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| Harry J The UK Harry J label was founded by Trojan in 1969 and issued in excess of 100 singles before the plug was finally pulled in 1974. Predictably enough the label was established to issue Harry J's product in the UK but like so many Trojan labels it eventually (circa 1972) ended up being a mixed bag with productions by Lloyd Chalmers, Derek Harriot, Duke Reid, Alvin Ranglin and Dandy Livingstone among others. A number of issues on Harry J labels had Trojan matrix numbers, these all seem to date from 1969 and were probably issued before the label was set up proper. The first illustration shows the classic label design and showcases the vocal and songwriting skills of Bob Andy. The A side is Peace Of Mind (mistitled Peace Of Mine) and the flip is Weep. This was issued shortly after the huge selling Young Gifted And Black by Bob (Andy) & Marcia (Griffiths) that reached number 4 in the UK pop charts. Liquidator was another big crossover hit reaching number nine in the pop charts in the Autumn of 1969. This issue had a Trojan catalogue number and the flip side is La La Always Stay by Glenn & Dave though some copies were backed by Festival Spirit credited to the Jay Boys. The first copies were pressed at Orlake, when it went big production was switched to Phonodisc. The plain green labels were used by Phonodisc and Orlake when supplies of the white/gold/blue ones were low. The same thing happened with Bob & Marcia's Young,Gifted and Black also on Harry J. The black and White label appeared for a small number of issues in 1974. This one is for Saturday Night (vocal)/(instrumental) by Lorenzo, production credits go to L.Athkins. Why Laurel Aitken should have used two different pseudonyms won't be a mystery if you've ever heard this record. HorseThe Horse label ran from 1971 to 1978 and was decidedly aimed at the crossover section of the market, so much so infact that the first handful of issues weren't reggae at all but a mixture of second rate funk, soul and pop. The first issue was by the veteran Jackie Edwards, I Must Go Back/Baby I Want You Near. It's uninspiring funky-pop and went nowhere. The catchy Suzanne Beware Of The Devil by Dandy Livingstone went to number 14 in the pop charts in 1972, it's follow up, Big City, got to number 26. Following this success Trojan pulled all the stops out and issued Come Back Liza/Got To Say I'm Sorry with a picture sleeve. No one bought it. One of the last issues on the label and a roots record - Babylon A Fall Down by the Velvet Shadows, complete with a Dub: Down Fall Rock. The plain brown label appeared towards the end of the labels run. Thanks to Royer Slater for information about Trojan pressings/manufacture. |