Name: Christ’s Reality Asylum
Brand: Penny Rimbaud

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

TPLP1569

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Colour

Black

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Housed in Gatefold Sleeve with Printed Inners.

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2020-06-26

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

PIAS

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

5016958096403

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Total Cap

2 / Extended format: No / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No / black

Artist

Penny Rimbaud

Genre GB

Punk / Hardcore

Label GB

One Little Independent Records

One Little Independent Records, or OLI Records, is an independent music label that was founded in 1986 by members of anarchist punk band Crass. Inspired by the DIY principles and anarchistic ideals of independent labels, OLI has always believed in giving complete control to artists who deserve a shot at a wider audience. On June 10th, 2020, OLI underwent a rename and rebranding after its founder announced an apology for the label's historic name and logo, recognizing their contribution to racism.

Since its inception, OLI Records has been dedicated to providing a platform for talented artists from various genres. The label believes in supporting musicians who create unique and innovative music that deserves recognition. With a commitment to artistic freedom and expression, OLI continues to nurture emerging talent while also collaborating with established acts.

As one of the leading independent labels in the industry, OLI Records strives to promote diversity and inclusivity within the music community. By embracing change and acknowledging past mistakes, they are committed to creating an environment where all artists can thrive without fear of discrimination or prejudice. With their extensive catalog of groundbreaking releases and forward-thinking approach, OLI remains at the forefront of shaping the future of independent music.

Penny Rimbaud is an English artist known for his diverse talents and activism. Born on June 8, 1943, he has made significant contributions as a writer, poet, philosopher, painter, musician, and activist. He was a member of the performance art groups EXIT and Ceres Confusion before co-founding the Stonehenge Free Festival in 1972 alongside Phil Russell (Wally Hope). In 1977, Rimbaud co-founded the influential anarchist punk band *Crass* with Steve Ignorant. Their music challenged societal norms and they disbanded in 1984.

Rimbaud's work resonates with fans of various genres due to its thought-provoking nature. His artistic endeavors have influenced numerous artists including *Peter Vukmirovic Stevens*, *Poison Girls*, *Youth*, *Dirt*, *Flux of Pink Indians*, and many more. With his wide range of talents and dedication to activism, Penny Rimbaud continues to inspire generations of artists and activists alike.

Discover the powerful impact of Penny Rimbaud's creativity by exploring his collection today.

Written and published as a journal of dissent in 1977 by Penny Rimbaud before the formation of anarchist tricksters Crass, Christ’s Reality Asylum became the template for much of the socio-political attitudes of the band. Crass’ first album, The Feeding of the Five Thousand, included a short section of the journal, going under the title of Reality Asylum, which led to immediate interest from the authorities. Charges of ‘criminal blasphemy’ were eventually dropped, but from that time on Crass were under constant surveillance by the police and MI5 (the New York mafia didn’t like it either!). In short, Christ’s Reality Asylum is Crass in a very large nutshell.

The decision to release Christ’s Reality Asylum was made to celebrate Crass’ change of label from Southern Records to One Little Indian. Having in 2019 lovingly remastered their entire catalogue at Abbey Road Studios, it seemed only natural that they should release Christ’s Reality Asylum as the cherry to top the cake. Radical in the extreme, the release of Christ’s Reality Asylum is also a celebration of creative freedom.

The genesis of Christ’s Reality Asylum is a story in itself – script written by Penny Rimbaud in Spring 1977, later to be used in part as Reality Asylum performed by Eve Libertine as the first track of Crass’ first album The Feeding of the Five Thousand, released in 1978. Initial recording of Penny Rimbaud’s reading by A-Soma at Red Herring Studios, Autumn 1991. Mastered at Southern Studios by A-Soma and Paul Harding in Winter 1991. Solo voice recording released in cassette form on Crass Records, Summer 1992. Hugh Metcalfe’s backing voice and noise recorded by Tony Barber at The Shedio Studio in Summer 2012. Eve Libertine’s backing vocals recorded by Harvey Birrell at Old Street Studios in Autumn 2019.

It’s also worth noting that the now legendary Crass logo was designed by Dave King (sadly, recently deceased) not as a logo for the band, but as a frontispiece for Christ’s Reality Asylum published in 1977 in its journal form. It became the band’s logo more by mistake than by design when Gee Vaucher incorporated it into her stunning broadsheet publication, International Anthem, from which it became assumed to be a Crass logo. Appropriately, the release of Christ’s Reality Asylum coincides with the end of politics as we have known it. A clown in the White House, a joker in Number Ten, but no one is laughing. Exit Stage Right.

Christ’s Reality Asylum

Music GB

Buy Penny Rimbaud - Christ’s Reality Asylum (Vinyl, CD) now from Rough Trade - independent purveyors of great music, since 1976.