Labelled with Love: A History of the World in Your Record Collection

Labelled with Love: A History of the World in Your Record Collection is a fascinating look at record labels, combining informative and revealing accounts of influential labels, bands, and music that rocked our worlds and shaped our lives. The book skilfully gets under the bonnet of record labels in an enlightening way, combining humour and warmth to illuminate and educate.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 16 May 2024
Publisher: The History Press Ltd

Labelled with Love: A History of the World in Your Record Collection is a captivating and heartfelt musical journey through your record collection. It serves as an informative and enlightening exploration of the influential record labels, bands, and music that have rocked our worlds and shaped our lives.

After the immense success of his critically acclaimed memoir, Nirvana – A Tour Diary, Andy Bollen delves into the world of record labels with a fascinating perspective. This book takes readers on a journey through time, from the iconic cool swing of 1950s Capitol with Sinatra to the legal challenges faced by Hendrix and The Who at Track. It explores the professional stewardship of 4AD and Domino, as well as the excesses of Creation and Casablanca Records.

Each account in the book combines to capture the essence, drama, and colorful history of music. As the soundtrack unfolds, it becomes a social commentary, touching on significant events such as the Second World War (EMI, originally a German company), the Civil Rights movement (Blue Note, Stax, Chess, Sun, Motown), and the peace, love, and chaos of the 1960s with JFK, Manson, and Vietnam. The 1970s excess of Casablanca Records (Kiss, Village People, and disco) is followed through to the 1980s and 1990s (Creation), with Oasis and Britpop taking center stage.

The book skillfully delves into the inner workings of record labels, offering an enlightening and entertaining approach. From iconic labels to those disbanded, Bollen brings a unique style to the prose, illuminating and educating readers with humor and warmth. It is filled with fascinating "fanorak facts" that will surprise and delight music enthusiasts, such as the fact that Led Zeppelin signed to Atlantic in the US after a glowing recommendation from Dusty Springfield. Additionally, readers will learn that Virgin Records was almost called Slipped Discs, and that Blue Notes legendary hard-bop trumpeter Lee Morgan was shot while he played on stage by his wife.

Labelled with Love spans a wide range of musical genres, from the jazz age to punk, from the Civil Rights movement to the Miners strikes, from the Beatles to Britpop, Elvis to Nirvana, and Ella Fitzgerald to Led Zeppelin. It is a testament to the enduring impact of music on our lives and the diverse range of artists and labels that have contributed to its rich tapestry.

In conclusion, Labelled with Love: A History of the World in Your Record Collection is a must-read for music lovers and enthusiasts alike. It offers a captivating and informative journey through the history of record labels, showcasing the influential bands, artists, and events that have shaped our world. With its unique style, humor, and warmth, this book will captivate readers and leave them with a newfound appreciation for the power of music.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803994338