Imaginary Records

Imaginary Records emerged in 1985 as an independent label in Heywood, Greater Manchester, founded by Alan Duffy and Andy Hopkins. Its initial identity was rooted in the British independent-music ecosystem, with a focus on indie rock and post-punk rather than mainstream pop. The label's catalogue subsequently developed across several overlapping areas: contemporary alternative releases, recordings by bands connected to the Chameleons, and compilations designed around the influence of earlier artists. The Chameleons became one of the most important recurring names in the catalogue. Imaginary Records issued several releases connected with the group, including Here Today ... Gone Tomorrow, Live in Toronto, Free Trade Hall Rehearsal, Dali's Picture, and Auffuhrung in Berlin, as well as combinations and related editions. The imprint also supported adjacent projects and musicians, including the Reegs and Mark Burgess and the Sons of God. These releases gave the label a strong association with the Manchester and post-punk traditions while extending its reach into archival and live material. Alongside its artist releases, Imaginary Records built a recognizable compilation strategy. Its tribute albums invited contemporary musicians to reinterpret material by important figures in rock and alternative music. The subjects included Bob Dylan, the Velvet Underground, Syd Barrett, Captain Beefheart, the Kinks, the Byrds, Nick Drake, the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, the Rolling Stones, and Jimi Hendrix. The series was notable for bringing together acts from different parts of the independent scene. Contributors identified in the reference material include Sonic Youth, the Membranes, Nirvana, Echo & the Bunnymen, XTC, Dinosaur Jr., Ride, Screaming Trees, and Buffalo Tom. This approach made the label more than a conventional outlet for new albums. It functioned as a curator of musical lineage, presenting historically influential repertoires through interpretations by contemporary performers. The tribute concept also became closely associated with Alan Duffy, who was described as a "tribute entrepreneur." United States editions of the tribute albums were released by Communion Records, giving the projects distribution beyond the label's British base. The broader catalogue included records by the Mock Turtles, Cud, Tiny Lights, Spiral Jetty, the Infant God, the Rhythm Sisters, the Cherryblades, the Prudes, Bill Nelson, Who By Fire, Benny Profane, and the Bachelor Pad. The discography also included EPs by the Stairs and the Chemistry Set. Catalogue numbering indicates a substantial run of releases, extending from early albums and EPs into themed tribute volumes, archival issues, and live recordings. The available sources preserve a substantial discography but provide limited information about the label's later corporate history, ownership, staffing, or current activities. No authoritative current website, listed-company information, or confirmed present-day management is identified. The label's present status therefore remains unconfirmed.

• 1985

  Label founded in Heywood

  [1]Imaginary Recordsen.wikipedia.org

  Alan Duffy and Andy Hopkins established Imaginary Records as an independent label in Heywood, Greater Manchester.

• Expansion into artist tribute compilations

  [1]Imaginary Recordsen.wikipedia.org

  The label developed a major catalogue strand of themed compilations interpreting the work of artists including the Velvet Underground, Syd Barrett, Captain Beefheart, the Byrds, the Kinks, Nick Drake, and others.

• United States distribution through Communion Records

  [1]Imaginary Recordsen.wikipedia.org

  Communion Records released the tribute albums in the United States, extending the reach of Imaginary Records' compilation programme.

An independent alternative-music label combining indie rock and post-punk releases with curated tribute albums devoted to influential artists.

• Post-punk albums, live recordings, and archival releases

  Chameleons catalogue releases

  Imaginary Records issued a substantial group of recordings associated with the Chameleons, including live performances, archival material, rehearsal recordings, and releases such as Here Today ... Gone Tomorrow, Live in Toronto, Dali's Picture, and Auffuhrung in Berlin. These records form one of the clearest artist anchors in the label's catalogue.

• Tribute compilations

  Imaginary Tribute Series

  The Imaginary Tribute Series comprised multi-artist albums built around the repertoires of influential musicians and bands. Topics included Bob Dylan, the Velvet Underground, Syd Barrett, Captain Beefheart, the Kinks, the Byrds, Nick Drake, the Rolling Stones, and Jimi Hendrix. The series brought together prominent alternative and independent performers with a strong emphasis on reinterpretation and musical heritage.

• Indie rock, post-punk, and alternative releases

  Independent artist albums and EPs

  The label released albums and EPs by a varied group of independent acts, including Cud, the Mock Turtles, Tiny Lights, Spiral Jetty, the Infant God, the Rhythm Sisters, the Cherryblades, the Prudes, the Chemistry Set, and the Stairs. The catalogue spans guitar-driven alternative music, post-punk, psychedelic influences, and experimental pop.

1. 1Imaginary Recordsen.wikipedia.org