Chapter 23
...and the beginning of
Britain’s Indie Labels

The WMA’s hope of using music to stimulate a communist uprising in Britain never came to pass. But their efforts nevertheless present us with the startling fact that British pop was not only influenced by American culture, but underpinned by Soviet inspiration, too. Which brings us to kaleidoscope world of the independent labels: Postcard, 4AD, Beggars Banquet, Factory, Rough Trade, Some Bizarre, Bella Union, those little insignias of wonder I used to gaze at as I placed the record onto the turntable, reassuring me I was part of a secret club and certified I was about to hear something wild and extraordinary.