Radar Records (U.S. label)
| Radar Records | |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1982 |
| Founder | Eric Matthew |
| Status | Defunct (merged with Unidisc Music) |
| Genre | Garage house, post-disco |
| Country of origin | U.S. |
| Location | Richmond Hill, Queens, New York |
Radar Records was a small independent New York City-based dance/garage label best known for Gary's Gang, Toney Lee, and various underground acts.
History
Foundation
It was formed and operated by Eric Matthew (real name Joe Tucci)[1] around 1982.[2][3]
Structure
First record issued by Radar Records was possibly "Knock Me Out" by Gary's Gang, following by the post-disco number "Reach Up" by Toney Lee. Label creation was mentioned on the March 1983 issue of Billboard magazine.[2]
The label includes (sorted by chart success)[3][4][5][6]
- Toney Lee, who recorded "Reach Up" (Club #10, UK Pop #64)
- Gary's Gang, who recorded various dance hits like "Runaway", "Makin' Music" (Club #8) and "Knock Me Out" (Club #25).
- Fast Radio, who recorded "Under My Thumb" (Club #47)
- Status IV, who recorded "You Ain't Really Down" (Club #48)
- Barbara Fowler of Sinnamon, who recorded "Come And Get My Lovin'".
Radar Records was, after a couple of club hits, acquired by a Canada-based record company Unidisc Music. They also bought out other New York independent labels such as Prelude Records.
Selected discography
| Year | Catalog | Composition | Artist | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | RDR-12000 | "Knock Me Out" | Gary's Gang | — |
| 1982 | RDR-12001 | "Reach Up" | Toney Lee | — |
| 1982 | RDR-12002 | "Under My Thumb" | Fast Radio | — |
| 1983 | RDR-12003 | "You Ain't Really Down" | Status IV | — |
| 1983 | RDR-12004 | "Love So Deep" | Toney Lee | — |
| 1983 | RDR-12005 | "Makin' Music" | Gary's Gang | — |
| 1983 | RDR-12006 | "The Break"/"Breaker" | Richie Scotti | — |
| 1983 | RDR-12007 | "I'm Out Of Your Life" | Arnie's Love | — |
| 1983 | RDR-12010 | "Lovin' You" | Status IV | — |
| 1983 | RDR-12011 | "Bomb Comes Down" | Serious Word + One | — |
| 1983 | RDR-12016 | "Come And Get My Lovin'" | Barbara Fowler | — |
References
- ^ Frank Broughton, Bill Brewster (2011). The Record Players: DJ Revolutionaries. Black Cat, 2011. p. 121. ISBN 0-8021-7089-7.
- ^ a b "New Companies)". Billboard. 95: 61. Mar 5, 1983.
- ^ a b Blues & soul, Issues 412-413; Issue 415; Issues 419-420; Issue 422. Napfield Ltd., 1984, (originally) the University of Virginia. 1984. p. 30. ISBN 0-8021-7089-7.
- ^ "'Reach Up' at The Official Charts Company". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2011-08-22.
- ^ "Gary's Gang - Singles". Allmusic, Billboard. Retrieved 2011-08-22.
- ^ "The Best of Radar Records - VA". Allmusic, Billboard. Retrieved 2011-08-22.