VA - 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… The Countdown Records Story 1985-88 (2025) [Hi-Res]

Countdown was originally founded by Eddie Piller, Maxine Conroy and Terry Rawlings and distributed by legendary UK independent Stiff Records. The label reflected the burgeoning Mod revival scene of the mid ‘80s, alongside a vibrant New Wave sound, as Ed began to find his way as a label executive.

It was a fresh and unique take on Mod that attempted to place the scene’s main acts in the mainstream world. It almost worked too. But despite the brilliance of the signings, it was tripped up by the demise of Stiff, and the corporate domination of the mid-80s charts.

Lessons would be learned and applied with Piller’s next label Acid Jazz, where Countdown refugees such as James Taylor, and Mother Earth’s Chris White went on to greater success.

This collection tells the label’s story through the best of its musical output, from mainstays such as Makin’ Time, The Prisoners and The Kick, alongside classics and rarities from their groundbreaking compilations, from which this release in turn takes inspiration.

Presented in a beautiful sleeve layout with a classy Modernist touch, the compilation also coincides with a new book that further explores the Countdown legacy from Mod and beyond.