Some cracking tunes over the years.
Rough Trade Records feels like a permanent fixture in the musical landscape, so with the record label celebrating its 40th anniversary, we look at some of the best albums from bands signed with the company.
40 years ago today, Rough Trade opened its doors for the very first time, on Kensington Park Road, West London. pic.twitter.com/wjIs9DwewA
— Rough Trade (@RoughTrade) February 20, 2016
The independent label, famous for its punk and DIY attitude, was established on the back of the Rough Trade Record Shop, which first opened its doors in February of 1976, and went on to align itself with some of the edgiest and boldest bands out there.
Prepare to take a jog down memory lane with five truly brilliant records.
The Smiths – The Smiths (1984)
Arguably the band and album that converted Rough Trade into a globally-recognised label.
The Smiths’ eponymous debut grabbed the attention of the watching world, with Morrissey’s inimatable voice and Johnny Marr’s unparalled guitar riffs setting them apart from the rest.
‘What Difference Does It Make?’ resonated with fans, but ‘This Charming Man’ was the real stand out from this terrific record.
Clip via YouTube/RHINO
Fans of Early Doors, Craig Cash’s brilliant and criminally underrated follow-up to The Royle Family, will recall this scene from the very first episode of the series.
Rough Trade even gets its own mention here in this unforgettable clip.
Clip via YouTube/MorrisseysMonkey
The Strokes – Is This It (2001)
One of the best indie albums of all-time, let alone a brilliant inaugural record.
The Strokes burst onto the scene with fantastic tracks like ‘Hard to Explain’ and ‘Someday’, but their breakthrough track was undoubtedly ‘Last Nite’.
A slick yet heartfelt song with an effortlessly cool video.
Clip via YouTube/thestrokesVEVO
Arcade Fire – Funeral (2004)
One of Canada’s finest ever musical creations, Arcade Fire’s 2004 release, Funeral, is a masterclass in indie rock and a typical Rough Trade record.
Placed as highly as 151 in Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, the band released five singles from the album, none more accomplished than ‘Rebellion (Lies)’.
What a tune.
Clip via YouTube/ArcadeFireVEVO
Alabama Shakes – Sound & Color (2015)
The most recent entry on our exclusive list, Sound & Color received a host of nominations at the 2015 Grammy Awards, and for good reason.
‘Gimme All Your Love’ and ‘Future People’ were singles that did really well upon release.
However, ‘Don’t Wanna Fight’ was probably the tune that captured listeners’ attention the most.
Clip via YouTube/AlabamaShakesVEVO
The Libertines – The Libertines (2004)
One of the defining albums of the 2000s, The Libertines’ self-titled second record is an absolute must listen and one of Rough Trade’s best ever efforts.
Ranked 99 in NME’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, there were actually only two singles released from this unforgettable record.
Both were brilliant.
You had ‘What Became of the Likely Lads’ and you also had this iconic tune…
Clip via YouTube/RoughTradeRecords
So, they’re our five examples of some brilliant Rough Trade records, but there are loads more. Get in touch to let us know your choices by sending your suggestions to our WhatsApp number 087-4001102, [email protected] or by hitting us up on Facebook or Twitter.
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