Empire - First Album (Vinyl LP)

Empire – First Album was released on Ariola in April 1981 and blends electronic krautrock with disco elements. It was recorded at Hansa Tonstudios and in London, among other places; contributors include singers Linda Susan Bauer and Vicky Brown, drummer Keith Forsey and guitarist Jeff Baxter. On offer is the German original pressing (Ariola 203 421) with a cut-out in the sleeve.

Pressing details

• Label / Cat. no.: Ariola – 203 421
• Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
• Pressing: DE original
• Country: Germany
• Year: 1981
• Genre: Krautrock, Disco, Electronic – more in Krautrock and Electronic

Condition

• Condition: Second hand
• Media: close to NM-
• Sleeve: VG | co – the sleeve has a cut-out and some edge wear

Graded to Goldmine standard (see Vinyl Grading). The images are our own scans of the actual copy for sale.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Shot Down (4:11)
2. Robotism (6:32)
3. Alien (4:20)
4. Time Machine (4:12)

Side B

1. Ooh Dracula (3:30)
2. Bavarian Affair (4:16)
3. You Are The Sun (7:09)
4. Zombie (3:32)

Personnel

Linda Susan Bauer, Vicky Brown (vocals), Greg Mathieson, Trevor Bastow (keyboards), Jeff Baxter, Eric Ford, Ricky Hitchcock, Tommy Schiedel (guitar), Keith Forsey, Barry De Souza, Peter Lehwinson (drums), Paulinho Da Costa, Frank Ricotti (percussion). Arranged by Charles Blackwell, Greg Mathieson, Ralf Nowy. Produced by Empire.

FAQ

Is this the original pressing?
Yes. This is the 1981 German original on Ariola (203 421) – not the unofficial 2021 reissue on blue vinyl.

What does "co" / cut-out mean?
A cut-out is a mark in the sleeve (e.g. a punched hole or clipped corner) that dealers used to flag deleted or remaindered stock. The record itself is not affected.

What does media close to NM- / sleeve VG mean?
The record is almost like new, the sleeve shows clear signs of use. All grades are explained in our Vinyl Grading guide.

Do you have more krautrock?
Yes, browse our Krautrock collection or read our guide Krautrock rarities: how to spot original pressings.