Name: Life In A Gladhouse...Best of
Brand: Modern English

Tax rate EU

Default:19

Supplier EU

375 Media

Total Cap

Format detail

Colour details

Discogs ID

Limited edition

Colour

Format Music EU

Extended format

Extended format: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Download code

Download code: No

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Release date

2004-01-08

Format multiplier

Catalogue number

5836742

UPC / Barcode

652637002126

Artist

Modern English

Label EU

Genre EU

Alternative / Modern

The influential 4AD label was started in 1980 by music enthusiasts Ivo Watts-Russell and Peter Kent with financial help from Beggars Banquet, whose record store chain the pair worked for. Originally called Axis, they released an initial series of four 7" singles before finding out that the name Axis was already being used by another label. They quickly came up with a new name, 4AD, inspired by typography on a flyer announcing their releases. Under Ivo Watts-Russell's guidance, drawing influence from other UK indie labels such as Beggars Banquet, Postcard Records and Factory, 4AD quickly established a unique identity thanks to both the cover designs of Vaughan Oliver/v23 and the label's unique numbering system.

In 1992, 4AD entered a highly publicized Stateside distribution deal with Warner Bros. Records, opening offices in New York headed up by Robin Hurley. The label was largely run from California for most of the decade after Ivo Watts-Russell moved to Los Angeles in the mid-90s. In November 1999 it was announced that Martin Mills had taken over as chairman and relocated its HQ to London.

Decoding their unique numbering system reveals various formats like mail-order only releases (4AD), LPs (CAD), MP3 downloads (EAD), posters (FAD), videos (VAD) and more. The numeric portion of their catalog numbers

Modern English is an iconic British band that was formed in Colchester, Essex, England in 1977. The original lineup consisted of Robbie Grey on vocals, Gary McDowell on guitar, and Michael Conroy on bass. Initially known as the Lepers, they gained recognition in the punk scene before being signed by 4AD. Richard Brown joined as the drummer and Stephen Walker as the keyboardist to complete the band.
Their debut single "Drowning Man" was released in 1980 under the Limp Records label. A year later, their first full-length album "Mesh & Lace" showcased their gloomy post-punk sound influenced by bands like Joy Division. Their follow-up album "After The Snow" marked a significant progression with warmer tones and strong guitar harmonies.
Modern English's popularity soared with American audiences, leading them to relocate to New York City. However, subsequent albums like "Ricochet Days" (1984) showed less experimentation and creative growth. Despite changes in lineup and record labels over the years, Modern English has remained active with consistent touring and new releases.

Newest Listed Items

16 Track Best of. Few bands have been quite as misrepresented by their hit songs as Modern English was by its 1983 smash I Melt With You. An exquisite pop confection celebrating the joy of youthful romance (and a huge American video hit in the early days of MTV), I Melt With You was something of an anomaly for this moody and experimental crew, whose songs generally tended to have titles like Black Houses and Swans on Glass and whose sound owed as much to Joy Division as it did to fellow new romantics like Duran Duran.

Life In A Gladhouse...Best of

Music EU