It’s official. Manchester University Press have announced they will be publishing the second volume of the Island Book of Records, covering the years 1969-70.
The second volume of this highly collectable series documents the pivotal years of 1969–70, during which Island Records sought to build on its success with the Spencer Davis Group by seeking out new British rock talent. By the end of the period, Island was emerging as a major record label, one that could boast releases from Jethro Tull, Nick Drake, King Crimson, John and Beverley Martyn, Fairport Convention and Cat Stevens.
Featuring material from recent interviews and from media interviews of the time, and including a comprehensive discography of 45s, the Island Book of Records Volume 2 is lavishly illustrated with gig adverts (very many at venues that no longer exist), concert tickets, flyers, international LP variants, labels, LP and 45 adverts and other ephemera. This LP-sized edition is a collector’s dream, offering a truly unparalleled resource for those interested in music history and a perfect gift for any music lover.
Neil Storey has spent almost fifty years at the heart of the music industry. He joined the Island sales force in 1974 before going on to co-run the press office into the mid-1980s. With long experience as an editorial and events consultant, he researched and wrote The Island Book of Posters (edited by Tim Clark) and founded bespoke re-issue label HiddenMasters in 2008.
This volume is scheduled to be available in November 2024.
