Echoes from Cargo: Rediscover the Sounds
Welcome to a sonic journey through the history of Cargo Recording Studios. While many know of iconic recordings like Joy Division's 'Atmosphere', this page dives deeper, unearthing forgotten gems and celebrating the diverse sounds that emanated from our legendary studio. Prepare to relive memories or discover your next favourite track.
Lost classics unearthed
Many people recall the incredible impact of bands like Joy Division, The Fall, and Gang of Four, who all graced the recording booths of Cargo. We also celebrate the pioneering Fast Product records and the early singles from Factory Records. However, countless other brilliant records, though perhaps less widely known today, deserve their moment in the spotlight. Our curated playlists are designed to bring these 'lost classics' back to life, reminding you of the studio's rich legacy and introducing you to musical treasures you might have missed.
Tracks on the first playlist are;
Bamboo Zoo - Submarine 981
Subterfuge - Discocide (Unrealeased) 1979
Pullovers - Peter Pan Pill, Spare Part Surgery 1980
The Reducers - Man with a Gun 1979
The Oscillators - Marilyn Brown. E Boat 1980
Precautions - Passion 1980
White Russia - Valentine 1980
Regional rhythms and pioneering sounds
Cargo Recording Studios was a hub for diverse musical talent, spanning across the United Kingdom and beyond. We are excited to present features on music from Scotland, Liverpool/Merseyside, and Yorkshire, showcasing the unique sounds that emerged from these vibrant regions. Dive into the early days of Factory Records, discover gems from the Manchester Musicians Collective, and explore the raw energy of punk and NWOBHM bands that recorded here. We hope these selections will ignite memories and introduce you to new sonic landscapes.
Active Restraint - Head First (unrealeased) 1983
Radio 5 - Another Life 1981
Defectors - Target Baby 1981
Eleventh Hour - Another Thoughful Day (unreleased) 1983
EXCEL - Stranded 1979
Exit - Rusty Old Thing (demo unrealeased) 1983
Modes for Mutants - Repetiton 1981
The Politicans - Visions On Time 1980
White Russia - Clothes 1980
New playlists will be added every month.
Playlist 3, Further lost classics
Below are a selection of tracks recorded at Cargo.
Airkraft hailed from Halifax and recorded an EP at Cargo, Crosstalk A V recorded a single and cassette at the studio the single was released on the wondefully named Tufty Club Records. I.Q Zero released a brace of great singles, Monoconics form the North East, Private Sector a great rock n roll band produced by Steve Garvey of Buzzcocks and releasd on the great TJM label. Radio 5, should have had a hit with True Colours. 57th Parallel, a Cheshire basd band who sadly only released one single. Archaic Smile from Wakefield Yorkshire, The Mess a great single from the Leeds based band. Tiger Tails, part of the Burnley, Nelson, Colne musicans collective released on Snotty Snail records.
To listen please click here
That Record Got Me High
Author Chris Connelly (Cargo Recording Studios 1977-1985) joins us to unpack criminally underrated UK band The Chameleons and their 1983 debut album 'Script Of The Bridge'.
Cargo Studios, though only active from 1977 to 1985 in Rochdale, quickly became the epicentre for post-punk and independent recording bands across the UK, including The Fall, Joy Division, OMD, Gang Of Four, Felt and many many more. Chris was THERE for some of the 'Script Of The Bridge' sessions, and offers keen insight into this fantastic record - AND this special place/time.
Songs discussed in this episode: View From A Hill (acoustic version) - The Chameleons; Atmosphere - Joy Division; The Fan and the Bellows, Things I Wish I'd Said - The Chameleons; The Cutter - Echo & The Bunnymen; I Will Follow - U2; Don't Fall, Here Today, Monkeyland, Second Skin, Dreams In Celluloid (Demo), Second Skin (Live, 2000), Up The Down Escalator - The Chameleons; Untitled - Interpol; Less Than Human, Less Than Human (Demo), Pleasure and Pain - The Chameleons; Psykick Dance Hall - The Fall; Electricity (Martin Hannett Cargo Studios version) - OMD; Thursday's Child, As High As You Can Go, A Person Isn't Safe Anywhere These Days, Paper Tigers - The Chameleons; Damaged Goods, Love Like Anthrax - Gang Of Four (Damaged Goods EP 1978); Atmosphere - Joy Division; View From A Hill - The Chameleons; Raindance - The Last Seven Days; Tomorrow Never Knows (Beatles cover) - The Chameleons
Listen here
Ready to listen?
Click the links below to access our playlists
CARGO LOST TRACKS PLAYLIST 1
CARGO LOST TRACKS UPLOAD 2
CARGO LOST TRACKS 3