Needles & Plastic: Flying Nun Records, 1981–1988
Updated: Mar 5
Matthew Goody's Needles & Plastic tells the story of New Zealand's Flying Nun Records music label. The label was founded by Roger Shepherd in 1981 and introduced the world to influential artists like The Chills, The Clean, Straitjacket Fits, and The Verlaines.
The influence of the label became apparent in the '90s when indie artists like Yo La Tengo, Pavement, and Cat Power started covering songs from the bands on their label.
Matthew Goody tells the story through 140 records that were released on the label starting with The Clean's 7" "Tally Ho!" single in 1981 to The Verlaines' album 'Bird-Dog' in 1988. It includes contributions from Roger Shepherd, Doug Hood, Chris Knox, and many more.
Click here to purchase.
The Special Edition is available only in the USA and UK at Third Man Records Physical Storefronts. It's a flexibind hardcover that contains additional photos and an exclusive poster that was drawn by Robert Scott (The Clean, The Bats).
Not familiar with Flying Nun Records? I found 37 of the 40 tracks on Tally Ho! Flying Nun's Greatest Bits and made a playlist for your listening pleasure. Here's the first track: