50 years of Island Records

Island records has always been a sign of quality. 2009 marks the 50th anniversary of its founding and 50 years of diverse, wonderful music. Many of my favourite records belong to the palm tree symbol that all us music lovers have come to recognise as a sign of great music. Island may well be 50 years old this year, but it hasn't shown any signs of stopping just yet.

Island was created merely for the reggae and roots music of Jamaica. It's sole purpose was to import the reggae of the island to England. For years, this is how it went. Island was a sign of great reggae and little else in the early days. When the record label began to expand and started to sign rock music, the label changed the colour to pink. It was a bold statement and would soon become the sign of wonderful rock music - and much, much more in the years to come.

Island is responsible for so many amazing artists: John Martyn, Nick Drake, PJ Harvey, Bob Marley And The Wailers. The list is seemingly endless. This is a little insight into some of MY favourite Island Records from the past 50 years of unstoppable, undeniable music. Some of the best music of the 50 years was successful and heard because of Island records. Thank God for that palm tree and its ear for great tunes.

PJ Harvey - Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
This album is PJ Harvey at her all-round best, in my eyes. She's never bettered it but she's written so many wonderful albums. This was, of course, a Mercury Prize winner back in 2000 and got much critical acclaim. Island signed PJ when she was writing grunge-tinged rock epics like the ones on 'Rid Of Me' and 'Is This Desire?' Both albums show of different sides to PJ Harvey, but this album was the one that showed off her best bits. She is a sexy rock siren, with that voice purring over telecasters at every turn. Her ability to write a love song was honed here and songs like 'This Is Love' scream sexuality as well as the beautiful 'This Mess We're In' featuring Radiohead's head moaner, Thom Yorke. This album is about love, sexuality, rock and roll. It is also the best place to start with PJ Harvey and one of my favourite Island records, ever.

Bob Marley & The Wailers - Exodus
Music of jah people. Bob Marley was, and always will be, one of the greatest singers and writers to ver walk this earth. His approach to music was always one with heart and soul on sleeve and his intelligent lyrics and political stand often leave me breathless. When Island signed Marley and his Wailers, they were a raggae band, pure and simple. When Bob had made a relationship (one described by his wife as like "father and son" in a recent documentary) the Wailers were making very different waves. Ragge was always funky. It always had the greatest groove, but back in the day you would never catch a rock fan listening to reggae. Marley changed that with his rock-tinged sound. It's hard for most people to hear thesedays, but if you compare Marley and his Wailers to old school reggae, there is a clear rock sound coming from the former. 'Exodus' was written in London after an attempt on Marley's life. The title speaks for itself and so does the music. These songs are the best in Marley's back catalogue and the ones that will always stick with me. If you haven't heard this record, then you need to locate your inner-rasta. Immediately. And get you groove on.

Nick Drake - Bryter Layter
Nick Drake is an underrated soul. No only that, but he was a tortured one during his short life. He suffered with depression and often found it hard to perform. This is what led to his obscurity during his life. His refusal to perform shows meant that he was hard to market and eventually, Island fell upon a problem trying to sell his records. This isn't to say that he was going to be dropped - hell naw - this just meant a challenge. His records always screamed beauty to me. His voice so innocent and yet so knowing. He almost whispers to you through the headphones. His songwriting tinged with that sadness that so often lingered beneath the surface. We all know what happened to Nick Drake and it will always remain a crying shame. His talent was unprecedented and he could've been a star. From this record, you get the feeling that mayeb Drake didn't want to be that star and that he just loved to write. The passion and the sadness are what make this record so special to me. Never mind the beauty that laces every single track.

John Martyn - Take your pick from any of the John Martyn records
John Martyn is one of my Dad's favourite artists (much the same can be said of Mr. Drake). Hearing songs like 'Solid Air' when I was a kid, there was a strange mysticism about the man. His music seemed so relaxed and different to me as an 8 year old. I remember hearing 'Bless The Weather' for the first time and being completely stumped by the arrangement and the guitar and the ambiance. It's hard to explain now, but John Martyn was a man who didn't get the recognition he always deserved. His album, 'Solid Air', sold tonnes of copies and yet, to this day, you can say the name John Martyn and people will look at you like you've just punched them in the face. John passed away last year and I for was was gutted. His music will always be special to be and his voice will always remain a comforting sound. If you haven't heard the likes of 'London Conversation' and 'One World' and 'Grace And Danger' then you should go forth and find the gems within this man's catalogue. You will be taken away on a journey of fantastical arrangements, love, longing and beauty.

Tom Waits - again, take your pick from this man's back catalgue
This man has written so much of the great music from the past 50 years. His work is often dark, immense and, occasionally hard to listen to. His voice sounds like he's been gargling bits of glass for 20 years. In truth, it's probably the whiskey and the cigarettes that make Tom Waits sound so growly. Put it this way, his voice is one of the most recognisable in the music world. Even if you haven't heard that much of his music. His records, for the most part, are some of the best this label has ever released. Records like 'Swordfishtrombones' and 'Rain Dogs' tend to go untouched as some of the most original music Island has ever released with the Island name attached to it. Tom Waits is one of the few artists on the label that scream original, dark and interesting music. And afterall, that's what Island always promises. Variety. And within Tom Waits catalogue alone, there is variety.

There are many more records I could talk about in this post. And I am sure there will be more to come in the future. Island records is an institution in this country and I hope it survives for another 50 years, bringing amazing music to the people.