Name: Replicas – The First Recordings
Brand: Gary Numan

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

BBQ2159CD

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Colour

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

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2019-10-11

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

PIAS

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

607618215927

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Total Cap

2 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

Gary Numan

Genre GB

New Wave / Post Punk

Label GB

Beggars Banquet

Founded in 1977 by Martin Mills and Nick Austin, Beggars Banquet is a renowned UK indie label that has made its mark on the music industry. It all began with the release of two 7" singles by punk band The Lurkers. Since then, Beggars Banquet has evolved to encompass a diverse range of genres including punk, goth, synth-pop, folk-rock, and indie. With an impressive portfolio of spin-off labels such as 4AD, Situation Two, City Beat, and XL Recordings under its belt, Beggars Banquet has become part of the esteemed Beggars Group – one of the largest networks of indie record labels worldwide.

In April 2008, Beggars Group made the decision to retire the iconic Beggars Banquet imprint. However, key artists were seamlessly transitioned to another notable label within their roster – 4AD. This strategic move ensured that these talented musicians continued to receive the support and recognition they deserved.

Beyond their musical endeavors, it's worth noting that Beggars Banquet operates with utmost professionalism. Their business registration number is 1414047 and VAT number is 340 1066 10. These details further exemplify their commitment to transparency and excellence in all aspects of their operations.

Gary Numan, born on the 8th of March 1958 in Hammersmith, London, England, is a renowned artist who began his musical journey as a punk rocker in the band Mean Street. After being dismissed from the group in May 1977, he joined The Lasers with Paul Gardiner but eventually formed his own punk band called Tubeway Army alongside his uncle Jess Lidyard on drums.

Tubeway Army was signed to Beggars Banquet in 1978 and released several punk singles. During this time, Gary adopted the name Numan and the band started performing live at various venues around London while supporting acts like Ultravox. It was during their recording sessions for Beggars that Gary stumbled upon a "Minimoog" synthesizer left behind in the studio, which captivated him with its unique sound.

With an impressive career spanning decades, Gary Numan has become an influential figure in music. His early experiences as a punk rocker laid the foundation for his innovative approach to electronic music and paved the way for his future success as an artist.

Beggars Banquet release two special titles to commemorate the legendary albums Gary Numan / Tubeway Army issued in 1979 – these editions are titled Replicas – The First Recordings, and the debut under his own name, The Pleasure Principle – The First Recordings.

While both of these albums have remained in print, these releases concentrate on the early recordings made prior to the completed albums and present the evolution of the albums. The tracks have been sequenced as they appeared on the original tapes and the audio has been taken from the high resolution digital transfers made by John Dent in 2007. One of the Freerange studio tapes suffered irreparable print through damage on two tracks so they were not used in the 2009 release. However an alternative source has been located so the tapes can now be presented as complete for this release.

In late 1978, Gary Numan was booked into a small studio in London’s Chinatown with the same musicians that had played on Tubeway Army’s debut album, released a month earlier. Two stereo master tapes were compiled of eleven tracks. A month later they again went to Gooseberry Studio and recorded an additional three tracks, including Are ‘Friends’ Electric? and Replicas. At the same time, the band recorded a session for the BBC’s John Peel show, taping alternate versions of three songs from the December recordings. Finally Numan returned to an upgraded studio, Marthus Music, in February to overdub and remix the Gooseberry recordings into their released versions. Only one alternative out take still exists (Down In The Park) which is included in this release

Replicas – The First Recordings

Music GB