4AD was formed in 1980 as a division of the Beggars Banquet record label. The label became a force in the independent label scene in the 1980s with artists such as Birthday Party, Modern English and Bauhaus. Later, the label would other well known bands such as Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance and This Mortal Coil. In the list below of the first 25 releases form 4AD, you will notice most are 7 inch singles with very few LPs and EPs. As time went on, there was a more balanced amount of singles to LPs. One note from the list below – the first four releases were actually on Axis which turned in to 4AD.
“Junction One” single by The Fast Set – released on Axis label
“She’s My Girl” single by The Bearz – released on Axis label
“Dark Entries” single by Bauhaus – released on Axis label (1980) second single by Bauhaus. Peaked at #17 on UK Indie Charts.
“No Turning Back” single by Shox – released on Axis label
“Wheels in the Roses” single by Rema-Rema (1980) first release on 4AD label. Band broke up after founding member Marco Pirroni joined Adam & the Ants.
“Swans on Glass” single by Modern English (1980) second single by the band. Peaked at #46 on UK indie charts
“Terror Couple Kills Colonel” single by Bauhaus (1980) Peaked at #5 on UK indie charts
“Final Achievement” / “Die Laughing” single by In Camera (1980) band’s only single. Guitarist Andrew Gray would later join Wolfgang Press.
Like This for Ages EP by Cupol (1980) one of many band names by Bruce Gilbert and Graham Lewis of the band Wire.
“Controversial Subject” single by The The (1980) The The’s first single predating their debut album Soul Mining by three years.
Presages EP Various Artists
“The Friend Catcher” single by Birthday Party (1980) Australian post-punk band fronted by Nick Cave. Peaked at #21 on UK Indie Charts
In the Flat Field LP by Bauhaus (1980) Debut album peaked at #1 on UK Indie Charts
“You and I” / “Cabbage” single by Mass (1980) formed after Rema-Rema broke up. Two members would go on to form Wolfgang Press.
“Gathering Dust” single by Modern English (1980) Peaked at #36 on UK Indie Charts
3R4 LP by BC Gilbert / G Lewis (1980) Gilbert and Lewis also released under Cupol and Dome names.
“Telegram Sam” / B-side “Crowds” single by Bauhaus (1980) Cover of T. Rex song. Peaked at #3 on UK Indie Charts.
“Anonymity” single by Dance Chapter (1980)
IV Songs EP by In Camera (1980)
“Marble Station” single by Sort Sol Danish band originally known as Sods.
“Raindance” single by The Past Seven Days
“My Captains” single by My Captains
Prayers on Fire LP by Birthday Party (1981) Peaked at #4 on UK Indie Charts
Mesh and Lace LP by Modern English (1981) Debut album peaked at #5 on UK Indie Charts. Predates success of “Melt with You” by one year.
“Ends with the Sea” single by BC Gilbert / G Lewis (1981)
