The Countdown Records Story 1985-88

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Acid Jazz presents a very special compilation marking the 40th Anniversary of group label
Countdown Records.

Countdown was originally founded by Eddie Piller, Maxine Conroy and Terry Rawlings and distributed by legendary UK independent Stiff Records. The label reflected the burgeoning Mod revival scene of the mid ‘80s, alongside a vibrant New Wave sound, as Ed began to find his way as a label executive.

It was a fresh and unique take on Mod that attempted to place the scene’s main acts in the mainstream world. It almost worked too. But despite the brilliance of the signings, it was tripped up by the demise of Stiff, and the corporate domination of the mid-80s charts.

Lessons would be learned and applied with Piller’s next label Acid Jazz, where Countdown refugees such as James Taylor, and Mother Earth’s Chris White went on to greater success. This collection tells the label’s story through the best of its musical output, from mainstays such as Makin’ Time, The Prisoners and The Kick, alongside classics and rarities from their groundbreaking compilations, from which this release in turn takes inspiration.
Presented in a beautiful sleeve layout with a distinctly modernist touch.

Tracklist

1. Pump It Up – Makin’ Time
2. Whenever I’m Gone – The Prisoners
3. I Can’t Let Go – The Kick
4. Falling For You – Long Tall Shorty
5. I Don’t Need No Doctor – Fast Eddie
6. Guilty – The All Jacks
7. The More That I Teach You – The Prisoners
8. Here’s My Number Baby – Makin’ Time
9. Dreams Come True – The Combine
10. Don’t Ever Change – The Ambassadors
11. Stuck On The Edge Of A Blade
12. Ivor The Engine Driver – The Daggermen