Optic Nerve Vinyl, CD & Tape 24 Items

The June Brides debut single originally released in 1984 on The Pink Label.

Both tracks are from fresh transfers from the master tapes which were then remastered by Jason Mitchell at Loud Mastering in Taunton in early 2021.

The June Brides are true innovators, hailing from the first wave of British indie, with fans that include Manic Street Preachers (who covered their song “The Instrumental” as a tribute) , Morrissey and Belle and Sebastian’s Stuart Murdoch.

They have always been regarded as pioneers, and one of the most beloved of the bands that formed the original UK independent music scene, which has since been tagged as C86

Part of The Optic Sevens 5.0 Reissue Series.

Limited to 750 copies worldwide . Pressed on Purple Vinyl . Includes poster.

The Primitives' second single was originally released in 1986 on Lazy Records.

This issue contains all three tracks from the 12” . (None of which were included on their debut album), with a slightly different sleeve design that is a mixture of the original 12” and 7” release.

Includes postcard and poster. The Monochrome Set were something of the unsung heroes of the post-punk world; they fitted into absolutely no category whatsoever and their puckish take on spaghetti western soundtracks meets lounge jazz via the twisted lyrical imagery of vocalist Bid was as singular as it was unique. Comprising a couple of ex-Ants in Andy Warren and Lester Square, with singer / guitarist Bid and drummer JD Haney, their filmic, playful material found favour with many, including John Peel although they failed to match this with commercial success. The Jet Set Junta was originally released on Cherry Red in 1983 with its urgent, ringing guitars surrounding Bid’s lyrics telling of dodgy arms dealings and armoured limos as Lester Square’s Ennio Morriconetwang bends and reverbs as a counterpoint.

2022 repress

This limited edition set contains the original LP (green vinyl) plus a 10 track bonus LP (amber vinyl) and a bonus 7” (red vinyl) with 2 previously unreleased tracks.
Remastered and pressed on colour vinyl with a reworked sleeve by original designer Andy Royston
Including the singles Boy Meets Girl, So What; Should The Bible Be Banned; Keep An Open Mind Or Else & This Nelson Rockerfeller.
Originally released in 1989. The Enraged Will Inherit The Earth is a musical molotov cocktail that’s a mixture of power chords and virile, virtuous lyrics.
The songwriting is tightly forged and their knack for producing raw pop is at its finest here. The Enraged Will Inherit the Earth is a powerful weapon that didn’t get enough of a user base to make its intended impact. If the question was ever proposed, “can art be a weapon?” I think this album answers with a bold and resounding “yes.”

The Die Young EP was released on the group’s own Cafeteria label, released early 1987. Michael Fury was inspired by James Joyce’s short story The Dead. Only previously available on a 4 track12” .This 7” version comprises 3 of those 4 tracks

4 track 7” on green vinyl . Individual hand painted sleeves. Limited to 500 copies worldwide. Includes poster.

Part of the Optic Sevens 5.0 Reissue Series.

Originally released in 1986 on Australian label Voyeur Records.

This is the first time that the single has been released in the UK.

Even As We Speak is an indie band from Sydney, Australia. Formed in the mid 1980s, founding members Matthew Love (guitar, banjo, vocals) and Mary Wyer (vocals, guitar) were later joined by Rob Irwin (bass) Anita Rayner (drums, banjo, mandolin), Julian Knowles (guitar, keyboards, production), and Paul Clarke (guitar, vocals.)

After a series of vinyl releases on Australian independent labels including Phantom Records, and success on the Australian indie scene, they came to the attention of BBC Radio 1 DJ John Peel who started to play the band’s ‘Goes So Slow’ Phantom Records release on his show. This brought them to the attention of UK audiences and began a relationship with UK indie label Sarah Records.

The band released several singles and an album on Sarah Records, three of which reached the Top 5 of the Melody Maker and New Musical Express UK independent music charts in 1992 and 1993.

Formed in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire after drummer Simon Scott met Guitarist Graham Garduilo in local band The Giant Polar Bears.

They were tour buddies to Ride and most of the late 1980s shoegaze bands. Simon Scott was stolen by Slowdive after a gig at the White Horse in Hampstead in 1990, where the Boo Radleys opened the three-band bill.

They split after releasing two albums. John Peel loved them and NME gave debut album Lovehappy 9 out of 10.

Part of The Optic Sevens 5.0 Reissue Series

Limited to 500 copies worldwide. Pressed on Violet vinyl. Includes poster.

Presented in the alternate 12” sleeve that was used for the original Creation release and includes all 3 tracks on 7” for the first time

Originally released in 1986 and was one of the stand out tracks on the legendary C86 compilation In 2023, Mojo magazine ranked the song “Therese” as the 37th greatest UK indie record ever, citing it “a breathless romantic gulp of twin guitar twirl.

The 3-track "Forever" E.P. on Transluscent Red 10" Vinyl is limited to 250 copies and features two new compositions, the title track "Forever" and "My Slum Soul", plus an incendiary new version of an old live favourite "Ink Runs Dry". Folk Devils, the London group that took their name from a well-known academic text on social scapegoating, and who blazed a trail across the UK's independent music scene of the mid-80s with their unique brand of post-punk energy, have returned with their first new music in 35 years. Recorded at London's famous Konk Studios in North London and mixed and co- produced by Grammy Award-winning engineer Rik Simpson, the re-born Folk Devils drew inspiration from the release of their 2016 career retrospective "Beautiful Monsters" and the reactions at subsequent live shows around the UK with kindred spirits Membranes, Inca Babies and The Cravats. Founder members, guitarist Kris Jozajtis and bassist Mark Whiteley, reformed the group by recruiting members of a short-lived 1987 version of Folk Devils; guitarist Nick Clift and drummer John Hamilton. Together with singer Dave Hodgson they soon discovered they had created a well-oiled twin-guitar juggernaut that brimmed with the same restless, twisted blues that characterized the first and second iterations of the band from 1983-87 when they were fronted by the highly underrated and now sadly-departed singer/songwriter Ian Lowery. Hodgson, a fellow transplant from the North-East, had known Lowery in the early 80s prior to Folk Devils, when the two were in their respective post-punk bands Ski Patrol and Parting Shots.

First time on vinyl for Guy Chadwick’s solo album originally released in 1998 on Setanta records and produced by The Cocteau Twins’ Robin Guthrie.

This limited (1000 copies worldwide) deluxe Gold Colored Vinyl reissue includes the 2 bonus tracks originally available on the Japanese CD release of the same year.

Also includes a 12 page booklet containing lyrics and photos.

‘Mellifluous’... is a word you won’t hear much when conversation turns to early Pooh Sticks records. But ‘noise pollution’, sure: that comes up. I’ve even used it myself. So look away now if you must: ‘Straight Up: Noise Pollution C88-90’ is a selection of some of the most loved/despised/ignored tracks released by The Pooh Sticks on however many records it was before it all went wilfully ‘American’ sometime around dotted-lining for BMG mega-corp in 1991.

The Origins of Power Pop.Remastered and pressed on Gold Vinyl. Includes printed inner sleeve.In these songs you'll find the DNA of The Direct Hits. Although very Elvis Costello like in both style and vocal delivery, these early recordings, dating from 1979 show a remarkable pop sensibility that had come on leaps and bounds since the release of the band's first single, the now highly sought after 'Fashion Plague' b/w 'Cheam' released a year prior to these being recorded. Songs like 'We broke up today' have all the hallmarks of classic merseybeat, while out and out power pop like 'Holiday Shots' and 'Fool to fall in love' encapsulate perfectly the sheer exuberance of the genre.More than a few steps ahead of several of their contemporaries, the band's built in tunesmiths Buckmaster and Swan were writing catchy songs that carried a powerful punch performed with the energy and excitement of the period. The Exits left behind a wonderful set of recordings that are worthy of a comprehensive vinyl retrospective release,These recordings first saw the light of day on a CD only release back in 2007 when Cherry Red released the CD 'The Legendary Lost Exits album' through its Rev-Ola offshoot. Reportedly the band members were disappointed with the overall mix on the finished release for being a little Lo-Fi . There are no such issues with this specially remastered version for vinyl. The tracks sound fresh, punchy and full of annoyingly great hooks! We are delighted to bring you yet another great addition to our catalogue of long since undisturbed sleeping giants, the Exits, and their Legendary Lost album!

Deluxe reissue of their 1989 sophomore album pressed on pale blue Color Vinyl. Presented in a gloss laminated gatefold sleeve, which features the original LP plus a bonus disc with all the A and B sides, some compilation tracks and an outtake, plus a 12-page booklet containing previously unpublished lyrics and tons of contemporary reviews and photos.

Originally released on the Sub Aqua label in 1988. It appears here on 7” for the first time. This is a previously unreleased version of Back Between Places. The band were never really happy with the original single release and having discovered the master tape of a superior version, it is to be mixed and released here for the very first time.

Part of The Optic Sevens 4.0 Reissue Series. Limited to 750 copies worldwide. Pressed on Yellow Vinyl. Includes postcard and poster. Before the term Indie Pop had even been invented The Chefs had already nailed it. Formed by Carl Evans and Helen McCookerybook , they first appeared on the Vaultage 79 compilation before releasing 2 singles for the Brighton based Attrix Records. They recorded two sessions for the John Peel Show and one for Richard Skinner briefly changing their name to Skat and then disbanding. Helen went onto success and a major label deal with Helen And The Horns.

Part of The Optic Sevens 4.0 Reissue Series. Limited to 1000 copies. Pressed on Blue Vinyl. Includes postcard and poster. The Bluebells have dug deep into their archive to give us the earliest recordings of these tracks, which have never been released before and are exclusive to this 7” ‘Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool’ is longer and more vibrant containing an extra verse and guitar solo which are not on previous versions. This is the closest recording to the one that was originally intended to be released on Postcard in 1981. The sleeve, designed by Bobby Bluebell features 2 of the earliest photos of the band. THE Bluebells were formed by songwriter / guitarist Robert Hodgens aka Bobby Bluebell in 1980. When deciding to form a group to start performing his songs, Hodgens remembered two punk musicians from Bothwell (brothers Ken and David McCluskey) he had interviewed for his fanzine, 10 Commandments. David (drums/ backing vocals) and Ken (vocals / harmonica) joined Robert and The Bluebells started performing live in and around Glasgow. The Bluebells were soon involved in the burgeoning scene coalescing around Postcard Records in Glasgow (Orange Juice, Josef K, Go Betweens, Aztec Camera, Jazzateers), and it wasn’t long before The Bluebells were sharing stages throughout the UK with some of the Postcard groups. A single (Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool) was scheduled for release on Postcard, however after appearing on the front page on Melody Maker and in NME / Sounds etc, major record companies started making serious offers to sign the group. The Bluebells appeared on BBC music program The Old Grey Whistle Test, the first unsigned group to do so, and it wasn’t long after this television appearance that the group signed a major record contract with London Records. The Bluebells were soon in the studio working on songs for their debut album, with Elvis Costello producing. They were invited to open on UK tours for Haircut 100 and Elvis Costello & The Attractions, and started releasing singles to critical acclaim (Forevermore, Cath, Sugar Bridge). However it was their fourth single I’m Falling (co-written by Robert and Ken) that finally resulted in commercial success, chart success, and appearances on Top of the Pops. The Bluebells released their debut album, Sisters, in 1984 to further commercial chart success, which was continued when their next single, Young At Heart, gave the group their second big hit single. However, when Young At Heart was reissued in 1993, it reached number 1 in the chart for a month, making The Bluebells regular fixtures on Top Of The Pops

Limited to 750 copies. Pressed on Red Vinyl. Includes postcard and poster. Article 58, named after the Soviet classification for counter-revolutionaries, were formed in Scotland by Gerri McLaughlin (vocals), Douglas MacIntyre (guitars) and Ewan MacLennan (bass), with Stephen Lironi (drums) on these recordings. The group existed for a short period of time, burning brightly before burning out. A single, ‘Event To Come’, was produced by Postcard Records’ Alan Horne and Malcolm Ross and released on Josef K manager Allan Campbell’s Rational label. Article 58 were the opening group on many bills in Scotland, including support slots circa 1981 with A Certain Ratio, Scars, Josef K, Delmontes, Bauhaus, Restricted Code, among others. Josef K invited Article 58 to support them on some dates in England to promote their only album, ’The Only Fun In Town’, after which Article 58 recorded tracks for an as-yet unreleased album. One track, ‘Reflection’, did surface on a cassette/ zine product (‘Irrational’) released by Rational Records. However the teenage tension and strain of all that accompanies being in a group proved too much and Article 58 split up at the end of 1981. ‘Event To Come’ was to be the only single released by Article 58. The B side, ‘Icon’, is a previously unreleased recording. Both tracks are presented in a brand new sleeve designed by The Creeping Bent Organisation for release on the Optic Nerve label.

Includes postcard and poster. Hailing from Wolverhampton, Weeping Messerschmitts gave us one absolutely cracking 12”, released on Upright in 1986 and then disappeared . Previously only available on 12” only we bring you 2 of those tracks on 7” for the very first time. Coming out of the West Midlands Weeping Messerschmitts cut their teeth supporting schoolfriends The Mighty Lemon Drops.

Includes postcard and poster. Impossibly rare 1984 UK 7” vinyl single, written by a pre- Bachelor Pad’s Martin Cotter. One of only three releases by the short-lived Glasgow based indie label Bogaten, although redolant of early Orange Juice in the sound of the A-side, also looks forward to Shoegaze, with a reverb-drenched cover of The Velvet Underground’s Waiting For My Man on the B-side

Includes postcard and poster. Their one and only single was originally released in 1985 on Creation and spent 19 weeks in the independent chart. From East Kilbride in Scotland, they morphed into Motorcycle Boy.

Released in 1984 and the second release on Creation Records. Flowers In The Sky Is a perfect piece of 80’s psychedelic pop.

Originally released in 1989 on The House Of Teeth label, this indie classic which made John Peels Festive fty of that year, gets a 30th anniversary reissue as part of our Optic Sevens 2.0 reissue series. It is backed with the Previously unreleased ‘Coquette’, which was recorded in 1992 , remixed in 2017 and only available on this release of the 7 inch.

+ bonus 7"

Part of The Optic Sevens 5.0 Reissue Series.

Limited to 500 copies worldwide. Pressed on Pink Vinyl. Includes poster.

Debut single by The Flatmates. Originally released in 1986 on The Subway Organization label giving them a Top 20 indie hit and an appearance in John Peel's Festive Fifty.