Rough Trade Shops: 15 Years Of Bella Union Records

The past five years have been incredibly successful for British independent labels; the likes of XL, Domino, the rejuvenated Rough Trade and Wichita amongst other have enjoyed unprecedented levels of success. Bella Union, formed in 1997 by ex-Cocteau Twins Robin Guthrie and Simon Raymonde has been at the very forefront of that independent vanguard. To commemorate the label’s 15th anniversary, Raymonde, who took full control of the label in 2001, has curated a compilation in collaboration with Rough Trade Shops that shows off the idiosyncratic qualities that makes the label so revered but also, more importantly looks to the future as Bella Union continue to prosper.

Rather than a straight comprehensive historical overview, the compilation is instead compiled by Raymonde on a very personal basis. It is not exhaustive but what it loses in quantity it certainly makes up for in quality. This feels like a proper coherent album rather than a random mix of tracks.

Disc 1 includes perhaps the two biggest successes of Bella Union’s history. Fleet Foxes are represented by the wondrous ‘Montezuma’ from their 2008 debut, and ‘Lover Of Mine’ from Beach House’s landmark ‘Teen Dream’ LP is also included. Current acts are also strongly represented: the beguiling indie of Cashier No 9’s ‘Oh Pity’ is a real highlight, as is ‘Magic Look’ from hugely exciting soul singer/violinist Marques Toliver. Both acts are at the forefront of Bella Union’s future.

Disc 2 features a number of older cuts, most significantly the simply stunning ‘To Guard And To Guide You’ by Lift To Experience, the Texan band formed by Josh T Pearson. A number of exclusive new songs by some of Bella Union’s current roster close the compilation. The folksy gospel of ‘Down There By The Train’ from The Low Anthem and the sparse and soulful drama of ‘The House You Made’ by The Walkmen particularly stand out.

There are few other labels that have the range and quality of acts that Bella Union have cultivated over their 15-year existence. The personal involvement and commitment of founder Simon Raymonde has given Bella Union a truly singular status and this compilation is a fitting monument to its history.