Product details
- ISBN 9780008804107
- Weight: 920g
- Dimensions: 153 x 234mm
- Publication Date: 12 Mar 2026
- Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
- Publication City/Country: GB
- Product Form: Paperback
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The first official account of the iconic record label.
This Mortal Coil, Birthday Party, Bauhaus, Cocteau Twins, Pixies, Throwing Muses, Breeders, Dead Can Dance, Lisa Germano, Kristin Hersh, Belly, Red House Painters.
Just a handful of the bands and artists who started out recording for 4AD, a record label founded by Ivo Watts-Russell and Peter Kent in 1979, and which went on to be one of the most influential of the modern era. Combining the unique tastes of Watts-Russell and the striking design aesthetic of Vaughan Oliver, 4AD records were recognisable by their look as much their sound. In this comprehensive account concentrating on the label’s first two decades (now updated with extensive new material 13 years after the paperback was first published), music journalist Martin Aston explores the fascinating story with unique access to all the key players and almost every artist who released a record on 4AD during that time, and to its notoriously reclusive founder. With a cover designed by Vaughan Oliver, this is an essential book for all 4AD fans and anyone who loved and loves the music of this period.
Martin Aston has been writing about and reviewing music since 1984. He has a particularly deep appreciation for the independent music scene. He is the author of the books Pulp, Björkgraphy and Breaking Down the Walls of Heartache.
Martin has also written for a variety of publications including MOJO, Q, Guardian, The Times, Attitude, Radio Times and BBC Music Online.
