What’s the point of a record label? I guess there are as many answers to that question as there are labels, but for me it’s an excuse to put out great records by bands I love, housed in great sleeves designed by artists I love. It’s that simple.

So no manifesto bullshit, no PR crap, no sales pitch. Just great 7 ” singles.

The Clientele

If you don’t already know The Clientele, then prepare to fall in love.

With sleeve photograph by indiepop legend Gail O'hara, the single features two classic Clientele tracks: early single ‘Lacewings’ and ‘Policeman Getting Lost’ from their beautiful second album The Violet Hour. Recorded by David Moore at Bush Hall, London on May 28th 2003 when the band were supporting Damon & Naomi, this single is the sound of The Clientele at their finest. And believe me, that is very fine indeed.

The Clientele have recorded for a number of labels in Europe and the USA including Pointy, Merge and Acuarela. For full details of all their releases and for news of tours and shows, check out their website.

Lovejoy

Lovejoy is Richard Preece, in collaboration with Ally Board, Keith Girdler and Paul Stewart. They lead a simple life just outside Brighton, England. At least that's what it says on the Matinee Records website, for whom Lovejoy have recorded numerous singles and the fabulous Who Wants To be A Millionaire album. Thankfully Richard has allowed us to put two of his recordings on either side of a 7Ó piece of vinyl which forms UNPOP 2. One side is the Lovejoy original ÔStrike A PoseÕ, whilst the other is a wonderful version of the Television PersonalitiesÕ classic ÔSomeone To Share My Life WithÕ.

Lovejoy Links:

Lovejoy band website
Matinee Records

Interview with Pennyblack (UK), Spring 2003
Interview with Tasty (UK), Autumn 2002

The Playwrights

Formed in 2002, this Bristol band have already released a stunning album (Good Beneath The Radar) and a couple of singles on guitarist Ben Shillabeer’s ace independent Sink And Stove label. Operating with a sharpness and intelligence few on the current UK ‘scene’ can match, The Playwrights make a dynamic Pop Noise that is as infectious as it is challenging.

For anyone old enough to understand or young enough to care, The Playwrights sound like a nascent Wolfhounds teleported into the 21st Century; full of Fall chops and Gang of Four changes of direction; a Pavement waiting to happen in reverse; an angular, avuncular avalanche of melody and noise, The Playwrights make the kind of sound that Franz Ferdinand make in their dreams.

Check out their website for more details.