single released by British recording act M/A/R/R/S. Mass were an English Post-punk band The band consisted of Gary Asquith Mick Allen Mark Cox and Danny Briottet Vinny Miller is a United Kingdom -based Singer/songwriter and Record producer, born in Dorset, England in 1969 Modern English is a rock band best remembered for their song " I Melt With You " which was an MTV staple in 1982 This article is about the music group For the tape recorder see Magnetophon Magnétophone are an electronic / Mojave 3 are a British band, consisting of Neil Halstead, Rachel Goswell, Simon Rowe Alan Forrester and Ian McCutcheon Colin Newman (born 16 September 1954, Salisbury, Wiltshire) is an English Musician, Record producer and Michael Brook (born 1951 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada) is a Canadian Guitarist, Inventor, producer, and Film A paladin (from Latin palatinus, plural palatini; cf derivative spellings below was a high-level official in numerous countries of medieval Pale Saints was formed in 1987 by Ian Masters (bass/vocals Graeme Naysmith (guitar and Chris Cooper (drums in Leeds, England. Brendan Perry (born June 30, 1959 in Whitechapel, London) is a Singer and multi-instrumentalist best known for his work as the Piano Magic is a Musical collective formed in the summer of 1996 by Glen Johnson, Dominic Chennell, and Dick Rance in London Pixies are an American Alternative rock band formed in Boston Massachusetts in 1986 Emma Pollock is a Scottish singer songwriter and guitarist She was a founding member of The Delgados. Red House Painters were an Alternative rock group formed in 1989 in San Francisco by singer/songwriter Mark Kozelek. Rema-Rema was a short-lived English music group consisting of Gary Asquith (guitar/vocals Marco Pirroni (guitar Mick Allen (bass/vocals Mark Cox (keyboards and Max (drums Scheer was an Alternative rock band from County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. For the human SHOX gene see Short stature homeobox gene. Shox is an arcade, Rally game it is available on Sort Sol is a pioneer rock band from Copenhagen, Denmark. The band was formed in 1977 as a Punk rock outfit originally under the Spasmodic Caress were an English Post punk / New Wave band that played many gigs along the East coast and in Ipswich Colchester and London between 1979 and 1984 Spirea X were an Indie rock band from Glasgow, Scotland, formed by Primal Scream founding member Jim Beattie in 1990 Spoonfed Hybrid were a Dream pop duo in the north of England in the early 1990s Swallow were the duo of Mike Mason and Louise Trehy Signed to 4AD, they only made two releases before leaving Sybarite is the solo project of musician Xian Hawkins, who played with the Silver Apples for a number of years in the 90s Tarnation are an Alt-country band formed by Paula Frazer in late 1992, primarily recording on the 4ad label that dog was a Los Angeles -based rock band that formed in 1991 and dissolved in 1997. The The are an English musical and multimedia group that have been active in various forms since 1979, with singer/songwriter/frontman Matt Johnson being Thievery Corporation is a Washington DC -based recording artist and DJ duo consisting of Rob Garza and Eric Hilton and their supporting This Mortal Coil was a musical Dream pop project of Ivo Watts-Russell, founder of the British 4AD Records label Throwing Muses are an Alternative rock band formed in 1981 in Newport Rhode Island, that toured and recorded extensively until 1997 when its members began concentrating Tones on Tail was a musical Side project created by Daniel Ash of Bauhaus along with friend and 'Bauhaus roadie' Glenn Campling in 1982 23 Envelope was the name given to the graphic design partnership of graphic designer Vaughan Oliver and photographer/filmmaker Nigel Grierson from 1983-1988 Ultra Vivid Scene was an Alternative rock band started by Kurt Ralske. Underground Lovers are an Australian Alternative rock band Although their commercial success was minimal at best they were a much-lauded act in the country's alternative scene Unrest is an Indie rock band from the Washington DC area It was one of Mark Robinson's projects for what would eventually become the TeenBeat Vaughan Oliver (born 1957) is a Graphic designer based in Wandsworth, South West London The Wolfgang Press were an English band active in the 1980s and 1990s Xmal Deutschland (pronounced ixmal doytschland) was a musical group from Hamburg Germany. Hans Florian Zimmer (born September 12, 1957 in Frankfurt/Main, Germany) is an Academy Award, Grammy, and Golden Lisa Gerrard (born April 12, 1961) is an Australian Musician, Singer and Composer who rose to prominence as part of Bauhaus were an English rock band formed in Northampton in 1978 "Dark Entries" is a second single released by British Gothic rock band Bauhaus. Rema-Rema was a short-lived English music group consisting of Gary Asquith (guitar/vocals Marco Pirroni (guitar Mick Allen (bass/vocals Mark Cox (keyboards and Max (drums Bauhaus were an English rock band formed in Northampton in 1978 In the Flat Field is the debut Album by British Post-punk / Gothic rock band Bauhaus, released in 1980 on 4AD Modern English is a rock band best remembered for their song " I Melt With You " which was an MTV staple in 1982 This Mortal Coil was a musical Dream pop project of Ivo Watts-Russell, founder of the British 4AD Records label The Birthday Party was an Australian Post-punk group active from 1977 to 1983 Prayers on Fire, by The Birthday Party, was released in April 1981 on the 4AD label Dif Juz was a British instrumental band strongly influenced by dub who were active in the early early to mid 1980s Colin Newman (born 16 September 1954, Salisbury, Wiltshire) is an English Musician, Record producer and Modern English is a rock band best remembered for their song " I Melt With You " which was an MTV staple in 1982 After the Snow is Modern English 's second album released in 1982. " I Melt with You " is a song by the British Post-punk / New Wave band Modern English. "
- Cocteau Twins Garlands (CAD211); debut LP from band who would come to define the label's aesthetic
1983
- The Wolfgang Press The Burden of Mules (CAD308); debut LP from long-time 4AD mainstay, including former Rema-Rema members
- This Mortal Coil Sixteen Days-Gathering Dust (BAD310); debut EP from Ivo's house band, including popular cover of Tim Buckley's "Song to the Siren"
- Cocteau Twins Head over Heels (CAD 313); the band's second LP begins to define the band and label's sound
1985
- Clan of Xymox Clan of Xymox (CAD503); debut LP from classic goth band
- Dif Juz Extractions (CAD505); only full-length from the band, which is very much in-line with the classic 4AD sound
- Colourbox Colourbox (CAD508); debut LP from pop-collage artists, considered classic today
- Dead Can Dance Spleen and Ideal (CAD 512); second LP that advanced the band's sound considerably
- Cocteau Twins The Pink Opaque (CAD513CD); compilation of 1982-1985 material intended for US release; released only on CD in the UK, the label's first release on the medium
1986
- Throwing Muses Throwing Muses (CAD607); debut LP from the first American band signed to 4AD
- This Mortal Coil Filigree & Shadow (DAD609); second album from Ivo's project is the label's first double album
1987
- MARRS Pump Up The Volume (AD707); generally regarded as a significant milestone in the development of British house music and music sampling
- Lonely Is an Eyesore (CAD703); compilation album released in many formats, showcasing the label's diverse lineup
- Dead Can Dance Within the Realm of a Dying Sun (CAD705); another classic LP typical of the label's output of the era
- Pixies Come on Pilgrim (MAD709); debut mini-album culled from the band's demo tape
- Pieter Nooten/Michael Brook Sleeps with the Fishes (CAD710); atmospheric album from former Clan of Xymox member Nooten and noted guitarist/producer Brook
1988
- Throwing Muses House Tornado (CAD802); the band's second LP is their first to be released in the USA
- Pixies Surfer Rosa (CAD803); Steve Albini-produced album that proved to be massively influential on nearly all alternative rock to follow
- Cocteau Twins Blue Bell Knoll (CAD807); the band's most successful LP to date received major-label distribution in the USA by Capitol Records
1989
- Pixies Doolittle (CAD809); another extremely influential LP that now routinely ranks high in lists of all-time best albums
- Lush Scar (JAD911); debut EP by the English quartet, an early shoegaze release
1990
- The Breeders Pod (CAD0006); debut of Pixie Kim Deal's side project that eventually became her main band
- His Name Is Alive Livonia (CAD008); American band begins a long run at 4AD with a debut that carries on in the tradition of the label's 1980s heyday
- Cocteau Twins Heaven or Las Vegas (CAD0012); the band's final album on 4AD was said by Ivo to be “the best record 4AD ever released. Cocteau Twins were a Scottish Alternative rock band active from 1979 to 1997 Garlands is the 1982 debut album of Cocteau Twins. It is the only album with original bassist Will Heggie and his chugging basslines give the album The Wolfgang Press were an English band active in the 1980s and 1990s This Mortal Coil was a musical Dream pop project of Ivo Watts-Russell, founder of the British 4AD Records label Timothy Charles Buckley III (February 14 1947 – June 29 1975 was an experimental Vocalist and Musician who incorporated Jazz, Psychedelia Cocteau Twins were a Scottish Alternative rock band active from 1979 to 1997 Head over Heels is an Album by Scottish musical group Cocteau Twins. Clan of Xymox, also known as Xymox at various parts of their career are a Darkwave / Gothic rock band founded in Nijmegen, the Netherlands Clan of Xymox was the self-titled debut for the eponymous band in 1985 and their first release on the 4AD label (CAD503 CAD503CD GAD503CD Dif Juz was a British instrumental band strongly influenced by dub who were active in the early early to mid 1980s Colourbox were an English electronic outfit on the 4AD Record label in the 1980s Colourbox CAD 508 is the 1985 album from Colourbox. CAD 508 is the album's catalogue number used to distinguish it from the earlier album of the same Dead Can Dance is a band comprising Lisa Gerrard ( Contralto) and Brendan Perry ( Baritone) Spleen and Ideal is the second album recorded by Dead Can Dance, released in 1986 Cocteau Twins were a Scottish Alternative rock band active from 1979 to 1997 History The Pink Opaque is a 1985 compilation album composed of tracks originally recorded between 1982 and 1985 by the Cocteau Twins. Throwing Muses are an Alternative rock band formed in 1981 in Newport Rhode Island, that toured and recorded extensively until 1997 when its members began concentrating Throwing Muses is the name of the 1986 debut album of the band Throwing Muses, according to 4AD, the label that released the album This Mortal Coil was a musical Dream pop project of Ivo Watts-Russell, founder of the British 4AD Records label Filigree & Shadow was an album released in 1986 by Ivo Watts-Russell 's supergroup This Mortal Coil. " Pump Up the Volume " ( 1987) was the only single released by British recording act M/A/R/R/S. " Pump Up the Volume " ( 1987) was the only single released by British recording act M/A/R/R/S. House music is a style of Electronic dance music initially popularized in mid-1980s Discothèques catering to the African-American, Latino In Music, sampling is the act of taking a portion or sample, of one Sound recording and reusing it as an instrument or element of a new recording Lonely Is an Eyesore is a compilation of music by artists on the 4AD label released in June 1987 Dead Can Dance is a band comprising Lisa Gerrard ( Contralto) and Brendan Perry ( Baritone) Within the Realm of a Dying Sun is the third album recorded by the Dead Can Dance duo Lisa Gerrard and Brendan Perry, in 1987 Pixies are an American Alternative rock band formed in Boston Massachusetts in 1986 Come On Pilgrim is the debut release from the American Alternative rock band Pixies, released on the British Independent record label Michael Brook (born 1951 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada) is a Canadian Guitarist, Inventor, producer, and Film Clan of Xymox, also known as Xymox at various parts of their career are a Darkwave / Gothic rock band founded in Nijmegen, the Netherlands Throwing Muses are an Alternative rock band formed in 1981 in Newport Rhode Island, that toured and recorded extensively until 1997 when its members began concentrating House Tornado is a 1988 Album by Throwing Muses. Produced by Gary Smith and Engineered by Paul Kolderie, it was recorded at Pixies are an American Alternative rock band formed in Boston Massachusetts in 1986 Surfer Rosa is the first full-length album by the American Alternative rock band Pixies, released in March 1988 on the British Independent Steven Frank Albini (born July 22, 1962) is an American Audio engineer, singer songwriter Guitarist, and music journalist Cocteau Twins were a Scottish Alternative rock band active from 1979 to 1997 SOME TASKS IDEAS -An internal section commenting the content of the album its place in the discog etc Capitol Records is a major United States -based Record label owned by EMI and located in Hollywood California and New York City as Pixies are an American Alternative rock band formed in Boston Massachusetts in 1986 Doolittle is the second Studio album from the American Alternative rock band Pixies, released in April 1989 on 4AD. Shoegazing (also known as shoegaze or shoegazer) is a genre of Alternative rock that emerged from the United Kingdom in the late 1980s The Breeders are an American Alternative rock band formed in 1988 by Kim Deal of the Pixies and Throwing Muses ' Tanya Donelly Kimberly Ann Deal (born June 10, 1961) is an American Singer, Songwriter and Musician, best known as the bassist of the His Name Is Alive is an experimental rock band/ project from Livonia Michigan. Livonia is the debut LP by His Name Is Alive originally released on 4AD in the UK in 1990 and in 1992 on 4AD/Rykodisc in the USA Cocteau Twins were a Scottish Alternative rock band active from 1979 to 1997 Heaven Or Las Vegas is a 1990 album by Scottish rock group Cocteau Twins, their last for the music label 4AD ”
1991-1995
Although fans will greatly debate the exact year the "classic 4AD" period ends, a popular theory places the end with the release of the final Cocteau Twins 4AD album in 1990. Heaven Or Las Vegas is a 1990 album by Scottish rock group Cocteau Twins, their last for the music label 4AD Still, 1991 saw the final Throwing Muses album with Tanya Donelly (The Real Ramona, CAD1002), the final This Mortal Coil album (Blood, DAD1005), His Name Is Alive's Home Is in Your Head (CAD1013), and the Pixies' Trompe le Monde (CAD1014), all of which are generally considered to be "classic 4AD. Home Is in Your Head is an album by His Name Is Alive, originally released in 4AD in the UK in 1991 and in 1992 on 4AD/Rykodisc in the USA Trompe le Monde is the Pixies ' fourth and final full-length studio Album, released on September 23, 1991 through the 4AD "
Even in 1992, new signings like Belly and the Red House Painters produced records which are also considered amongst the classic era of 4AD. Red House Painters were an Alternative rock group formed in 1989 in San Francisco by singer/songwriter Mark Kozelek. However, the label's deal with Warner Bros. in the United States in 1992 would start the beginning of a truly new phase in 4AD history. By 1995, whatever remnants of the "classic era" that were left were dying out, as evidenced by the final 4AD release for Red House Painters, and the last albums and break-ups of Belly and The Wolfgang Press. New signings that year included American underground acts Kendra Smith, Tarnation, Air Miami and The Amps. Air Miami was a band from Washington DC. The band was formed by Mark Robinson and Bridget Cross, both former members of Unrest, and drummer Gabriel The Amps were an indie-rock band from Dayton Ohio. Formed by Kim Deal in 1995 after The Breeders went on hiatus they first began touring as "
1998
- Thievery Corporation Sounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi (CAD8006); An unlikely and short-lived foray into the electronic, downtempo world for 4AD. Thievery Corporation is a Washington DC -based recording artist and DJ duo consisting of Rob Garza and Eric Hilton and their supporting Sounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi was the debut Album of the Thievery Corporation, originally released in 1997
2002
- The Breeders Title TK (CAD2205); Strangely intimate, feminine garage rock and an admirably honest portrait of the band. The Breeders are an American Alternative rock band formed in 1988 by Kim Deal of the Pixies and Throwing Muses ' Tanya Donelly Title TK is the third album from the American Alternative rock band The Breeders.
2004
- Blonde Redhead Misery Is A Butterfly (CAD2409); A creative leap forward for one of the most interesting band to emerge from the USA underground in the 1990s. Blonde Redhead is an American rock trio comprised of Kazu Makino and twin brothers Simone and Amedeo Pace Misery Is a Butterfly is the sixth studio album by Blonde Redhead, released in 2004
- TV On The Radio Desperate Youth, Bloodthirsty Babes (CAD2420); Other worldly debut album from feted Brooklyn band. TV on the Radio (often abbreviated to TVOTR is a New York City Experimental rock band formed in 2001 whose music spans genres as diverse as Post-punk Desperate Youth Blood Thirsty Babes is a 2004 Album by the Avant-garde rock band, TV on the Radio.
2005
- Cocteau Twins Lullabies to Violaine (CTBOX 2); Compilation of all Cocteau Twins EPs, singles and b-sides spread over four compact discs. Cocteau Twins were a Scottish Alternative rock band active from 1979 to 1997 Lullabies to Violaine is a Cocteau Twins boxset released by 4AD Records in October 2005 Remastered by Robin Guthrie and released to coincide with the label's 25th anniversary.
- TV On The Radio Dry Drunk Emperor (n/a); A free download track, never formally released, gifted to fans and to remember those affected by Hurricane Katrina. TV on the Radio (often abbreviated to TVOTR is a New York City Experimental rock band formed in 2001 whose music spans genres as diverse as Post-punk TV on the Radio (often abbreviated to TVOTR is a New York City Experimental rock band formed in 2001 whose music spans genres as diverse as Post-punk Hurricane Katrina of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was the costliest hurricane, as well as one of the five deadliest in the history of the United States
2006
- TV On The Radio Return To Cookie Mountain (CAD2607); The album of 2006 according to many critics end of year lists. TV on the Radio (often abbreviated to TVOTR is a New York City Experimental rock band formed in 2001 whose music spans genres as diverse as Post-punk Return to Cookie Mountain is the third full-length album by the American rock group TV on the Radio. A stone cold classic.
- Scott Walker The Drift (CAD2603); The first album from the infamously reclusive Scott Walker for over a decade. Scott Walker is the Stage name of the American Singer-songwriter Noel Scott Engel (born 9 January 1943 in Hamilton The Drift is a critically acclaimed album from singer-songwriter Scott Walker, released on the 4AD label in May 2006 Scott Walker is the Stage name of the American Singer-songwriter Noel Scott Engel (born 9 January 1943 in Hamilton Not for the faint hearted!
- Beirut Gulag Orkestar (CAD2619); An incredibly accomplished debut album from the then 19-year old Zach Condon. Beirut is the band of -year-old Santa Fe native Zach Condon. The band's first official release was assisted by Jeremy Barnes ( Neutral Milk Hotel Gulag Orkestar is the Debut album by Zach Condon aka Beirut. It was recorded in 2005 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Beirut is the band of -year-old Santa Fe native Zach Condon. The band's first official release was assisted by Jeremy Barnes ( Neutral Milk Hotel
- Plague Songs (CAD2616); An album of songs, by various artists (including Rufus Wainwright, Brian Eno & Robert Wyatt and Scott Walker), about the ten Plagues of Egypt as described in the book of Exodus. Plague Songs is an album of songs by various artists about the ten Plagues of Egypt described in the book of Exodus. Brian Peter George St John le Baptiste de la Salle Eno (born 15 May 1948 commonly known as Brian Eno (ˈiːnoʊ is an English Musician, producer Robert Wyatt (born Robert Wyatt-Ellidge, 28 January 1945 in Bristol) is an English Musician, and founding member of the influential Scott Walker is the Stage name of the American Singer-songwriter Noel Scott Engel (born 9 January 1943 in Hamilton The Plagues of Egypt ( the Biblical Plagues or the Ten Plagues ( are the ten calamities imposed upon Egypt by God in the Bible Exodus ( Greek: έξοδος eksodos = "departure" is the second book of the Jewish Torah and of the Christian Old Testament.
2007
- Blonde Redhead 23 (CAD2717); Second album for 4AD from the New York trio. Blonde Redhead is an American rock trio comprised of Kazu Makino and twin brothers Simone and Amedeo Pace 23 is the seventh studio album by Blonde Redhead, released on.
- Scott Walker And Who Shall Go To The Ball? And What Shall Go To The Ball? (CAD2731 CD); Original score for a modern dance performance by CandoCo. Scott Walker is the Stage name of the American Singer-songwriter Noel Scott Engel (born 9 January 1943 in Hamilton CandoCo Dance Company is a contemporary dance company of disabled and non-disabled dancers Limited to just 2,500 copies.
- Beirut The Flying Club Cup (CAD2732); Zach Condon's second album was adjudged to "rock, in (an) extremely geeky way. Beirut is the band of -year-old Santa Fe native Zach Condon. The band's first official release was assisted by Jeremy Barnes ( Neutral Milk Hotel The Flying Club Cup is the second album by Beirut. It was pre-released on September 4, 2007 on ITunes, and was officially released Beirut is the band of -year-old Santa Fe native Zach Condon. The band's first official release was assisted by Jeremy Barnes ( Neutral Milk Hotel " by Spin Magazine
2008
- The Breeders Mountain Battles (CAD2803); Kim Deal's other band released their first new material for nearly six years. Spin is a Music Magazine that reports on Music for Life Founded in 1985 by publisher Bob Guccione Jr The Breeders are an American Alternative rock band formed in 1988 by Kim Deal of the Pixies and Throwing Muses ' Tanya Donelly Mountain Battles is the fourth album from the American Alternative rock band The Breeders. Kimberly Ann Deal (born June 10, 1961) is an American Singer, Songwriter and Musician, best known as the bassist of the
- Atlas Sound Let The Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel (CAD2811 CD); Expanded version of exceptional debut album by Bradford Cox. Atlas Sound is the name of a musical solo project of Bradford James Cox, the lead singer of Atlanta five-piece Deerhunter. Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See but Cannot Feel is an album by ambient musician Atlas Sound. Atlas Sound is the name of a musical solo project of Bradford James Cox, the lead singer of Atlanta five-piece Deerhunter.
- Bon Iver For Emma, Forever Ago (CAD2809); Justin Vernon's stunning debut album, which he recorded in a log cabin in Winconsin. Bon Iver is the name of Indie folk Singer-songwriter Justin Vernon' s current band and most notable music project to date For Emma Forever Ago is the first album from Wisconsin's Bon Iver. Bon Iver is the name of Indie folk Singer-songwriter Justin Vernon' s current band and most notable music project to date Wisconsin ( or wɪˈskɑnsɨn (French Ouisconsin) is one of the fifty United States of America, located in the north central part of the United States
- Stereolab Chemical Chords (CAD2715); First 4AD release from Stereolab, to be released in August 2008. Stereolab are an Alternative music band formed in 1990 in London, England Chemical Chords is the ninth album by the band Stereolab, released in August 2008 Stereolab are an Alternative music band formed in 1990 in London, England
Catalog numbering scheme
For the most part, 4AD's official UK releases follow a standard scheme for designating catalog numbers. Although there have been some variations over the years, some general rules can be devised to easily determine the format (LP, CD, etc. ) and year of release by looking at a 4AD catalog number.
Prefix
The first part of a catalog number is a prefix that contains a variation of "AD," based on the 4AD name. Some standards are:
- AD = single
- BAD = EP
- CAD = Full length LP
- DAD = Double LP
Some other "AD" variations have been used less frequently over the years, including (but not limited to):
- EAD = Electronic download
- GAD = reissue (usually mid-priced)
- HAD = remastered or significantly altered reissue (usually with some combination of bonus tracks, re-mastering, or new artwork)
- JAD and MAD = "mini album" that is longer than an EP but shorter than an LP
- TAD = temporary release
Numerical designation
The second part of the catalog number is a number that represents the year of release (via the number of years since 1980, following the '1980 Forward' theme), and the order of release in the particular year. For example, This Mortal Coil's LP It'll End in Tears is CAD411. This Mortal Coil was a musical Dream pop project of Ivo Watts-Russell, founder of the British 4AD Records label It'll End in Tears was an album released in 1984 by 4AD using the name This Mortal Coil as an umbrella title for a loose grouping of guest musicians The "CAD" represents that the release is an LP, the "4" in 411 represents 1984, and 11 marks the 11th release that year. This is the vinyl LP release; cassette versions have "C" added to the prefix (CADC411 in this example); CD versions have "CD" added at the end (CAD411CD).
A side effect of this scheme is that it made it seem like 4AD had hundreds of releases early on. Once again using CAD411 as an example, a causal observer might assume this was the 411th release in the label's catalog, when 4AD actually had less than 100 total releases in their catalog at the time. In the 1990s, 4AD changed the first part of the number from "100s" to "1000s," temporarily making the number not correspond with the number of years since 1980. Releases in 1990 used "00" directly after the prefix (e. g. , the Pixies' Bossanova, CAD0010, released in the fall of 1990); 1991 used "10" directly after the prefix (e. Pixies are an American Alternative rock band formed in Boston Massachusetts in 1986 Bossanova is the third album by the American Alternative rock band Pixies, released in August 1990 on the English Independent g. , This Mortal Coil's Blood, DAD1005, released early in 1991), 1992 used "20," and so on for the rest of the 1990s. Blood is an album released in 1991 by Ivo Watts-Russell 's supergroup This Mortal Coil.
Wanting to return to numbering with the years since 1980, 4AD had to provide a workaround for releases in the year 2000. Since the "20" numerical designation had been used in 1992, all releases in 2000 used "2K" (e. g. , Mojave 3's Excuses For Travelers, released in early 2000 is CAD2K05). Mojave 3 are a British band, consisting of Neil Halstead, Rachel Goswell, Simon Rowe Alan Forrester and Ian McCutcheon Since 2001, the catalog numbering scheme has finally been able to return to the original format with the first part of the number representing the years since 1980. Things haven't been too consistent since, and there have been several gaps. Also, the year 2010 will pose a problem, as it is 30 years since 1980, but the "30" designations were already used in 1993.
Ownership of the label
Ivo Watts-Russell and Peter Kent, employees of the Beggars Banquet record store and label, founded Axis Records in late 1979 as a property of Beggars Banquet that was ran by the two. Ivo Watts-Russell (born 1954 in Northamptonshire, England is the founder and president of the English indie record label 4AD. Peter Kent (born July 27, 1943) is Deputy Editor of Global Television News a Canadian TV network After the first four Axis singles in early 1980, the name was changed to 4AD. An initial idea for the label was that it would be a "testing ground" for Beggars Banquet; successful acts would graduate up to Beggars Banquet after a year at 4AD. The only band to follow this path would be Bauhaus, who were signed to Beggars Banquet in late 1980 right before Ivo and Peter purchased the label outright. ("House of Building" or "Building School" is the common term for the, a school in Germany that combined crafts and the fine arts and was famous
The two were the sole owners for about a year. Peter sold his share to Ivo at the end of 1981, and started a new Beggars Banquet subsidiary, Situation Two Records. Situation Two, aka Situation 2, was a Record label which began life in 1981 as an offshoot of the larger Beggars Banquet label Ivo would maintain ownership of the label, and act as its president, until the late 1990s.
While 4AD didn't handle any distribution outside the United Kingdom for many years, it had many willing distributors in many countries: Columbia distributed much of the label in Japan, while Polygram subsidiary Vertigo released many of the label's records in Canada. PolyGram was the name from 1972 of the Major label recording company started by Philips as a holding company for its music interests in 1945 The United States had always been a tough market for 4AD, even though their records sold well there as imports. Only a few of the label's acts had deals to license their recordings in the USA, among various labels.
In 1992, Ivo signed a five-year distribution deal with Warner Bros. Records so that nearly all 4AD releases would see release in the United States. Warner Bros Records Inc is an American Record label that operates as a wholly owned Subsidiary of Warner Music Group. While this seemed to be a simple licensing deal, in reality executives from Warner Bros. took a lot of control during this period, as 4AD shifted focus to the US market, signing more American bands. While still president, it is clear that Ivo ceded some control during this period, and once the deal ended, he offered to sell the label back to Beggars Banquet.
The deal with Beggars was completed by early 1999, and since then it has owned 4AD and its distribution worldwide. This led to many negotiations for the label's back catalog--like getting back US distribution rights for the Pixies and the Cocteau Twins.
In 2008, the Beggars Group recognized that 4AD was its most prestigious and successful label, and re-aligned itself so that several labels (including Beggars Banquet itself) were folded up on to the 4AD label. [2] Bands like Stereolab and Calla now find themselves signed to 4AD as a part of this merger. Stereolab are an Alternative music band formed in 1990 in London, England Calla is an Indie rock band formed in North Texas in 1997. The band has been based in Brooklyn, New York for most of its existence A basic rundown of the label's history now shows that it started as a Beggars Banquet offshoot, then left the Beggars Group, only to be later re-acquired by Beggars, but now 4AD more or less is what was formerly known as Beggars Banquet.
See also
External links
- Official site
- Eyesore Database: Complete 4AD Discography through ca. This is a list of notable Record labels Due to the large number of entries the list has been divided by the first character of the label's name See also 1998, sporadic updates for releases since then
- 4AD : The Perfect Antidote: Complete 4AD Discography and Miscellany from 1980-2007
References
- Ingebrigtsen, Lars Magne (2000). Eyesore list of 4ad groups Retrieved 22 February 2005. Events 1495 - King Charles VIII of France enters Naples to claim the city's throne Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar.
- Keibel, Jeff (2004). 4AD: Facing The Wrong Way fan site. Retrieved 17 February 2005. Events 1500 - Battle of Hemmingstedt. 1600 - Philosopher Giordano Bruno is burned alive at Campo de' Fiori Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar.
- Zax, Andy (1999). An Official History of 4AD. Retrieved 27 January 2005. Events 98 - Trajan becomes Roman Emperor after the death of Nerva. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar.
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