From the Author
My first book: Charisma ‘pink scroll’ as we collectors have named it. But actually, the label’s not pink…it’s….detailed in the book! Driven by a passion for collecting vinyl, originally bands and then entire labels, I became increasingly frustrated at incorrect information bandied about by so-called experts, dealers and other collectors. So, I thought I’d create my own detailed reference guide to this highly collectible, eclectic and eccentric record label from 1969-1972 (the label carried on after Stratton-Smith sold out to Virgin Records, but the really collectible stuff is this ‘pink scroll’ selection up to 1972).There’s even some interesting anecdotal stories about the sleeve designers, photographers and printers in some cases, so it’s more than a discography list, much more.I hope you enjoy it and I pray I haven’t made too many factual errors. If I have, my apologies…and they’ll be corrected in future editions.best regardsNeil Priddey
From the Inside Flap
Charisma Records launched in 1969 and became a typically English, slightly eccentric record label with an eclectic artist roster that included rock bands, jazz bands, classical orchestras and even a comedy sketch group, in the form of Monty Python’s Flying Circus. Charisma was founded and managed by 36 year old Tony Stratton Smith, a typically English, slightly eccentric, bon-viveur, horse-race-loving former sports journalist and rock group manager who did what he wanted, when he wanted and wasn’t the least bit afraid of putting his money where his mouth was.The label became famous for launching the careers of Genesis, Lindisfarne and Van der Graaf Generator. But, like many new, independent labels of the late 1960s and early ’70s, it released several ‘one-album-wonders’ that were total commercial failures and, in many cases, never heard from again.Which makes a significant number of early Charisma ‘pink scrolls’ (as they have become known amongst record collectors) highly prized – irrespective of their oft-dubious artistic merit!
From the Back Cover
The famous Charisma label UK album and single discography. Details of every UK release on the ‘pink scroll’ label from 1969 to 1972 with full colour, high quality photography throughout of labels, sleeves and inserts along with detailed analysis and identifi cation of the crucial 1st pressing details of every album and single. Essential reading for collectors of Charisma pink scroll.
Wow! eBook
