Synopses & Reviews
A beautifully illustrated celebration of one of the most influential pop music record labels of all time. Mixing cultures and influences from reggae to pop, hip hop, and punk, Island has shaken up artistic tastes and introduced new categories to mainstream music. This spectacularly illustrated book, published to celebrate the labels fiftieth anniversary, moves from Islands origins in founder Chris Blackwells pioneering mission to bring Jamaican reggae to the mainstream to the labels continuing presence in the music industry. Accompanying essays by ten contemporary music critics—including Chris Salewicz, Jon Savage, and Joe Boyd—are photographs, artist portraits, and album art from such legendary acts as Bob Marley, U2, Steve Winwood, Brian Eno, Grace Jones, Tom Waits, Eric B & Rakim, Tricky, Keane, Amy Winehouse, and many others.
About the Author
Chris Blackwell founded Island Records and is one of the most highly respected figures in the music industry. Suzette Newman has worked with Chris Blackwell at Island Records and Palm Pictures for more than twenty years. Chris Salewicz is the author of The Ballad of Joe Strummer, and contributes regularly to dozens of newspapers, magazines, and books.