Audio Fidelity recordings
In 1969, the Clancy Brothers left Columbia records and signed with Audio Fidelity. The group released four LPs on Audio Fidelity between 1970-1973.
Accurate information about this company, concerning the Clancys' LPs and subsequent re-issues, is scarce—at best. Audio Fidelity Records was founded by Sidney Frey in 1955, and released the world's first commercially available stereo LP, in November 1957. Apparently, Frey sold the company to Herman Gimbel, around 1965. Gimbel is credited as "executive producer" on the Clancys' Audio Fidelity albums. The company went into decline sometime in the late 70's or early 80's, and eventually out of business—possibly bankrupt. It is not known what became of the masters of the Clancys' Audio Fidelity recordings, or even if they still exist.
There is currently an Audio Fidelity label in business, founded by Marshall Blonstein; other than the name they have no connection to the company founded by Sidney Frey.
Also visit: Bruce Laing's Audio Fidelity website for more information.
Original releases…
Audio Fidelity introduced this black label about the time the Clancys began recording for the company. Clancy records with this label are the original.
The address during this period was: 770 Eleventh Avenue, New York, NY
Late 1970's/1980 re-issues…
This label seems (to me) to be the most common on Clancy Brothers releases—introduced in the late 70's or 1980. In addition, the question has been raised to the quality of these releases at the Liam Clancy Messageboard.
The address during this period was: 221 West 57th St. New York NY 10019
"Audio 10" (#1)
This label reads: "Audio 10 Records, A Div of Audiofidelity Enterprises, Inc.". To my knowledge this label was only used on the alternate cover version of Recorded Live on St. Patrick's Day. Exactly dating this label is difficult—probably the mid 1980's. Sean McGuinness believes the reason for the alternate cover picture is that an AF creditor seized the original print. The back of the cover lists the 221 W. 57th address, with no mention of "Audio 10". While the record label has a 45 East Milton Ave., Rahway, NJ 07065 address.
This "Audio 10" version is not that common, making, in my opinion, it somewhat collectable.
"Audio 10" (#2)
Yet another AF label (that I stumbled upon). As with the above, dating this label is difficult—my guess would be the mid to late 1980's. In comparinig this (release/label) to the "Black label" release of Save the Land, certain things make me think was at the end of the road for AF…
- The mimimalistic design of the label.
- No address—anywhere.
- The ommission for Herman D. Gimble as Executive Producer.
- The addition of "A10" to the catalog number. But, the ommision of "Audio 10" title on the label (as above).
Vanguard Releases
In 1973, the Clancy Brothers recorded a "Greatest Hits" (double) album for Vanguard records. After this release, the Clancy Brothers recording career became very sporadic, only releasing four more LPs/CDs over the next 22 years—two of which were on the Vanguard label. In addition, Liam Clancy's first solo LP was a Vanguard recording. Below is a sample of Vanguard (Clancy related) labels.
Vanguard label dating sources: The Fariña Files and The John Fahey Blogspot
1955-1964: Maroon Label - Mono releases
This is the second label (maroon with silver lettering) used by Vanguard: From 1955 through September, 1964, on Mono releases. But, the first in context to Clancy/Makem recordings. Newport Folk Festival anthoolgy recordings with Paddy Clancy [1] and Tommy Makem [1] [2].
1 Newport Folk Festival 1959: 1959 - Vanguard VRS-9062 LP
2 Newport Folk Festival 1960: 1960 - Vanguard VRS-9083 LP
1955-1964: Black Label - "StereoLab" releases
This stereo label was used from 1955 through 1964, black with silver lettering—mirrored the mono label except for the additional of the "StereoLab" logo (and the color). According to The Fariña Files: "With a number of LPs at this time being issued in mono only, no attempt was made to assign the mono catalog number as a reflection of the stereo (release)." Compare the number on the mono and stereo Newport Folk Festival LPs.
Newport Folk Festival 1959: 1959 - Vanguard VSD-2053 LP
Newport Folk Festival 1960: 1960 - Vanguard VSD-2087 LP
1964-1967: Silver Label - Mono releases
This silver label with black lettering was used from approximately September 1964 until July 1967, on mono releases.
Liam Clancy: 1965 - VSD 9169 LP, was origianlly issued with this label, in August 1965. (actual label not currently available)
1964-1967: Orange Label - "StereoLab" releases
This orange label with black lettering was the same design (with the addition of "StereoLab"), and used during the same period as the above Silver label—on stereo releases. In addition, around 1964 Vanguard started a consistant numbering system, adding the number "7" prefix to the catalog number of stereo releases.
Liam Clancy: 1965 - VSD 79169 LP, was origianlly issued with this label, in August 1965.
TheGold/Bronze "Stereolab" label: 1967(?)
The John Fahey Blogspot dates the switch to the Gold (Bronze) label in 1967—still using the term "Stereolab".1968 - 1978 (early 1980s): Gold Label - Stereo releases
According to The Fariña Files: "The gold label is the most recognized, as this was used for over ten years. The label's redesign was made necessary when they discontinued monaural releases on the label, probably in December of 1967…"
There seems to be some discreptency in determining if Vanguard used different colors: gold and bronze, or different shades of gold—or if time has faded some of the labels. In addition, The John Fahey Blogspot refers to a "champagne" label—which, looks gray to me. However, that could be the way it scanned, or it could have faded. Finally, based on information from The John Fahey Blogspot, Vanguard dropped the term "Stereolab" at this time.
The Clancy Brothers with Louis Killen, Greatest Hits: 1973 - VSD 53/54 LP, was originally released with this label.
Appartently, Vanguard UK releases were released in conjuntion with "PYE" records. See above left label.
Mono releases - Spring 1968 and on…
According to The Fariña Files: "Vanguard continued to keep mono recordings available until existing warehouse supplies ran out (most of which were dumped into cut-out bins in the early 70s), using the gold label on these as well as on the stereo. All back catalog pressings featured the gold label, resulting in far more copies featuring this later label than ever sold with the orignal labels."
1978 (1980's) "Wood Grain" label…
Sometime around 1978 (according to The John Fahey Blogspot), or the early 1980's (The Fariña Files) the design was changed to the "Wood Grain" label. This is the last Vangraud vinyl label that I am aware of, in context to Clancy/Makem releases.