The Story of Island Records: Keep On Running Hardcover – Bargain Price, September 7, 2010

Hardcover 9.5" by 9.5" approximately,222 pages of text and graphics. Preface by label owner Chris Blackwell, edited by Suzette Newman and the well known (in Jamaican music circles) Chris Salewicz. The paper stock is semi-glossy which enhances the graphics, which are crisp and clean.This wonderful book, released in conjunction with Island Records' 50th anniversary, is well worth owning by anyone who likes the label's artists, or wants to know what all the fuss was (is) about Island Records. The book is heavily weighted toward beautiful graphics and photographs-both in color and black and white. The text is informative in an easy to digest style, and paints a fairly complete picture of the label's history. There are so many fine graphics and photos that to single out any one in particular would be difficult and do an injustice to the rest.The story (and illustrations) begins in 1959, when Blackwell was trying to spread the word about Jamaican (usually referred to as "reggae", which is incorrect) music to British listeners. Starting by releasing Jamaican singles, the label grew and was one of the labels at the forefront of the "underground" scene that was just beginning in England. Artist like Bob Marley, TRAFFIC, JETHRO TULL, FREE, Sandy Denny, Lee Perry, Burning Spear, Toots and the Maytals, John Martyn, SPOOKY TOOTH, MOTT THE HOOPLE, Nick Drake, Cat Stevens, FAIRPORT CONVENTION, and many others recorded some of their finest music while on Island Records. The book ends around the turn of the century, with groups like THE FEELING, Scott Mathews, and The Fratellis, and Amy Winehouse.The book tells a concise yet informative story of the era and how these groups came to call the "Pink Label" (in the beginning) home. This book tells both the history of the label and, in part, the history of music in England during a specific era. For those lucky enough (like me) who remember purchasing "import" albums way back when, the Island Records logo and the "pink label" always meant you were in for some exciting music-and could be purchased with assurance, without hearing (which you could do in "listening" stations) the album first. If you've come to the label's artists later on-this book will give you insight into one of the best, eclectic labels of any period. As good as the text is in telling the history of the label, it's the beautiful color photos (including many album covers) of the many artists who recorded for the label, that bring this book up several notches over similar histories. This is a book that can sit alongside other fine music/label histories in anyone's library.

Great price for a coffee table book like this. But, unfortunately, there's scant information about Island Records. Only dribs and drabs. No discography. No mention of which albums were issued in the US and what arrangement Island had with US labels like Bell, A&M, Capitol, etc. Nothing about their studio and producers. Hardly anything about Island's more interesting but unsuccessful artists.Nothing about Island's decision to set up their own independent label here in the states, which included some titles not issued in the UK.I've learned next to nothing about the label from this book.

Chris is more reclusive than Richard Branson but his impact on music is immense. This guy helped discover/promote Bob Marley and U2, among so many many others. His track record is amazing. Island Records was one of the great labels of our time. Read all about him in this book.

Cheap and in perfect condition but a little bit disappointed with the content ; not exactly what I expected (for example, no history of the label variations...)

This book is ok

Music History in the making

A great history told in "highlights" of the history of one of the greatest record labels of the 20th century.

Nice to read about one of the companies that have the best folk & rock groups.Like Fairport Conventien & Free

Great book... well ilustraded... lots of facts and comments...

This is a lovely coffee table book featuring episodes about arguably Britain's finest record label. Separate articles on key elements in Island's first 50 years (early ska, Witchseason, ZTT, etc) tell a good story on this multi-faceted label. Lots of lovely artwork too. For me though, as a history package, it is marred by the lack of a chronological overview. A discography would have been helpful too. 0verall though, pretty good.

I bought this as a present, not realising that it was second hand and had originally been a library copy. My mistake. I should have read the small print. However, the upside is that I now have a new book on the history of Island Records which has some interesting sections and great artwork. Will "Bumpers" and "Nice Enough to Eat" ever be re-issued?

Beautiful book with excellent pictures and graphic detail of everything related to island records even Frankie Goes to Hollywood! If you are a fan of the likes of Cat Stevens, Bob Marley, Grace Jones, U2 and Free then this book is definitely for you.