I started Trash City Tapes in 1987 to document the exciting music scene in Bath. It seemed everyone was in a band and, regardless of the genre, creating amazing music. After a twenty-five-year break, I reactivated the label as Trash City Records in 2013.
Bath 1987-1988
Aquae Sulis Calling (1987)
With technical help from tape deck wizards Klive Farhead and Rob Stoat, artist Perry Harris, a local press that had nothing else to write about, and, of course, the amazing musicians of Bath, Trash City Tapes’ first release was Aquae Sulis Calling, a 19-track compilation cassette.
The album was digitally remastered and re-released as a free download in 2013.
The cover came in a variety of colours
Bath-based artist Perry Harris created Tarsh City Kitty, the label mascot, and the Rockin’ Roman. You can see more of his work here: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/uhperry/?fbclid=IwAR3TdWxksCkkqvsFHK3Rnae3FWuZk0RIh_WiG6APUwut80uEK45c9Gyf4_I
The Smartpils: Zen Punk (1987)
The second cassette release by Trash city was Zen Punk by Bath punk band The Smartpils. To date, it is the only release from Trash City Tapes not to be digitally remastered and re-released.
Childe Roland: Discover an Evil Fetish (1988)
The third Trash City release was Discover an Eveil Fetish, the debut album by Childe Roland, a duo consisting of Oliver St. John on guitar and vocals and Richard Chadwick, now of Hawkwind, on purcussion.
The album was digitally remastered and re-released as a free download in 2014.
Oliver St. John (guitar and vocals) and Richard Chadwick during the recording of Discover an Evil Fetish (Photos courtesy of Oliver St. John).
Condition of Muzak (1988)
Trash City released a second cassette compilation of local music, the 21-track Condition of Muzak. After this release, I decided to take a short break from Trash City to concentrate on my own music. That “short break” would not end until twenty-five years later on the other side of the world in Tokyo.
The album was digitally remastered and re-released as a free download in 2013.
Tokyo 2013-Present
Twenty-five years after deciding to take a “short break” from Trash City Tapes, I came across the master tapes for the four albums I had released in the 1980s while rummaging through a box at the back of a cupboard in Tokyo. Digitizing them before they disintegrated, I listened to them for the first time in many decades and found that the music was every bit as exciting as when it was recorded in Bath in the 1980s. Deciding that the music needed to be heard again, I ressurected the label as Trash City Records to re-release the albums as free downloads. To mark the rebirth of the label, Perry Harris redesign the Trash City Kitty mascot. You can see more of his work here: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/uhperry/?fbclid=IwAR3TdWxksCkkqvsFHK3Rnae3FWuZk0RIh_WiG6APUwut80uEK45c9Gyf4_I
The reponse to the re-releses was so good that I have continued to release albums of archive music from Bath along with compilations of music from the musicians who played at my Live From The Kitchen Disco live events here in Tokyo. A full list of Trash City’s releases and download links is below.
Aquae Sulis Calling (2013)
Originally released in October 1987 on audio cassette, Aquae Sulis Calling is a compilation of bands from the city of Bath in England. It crosses all musical genres to present a snapshot of the city’s vibrant music scene. It was the debut release from Trash City Tapes
Aquae Sulis Calling is available as a free download.
Aquae Sulis Calling Volume Two (2013)
Originally released in August 1988 on audio cassette as Condition of Muzak, Aquae Sulis Calling Volume Two is a compilation of bands and musicians from the city of Bath in England. A follow-up to Aquae Sulis Calling, it crosses all musical genres to present a snapshot of the city’s vibrant music scene. It was the fourth and final release from Trash City Tapes.
Aquae Sulis Calling Volume Two is available as a free download.
Exclusion: Merry Widow (2014)
Exclusion were a heavy rock band from the city of Bath in England. Active during the1990s, they featured Jamie Manton, current vocalist of legendary NWOBHM band Jaguar. This 1995 Ep features their original lineup.
Merry Widow is available as a free download.
X-Machina: Stoat Hall (2014)
X-Machina were an alternative rock band from the city of Bath in England, Active from 1989-192, they released three cassette albums. This 1989 rehearsal recording features current Hawkwind drummer Richard Chadwick, Oliver St. John of Childe Roland, Andi Brooks of Trash City and Heidi Vincent.
Stoat Hall is available as a free download.
Childe Roland: Discover an Evil Fetish (2014)
Originally released in January 1988, Discover an Evil Fetish was Childe Roland’s debut album. Featuring current Hawkwind drummer Richard Chadwick, the album was the third release from Trash City Tapes.
Discover and Evil Fetish is available as a free download.
Pink Eye: Celebration (2014)
Led by Childe Roland’s Oliver St. John, Pink Eye were a rock/reggae fusion band active during the late 1980s in the city of Bath, England. This is the first release of their 1989 debut album.
Celebration is available as a free download.
The Wild Planets: Hits & Near Misses (2014)
The Wild Planets formed in the city of Bath, England in1987. Influenced by 50’s rock ‘n’ roll, twanging surf guitars and science fiction, the band termed their brand of music ‘Retro Rock.’ They quickly gained popularity, earning regular mentions in the local press and air play on BBC Radio Bristol. Since disbanding in 1990, they have successfully returned on several occasions, most recently for the Aquae Sulis Calling Live gig in 2007. Will they return again? . . . . Keep watching the skies!
Hits & Near Misses is available as a free download at: https://trashcity69.bandcamp.com/album/hits-near-misses
Jane Allison (2014)
“Jane’s songs sound like something Neil Young would do, they’re haunting & pretty in a dark kind of way. I’m a huge fan!” – Roman Steel Radio Show, New York.
Musician, actress and writer, Jane Allison’s musical career began as a singer with psychedelic folk band Childe Roland. She then spent 10 years touring Europe & the UK with the acclaimed post punk band KarmaDeva.
To date, Jane has released yhree critically acclaimed solo albums, Just Another Girl (2014), Methylene Blue (2015), and Like Magdalene (2021).
Jane Allison official website: https://janeallison.net/
Shadows is available as a free download at: https://trashcity69.bandcamp.com/album/shadows
Jonah and the Wail: “Alive” at ‘The Nightline’ (2014)
From the mid to late 1980s Jonah & the Wail were one of Bath’s most popular and exciting bands. Their wild and raucous theatrical blend of glam punk rock ‘n’ roll often upstaged the major bands they supported. At one memorable gig, Sigue Sigue Sputnik found themselves forced off stage under a barrage of beer glasses while the crowd chanted for support band Jonah & the Wail to come back on.
“Alive” At The Nightline is available as a free download at: https://trashcity69.bandcamp.com/album/jonah-the-wail-alive-at-the-nightline
Unsung Heroes Volume One (2014)
Unsung Heroes Volume One is a compilation of bands and musicians from and around the city of Bath in England. It is the first in a three volume series of new compilations chronicling the Bath music scene from 1980-1999.
Unsung Heroes Volume One is available as a free download at: https://trashcity69.bandcamp.com/album/unsung-heroes-volume-one-2
Dive: Siren (2014)
Dive was a band from the city of Bath in England based around the core of Andi Brooks (vocals) and Oliver St. John (guitar/backing vocals).
When the guitarist of Brooks’ previous band, Assassins of Youth, left Bath in 1995, he asked St. John to take his place. The duo, who had previously worked together in the Bath band X-Machina, retired to the studio and quickly wrote and recorded the demos contained on this album. Unable to find a stable lineup, the band folded within the year.
Siren is available as a free download at: https://trashcity69.bandcamp.com/album/siren
Once Upon A Time In The West (2014)
Trash City’s 1987 debut release was Aquae Sulis Calling, a 19-track compilation of music from the city of Bath in England. It was followed in 1988 by the 21-track Condition of Muzak. Once Upon A Time In The West is a new compilation featuring the current music of musicians who appeared on the two original compilations. Twenty-seven years on the music is better than ever.
Once Upon A Time In The West is available as a free download at: https://trashcity69.bandcamp.com/album/once-upon-a-time-in-the-west
Unsung Heroes Volume Two (2014)
Unsung Heroes Volume Two is a compilation of bands and musicians from and around the city of Bath in England. It is the second in a three volume series of new compilations chronicling the Bath music scene from 1980-1999.
Unsung Heroes Volume Two is available as a free download at: https://trashcity69.bandcamp.com/album/unsung-heroes-volume-two
X-Machina: Gods From The Sky (2015)
Active from 1989-1992, X-Machina was an alternative rock band from the city of Bath in England. Gods From The Sky, their debut release, was savagely dismissed by the now defunct Venue magazine upon its release in 1990.
Gods From The Sky is available as a free download at: https://trashcity69.bandcamp.com/album/gods-from-the-sky
From The Kitchen Disco Volume One (2015)
From The Kitchen Disco Volume One is a compilation of musicians who played at Trash City’s “Live From The Kitchen Disco” monthly live events at Restaurant Papera in Shinjuku-Gyoenmae in Tokyo during 2014. The album is both a souvenir of those gigs and a celebration of the exciting international music scene in Tokyo, a city where, just like Bath in the 1980s, everyone seems to be making music.
From The Kitchen Disco Volume One is available as a free download at: https://trashcity69.bandcamp.com/album/from-the-kitchen-disco-volume-one
Unsung Heroes Volume Three (2016)
Unsung Heroes Volume Three is a compilation of bands and musicians from and around the city of Bath in England. It is the third in a three volume series of new compilations chronicling the Bath music scene from 1980-1999.
Unsung Heroes Volume Three is available as a free download at: https://trashcity69.bandcamp.com/album/unsung-heroes-volume-three
From The Kitchen Disco Volume Two (2016)
From The Kitchen Disco Volume Two is a compilation of musicians who played at Trash City’s “Live From The Kitchen Disco” monthly live events at Restaurant Papera in Shinjuku-Gyoenmae in Tokyo during 2015.The album is both a souvenir of those live events and a celebration of the exciting international music scene in Tokyo, a city where, just like Bath in the 1980s, everyone seems to be making music.
From The Kitchen Disco Volume Two is available as a free download at: https://trashcity69.bandcamp.com/album/from-the-kitchen-disco-volume-two
AirStripOne: A Cacophony of Dread (2016)
A Cacophony of Dread is the debut release by Tokyo-based experimental electronic artist AirStripOne (https://airstripone1.bandcamp.com/)
A Cacophony of Dread is available as a free download at: https://trashcity69.bandcamp.com/album/a-cacophony-of-dread
The John Carpenters: The Mujer Diablo EP (2016)
The John Carpenters are a collective of West Country musicians who have taken inspiration from Dr Frankenstein and produce songs pieced together from disparate parts. Different guest vocalists are encouraged to participate, while the core of the collective remains constant. Further adventures are planned.
The Mujer Diablo EP is available as a free download at: https://trashcity69.bandcamp.com/album/the-mujer-diablo-ep
CV: The Pickwick Experiment (2016)
CV were an early 1980s punk band who supported Toyah in 1980. Bristol’s Heartbeat Records offered to release these tracks as an EP, but the band fell apart before that could happen. Thirty-six years later, Trash City give them their first official release.
The Pickwick Experiment is available as a free download at: https://trashcity69.bandcamp.com/album/the-pickwick-experiment
From The Kitchen Disco Volume Three (2019)
From The Kitchen Disco Volume Three is a compilation of musicians who played at Trash City’s “Live From The Kitchen Disco” monthly live events at Restaurant Papera in Shinjuku-Gyoenmae in Tokyo from 2016-2018. The album is both a souvenir of those live events and a celebration of the exciting international music scene in Tokyo, a city where, just like Bath in the 1980s, everyone seems to be making music.
From The Kitchen Disco Volume Three is available as a free download at: https://trashcity69.bandcamp.com/album/from-the-kitchen-disco-volume-three
Squalid Rooms: A Warning to the Curious (2021)
Squalid Rooms is transglobal collaboration between Keith Gale in the UK
and Andi Brooks in Japan.
A Warning to the Curious is available as a free download at: https://trashcity69.bandcamp.com/album/a-warning-to-the-curious
Andi Brooks 