RECESSION
RECORDS
Recession Records was a DIY
label from Lincoln formed around 1980. It managed one single. It
issued singles in RECS-000 numerical series. Distributed By
Recession Records. Sinking Ships was a band formed in 1979, by ex 'Berlin'
members Simon Brighton (guitar) and Terry Welbourn (bass), together with
'Stress' musicians, Colin Hopkirk (vocals) and Nick Green (drummer). In 1980,
this line-up went on to record two tracks for a local New Wave compilation,
'Household Shocks'. Soon after this release, vocalist Colin Hopkirk departed the
band and Terry Welbourn took up the lead vox along with his bass duties.The now
3 piece band were building a solid reputation live with gigs supporting The
Psychedelic Furs, the Modettes, Spizz Energi and other big name indies. In the
Spring of 1980, the band recorded a 7" double 'A' side single 'The Cinema Clock'
& 'Strangers'. Critics were quick to talk up the band including plays on
John Peel's Radio 1 show and many favourable reviews. The band then chose to
increase their numbers from 3 to five then to six, with the addition of
keyboards, synths and saxophone. Confusing their growing army of fans, this then
turned out to be a 'relatively bad move'. Bar the notable live performance at
'Sleaford Rock 80' plus a well received London debut at the original 'Marquee
Club' in Wardour Street, the Ships were sinking. In late 1980 they went back
into the studio to record songs for a six-track 12" set for release in January
1981 which never saw the light of day. Tired and embittered, the band shrank
back down to the 3-piece line-up and tried once again to rediscover the magic
with a 7" vinyl single ('Dream' & 'After the Rain - Live') released on the
'Recession' label in April 1981. Sadly, the 80's had moved on, electronics and
New Romantics were taking over the world of music - rock n roll seemed doomed.
The Sinking Ships original line-up split, with some of the members moving out of
Lincoln to London with just Terry Welbourn left to pick up the flotsam. During
the 80's Terry continued to play live under 'The Sinking Ships' name with
numerous lineups adding guitars and drums. But there have been no further record
releases since 1981.
80
Sinking
Ships
Dream
RECESSION
RECS
001