Label Profile
Rykodisc
Gloucester, MA
Profiled by Colin McElligatt
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While their incredibly diverse active roster is noteworthy enough, it is the mountain of stunning reissues that make Rykodisc Records the powerhouse that it is. Founded in 1983, it stands as not only one of the original independent music labels, but as the first CD-only label, as well (it has since trafficked in LPs and cassettes). Its umbrella labels-- Hannibal (Nick Drake, Richard & Linda Thompson), Restless (They Might Be Giants, Devo, Dead Milkmen, Giant Sand), and Grammavision (Taj Mahal, John Scofield) among them-- are the origin of its trademark diversity. Recognizable by their blue jewel cases, there’s a little Rykodisc in any respectable record collection.

When they decided to remaster and re-release a chunk of Frank Zappa’s monolithic catalogue in 1986, Rykodisc unwittingly set the template for all compact disc reissuing to come. The millions of sales and subsequent renewal interest in Zappa’s work showed that the relatively new media could indeed incite a revival of once (or, sadly, never)-popular music. Since then, Rykodisc has been responsible for re-releases of long out-of-print albums by Mission of Burma, Yoko Ono, Badfinger, Galaxie 500, the Undertones, Big Star, and more. The impeccable sound and wealth of linear noting made these discs must-haves for legions of record collectors and passing fans alike.

The acquisition of labels like Tradition, Grammavision, and Slow River, coupled with the addition of Ryko-World brought the sounds of vintage folk, uptown jazz, winsome country, and brazen latin to the fold. Variation also comes via Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Heart’s “The World” series that now extends over thirty volumes of obscure world music. (His own Planet Drum was recently named the largest selling world music album ever by Billboard). Although their more prominent works are found elsewhere, titles by Woody Guthrie, John Cale, Arto Lindsay, the Residents, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot Lloyd Cole, and Dizzie Gillespie can also be found in the label’s vast catalogue.

On a more recent front, albums by Bob Mould, Jeff Tweedy, Medeski, Martin & Wood, and Kelly Willis have been minor underground hits, and the attainment of nearby Restless Records has spelled out the ownership of new and successful Flaming Lips and Replacements reissues. Furthermore, a certain newly label-free indie sensation has reportedly been eying the imprint. These developments surely guarantee at least twenty more years of innovative music and long-overdue un-earthings courtesy of the best label that you and your parents will ever mutually enjoy.

Ten Essential Releases:
Big Star - Third/Sisters Lovers
The Undertones - s/t
Sugar - Copper Blue
Galaxie 500 - On Fire
Mission of Burma - Signals, Calls & Marches
Chris Bell - I Am The Cosmos
Meat Puppets - II
Morphine - Cure For Pain
Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention - Freak Out!
The Residents - Our Tired, Our Poor, Our Huddled Masses