London Records

London Records on vinyl: British music for America

In short: London Records was founded in 1947 by Britain’s Decca to sell its recordings abroad – above all in the US. That’s why the Rolling Stones’ early records came out on London there. Later London became a label of its own in the UK, among others for New Order. The Vinyl Room currently has 32 London Records releases.

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First pressings

Rock, blues rock & rock ’n’ roll

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What makes London Records special?

For Stones collectors the American London releases are a world of their own: they often had different titles and track lists from the British records. We have “England’s Newest Hit Makers”, “December’s Children (And Everybody’s)”, “Big Hits (High Tide And Green Grass)” and “Between The Buttons”. Add the Zombies, Mantovani’s orchestra and jazz like “A Pair Of Pianos”.

Memphis soul also went through London in the US: Don Bryant’s “Precious Soul” comes from Hi Records. From later decades we have Joyce Sims (1987), New Order with “Get Ready” and “Waiting For The Sirens’ Call” and Salt ’N’ Pepa.

FAQ

What’s the difference between Decca and London? London was Decca’s label for abroad; in the US, British Decca recordings came out under the London name.

Why do American Stones records have different titles? The US releases on London were compiled anew for the American market.

What became of London Records later? In the UK it became a label of its own, among others for New Order and dance music.

What do you have on London? Sixties rock, soul, jazz and electronic music – 32 records in all.