In 2009, Topic Records celebrates its 70th anniversary. This makes it the oldest, truly independent record company in the world and an extremely sprightly, almost ageless senior citizen compared to youngsters Motown, Island and Rough Trade who also enjoy big anniversaries this year.
During the past 70 years, Topic Records has quietly built a deserved reputation for not compromising the nature of its work or that of the independent spirited artists it represents. TOPIC 70 at Southbank Centre, celebrates the work of this important record company and presents three very special concerts, featuring some of the label’s current recording artists (starting with The Waterson Family on September 11th).
Topic’s new 21 track taster digital sampler ‘Three Score & Ten – A Journey Back In Time’ is out on the 31st August with much more to follow over the coming months – 10 albums per month from September for 7 months (see below for the first 5 releases in this series).
Released 31st August 2009
Various Artists
“Three Score & Ten – A Journey Back In Time”
The Oldham Tinkers
“Oldham’s Burning Sands”
Shirley & Dolly Collins
“For As Many As Will”
Martin & Jessica Simpson
“True Dare Or Promise”
Dick Gaughan
“Coppers & Brass”
Alistaire Anderson
“Corby Crag”
“I’ve been buying and scrounging Topic records since 1954. It feels like Topic has always been there, quietly doing good work. Like a backbone’ – John Peel (1999)
‘If it came to pass that Rough Trade would end up as part of the tradition started by the father of them all, the great Topic Records, I would be very proud. I am referring to the tradition of great independent labels. Topic has always been an inspiration to me and its roots and riches grow more precious as the years go by..’ – Geoff Travis (M.D. Rough Trade – 2009).
“70 years! Topic records might be the greatest recording institution in the history of British music. They make most so-called indie labels look pretty corporate to be sure. Their consistency, musical purity and genuine independence is second to none and they deserve to be celebrated properly”. – Laurence Bell (M.D. Domino Records – 2009)
“Topic Records has always been an inspiration. It’s a wonderful thing that this very musical, daring and uncompromising institution is with us and thriving. Wishing Topic many happy birthdays to come. ” – Nick Gold (MD – World Circuit – 2009).
“I don’t know how the British musical landscape would have looked without Topic being there all those years. A vital component of British culture” – Richard Thompson (Singer & guitarist – 2009)
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