What was BBC Records and Tapes?
Image by BBC records.
Founded in 1967, BBC Records and Tapes was arguably the weirdest albeit most intriguing record label around. With a lifespan of just under 3 decades, before it’s ultimate dismissal in 1991. Here, founder of The Jaunty Spiv Blog, Manon Williams delves into the archives to explore what exactly went on behind the bizarre doors of the BBC’s very own record label.
Start how you mean to go on, with Roy Tempest at the helm of BBC Records and Tapes. Beeb quickly rose to eminence particularly in the 80′s, due to their most successful record selling over 250,000 in 3 days. What was that record, - EastEnders’ actor Nick Berry’s Every Loser Wins. Amidst this gem of a record, there are recordings to help you fix your car, to help you get fit, to learn language, to hear bells, birds, poetry, dialects, learn how to flyfish, spot trains, absorb history, play to classrooms, hear concerts, laugh at comedy, sing hymns, there are folk songs, space stories, historical events in sound, children talking LPs.
Despite it’s prominence throughout the years, there is very little solid information on BBC Records and Tapes, the most reliable source being Tim Worthington’s release of the “Top of The Box - a complete guide to 300 singles”. For me, there is a genuine intrigue into BBC Records and Tapes, for almost all notable labels over the years - Elektra, Creation, Cherry Red, Beeb has been the reigning champion of charity and junk shops all around the country.
Weird..Image by BBC records
BBC Records and Tapes issued everything that, at the time was entering popular culture. So, if you take a look at the archives of the label, you’re essentially delving into a musical representation of the year you were born, similar to one of the novelty shirts you receive for your birthday or a card denoting everything that happened the year you were born.
“We issued probably 10 bird records: back garden birds, woodland birds, sea island birds…“
It does come across as reckless considering the stature of the BBC over the years, releasing records that have no correlation to music whatsoever but, in retrospect there is a considerable amount of ingenuity to release records that encompass the every changing popular culture of the last 30 years. Jumping on the bandwagon at any opportunity given, saw BBC R&T become a catalyst on behalf of a then, very young choir boy, Aled Jones. Following this, at least 10 birdsong albums and a beloved edition of Diana Morgan’s “Get Fit” that gained notoriety after uniting all 80′s mums everywhere. Possibly being the first record of its kind.
But, ultimately there has never been a longstanding record label that dared release a series of records similar to BBC Records and Tapes since. That’s why it will stand the test of time.
So, what will you find? The Great Egg Race? John Peels, “Archive Things”? The Sound Track of Death and Horror. Who knows.
