[porkmarras]

http://www.hackney.co.uk/sites/redtape/

The early Thatcher years were a grim time for Britain. The world economic slump bit deep and UK dole queues were lengthening, while neo-Nazis gathered in the shadows. All was not gloom, however - as usual, music came to the rescue. At one point it seemed as though every second person in London was in a band, ran a small independent record label or reviewed gigs for the NME.

This website offers a random slice of the music of the time, in the form of eight tracks from North East London independent label Melodia Records' Red Tape. The tape was a 1984 benefit release, and featured 'leftover' raw-edged recordings donated by bands whose normal output was refined to a far higher level. The result is, to say the least, of uneven technical quality - but, in my view, that is what gives the tape its own peculiar appeal.

Sadly, Melodia is no more and, to my knowledge, none of the bands featured are still gigging, though most of the individuals involved are still going strong in music and media. Take this for what it is, and enjoy it as a set of out-takes from pop history. And so, on to the music...
Fin Fahey