Vol. 1 London-American Legend - A History of the Label (1949-2000)

Vol. 1 London-American Legend - A History of the Label (1949-2000) Essentially Paul Pelletier's excellent 70's book on LA singles(lifted here for the actual label story)plus added data on each release,with tiny label facsimilies for most of them.Given the difficulty of researching licenced USA independent labels defunct for fifty years or more,the results are necessarily patchy,but what there is could now benefit greatly from a measured editing/revision process,something any serious and important historical record (which this is)demands as well as deserves.A rush to meet a publishing deadline could excuse some of the chronological errors (invite reader feedback!)but much biographical detail is repeated for artists with serial releases,and needs cross checking on occasion-R&B star Chuck Willis is said to have died in a car crash(HLE8489)then(correctly)peritonitis(HLE8635) For a British baby boomer many of the records on this label are embedded in ourchildhood memories which is why this book is important beyond the incestuous worldof record dealers.Even so,any revision should include larger reproductions of atleast some of the classic releases,and let's have some information about the sleevedesigns used.As far as 50's visual icons go,a gold-lettered London 45 in a blue sleeve is right up there with a Caddy grille and a sunburst Stratocaster.

Nothing or nobody is given 5 stars

very useful and interesting book

If you're a record fan/collector this is a must for you.

The bible of London American Records,Bought Volume 1 & 2 Superb.Also knew the Author!!

I had high hopes when I purchased this book. Sadly, it was a big let-down. There is so much wasted space! Instead of decent sized label shots of the London releases, he gives us barely readable tiny 'blobs' which require a magnifying glass!Most of the space on the pages is occupied by artist histories, however these are very inconsistent in size and detail. Most occupy a few lines, however others are way too detailed. e.g, the author clearly has a big thing for Ben E King who is given a page and a half of his life story, not once, but twice in this book for song entries.I didn't buy this book for bios on the artists! Those details are already available in a myriad of other publications. This is supposed to be a book on a label. It would have been far preferable to fill up the space in this book with nice clear shots of the record labels which this iconic company issued. A huge disappointment!

it is fab book i have lots of the London Americas records from the 50's and early 60's + it help tell me wot 45 i have missing + there is lots of Info about the records. i just ordered Vol 2hope there is one about London EP's

Absolutely essential reference for anyone collecting the London American label - a great purchase, with good reviews of most artists as well as pictures of many of the records