CD86
48 tracks from the birth of indie pop...
The term C86, taken literally was simply a cassette which became available via mail order from the New Musical Express in 1986 - hence (C)assette 86). 2006 marks the twenty year anniversary of what became commonly recognised as 'indie' music which in itself spawned the advent of 'C86' which witnessed a DIY ethos, an explosion of fanzines and groups who felt they were able to put out singles themselves or on small 'Independent' labels.
Often derided for it's 'twee' sound, jangly guitars and predominantly bowl haircuts of singers and male fans , many of the bands now referred to as being 'C86' were left off the compilation, such as Biff Bang Pow and the June Brides. The term would later be used to describe a lot of bands such as Tululah Gosh , Razor Cuts and BMX Bandits who had yet to emerge but became associated with the 'C86' sound. Furthermore, the original compilation, had a much harder shambling sound that at times was completely at odds with the 'feyness' of what came to be known as 'C86' bands.
Various commentators of the time traced the origins of 'C86' from the likes of Velvet Underground in the Sixties through to the more obvious influences of post punk luminaries such as The Television Personalities and Swell Maps whilst the nascent Scottish scene of the early Eighties, primarily the Postcard label - Orange Juice and Aztec Camera and the hugely influential Josef K would be the real precursors to what would become known as the 'C86' sound.
The whole 'C86' movement gave birth to plethora of clubs promoting their own shows and putting on bands - Living Room and Bay 63 in London to name but two which became synonymous with the time, fanzines such as HungryBeat, Are You Scared To Get Happy? alongside the fledgling Sarah Records, Subway Organisation, 53rd & 3rd labels and early Creation as well as a wealth of DIY cassette compilations and flexidiscs
Compiled by Bob Stanley
CD86 is released on 2 Cd's on October 23rd through Sanctuary Records
Click on the flyer above to buy the CD at hmv.co.uk for just £7.99 delivered.
