Name: Black is Beautiful
Brand: The Apostles

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

TWM42black

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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

Format Music US

Limited edition

Release date

2019-12-05

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier US

Light in the Attic

Tax rate US

Sales:8.875

UPC / Barcode

Total Cap

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

Artist

The Apostles

Genre US

African

Label US

Tidal Waves Music

The Apostles were an experimental post-punk band who emerged in the 1980s Anarcho Punk scene in the UK. While they were part of this movement, their music style did not conform to its aesthetics. The group had a stable core consisting of Andy Martin and Dave Fanning, but they collaborated with various members over their 10-year span.

Their music styles ranged from pop to punk to industrial and pure experimentation, drawing inspiration from influential bands like The Velvet Underground, The Adverts, Alternative TV, Lemon Kittens, The Pop Group, and Twelve Cubic Feet.

Despite criticizing the inward-looking anarchist movement of the time, The Apostles embraced an autonomous and libertarian approach that aligned with classic anarchism. This earned them respect from notable figures within the original anarcho-punk movement such as Crass and Conflict. They cooperated with Crass during the squatting of venues like Zig-Zag Club and Autonomy Centre. Additionally, Conflict released a single and album by The Apostles on their Mortarhate label.

The band was initially formed in 1980 by William Corbett, Julian Portinari, Dan MacIntyre, and Pete Bynghall. However, it was when Andy Martin joined as lead vocalist and lyricist that they truly found their identity. Shortly after his arrival, Dave Fanning (ex-Innocent Bystander bassist) joined as well. During this period

The Apostles were a renowned Nigerian funk/soul group from the city of Aba (an epicenter for music during the 70s &amp; 80s) and disciples of the heavy psychedelic soul/rock fusion style…for over forty years, they have stood as the jewel in the crown of the Afrobeat genre in Eastern Nigeria and champions of its flourishing post-war music scene.

Since their formation in 1973, the band has turned out memorable performances in a variety of styles including rock, soul, funk, pop and reggae. The Apostles amassed a large following, enjoyed an immense success throughout Nigeria and went on to release multiple albums. Although most of their songs are sung in English, a few of their songs are also sung in Igbo. The Apostles became superstars on the strength of several hit singles and have been preaching a particular blend of funky psychedelic soul/rock fusion for over 40 years.

The LP we are presenting you here Black Is Beautiful (1977) is one of the most enjoyable albums of the Afrobeat era: proud, assured, relaxed and extremely powerful. Black Is Beautiful contains a heavy mix of wailing guitars, swirling funky organ sounds and James Brown-style vocals. It is one of their best albums (also one that became a fixture in many East Nigerian homes) and an essential Afro-Funk record to add to your collection.

Today we are proud to present to you the first ever vinyl reissue of this rare Nigerian album originally released on EMI Nigeria in 1977.

Black is Beautiful

Music US

Buy The Apostles - Black is Beautiful (Vinyl, CD) now from Rough Trade - independent purveyors of great music, since 1976.