From the first rumblings of the punk era to the blossoming of the New Wave and electronica, the 1970s was the decade that kicked off the first wave of indie as we know it, with classic releases from The Clash, the Sex Pistols and The Jam, through to iconic albums from Joy Division, Public Image Ltd and more.
What exactly is “Indie”?
“Indie” didn’t officially begin until January 1980, when the very first Independent Chart was published in the magazine Record Business, collecting the best-selling singles and albums released by labels that didn’t have the support of the major record companies.
However, the “Indie” spirit had gained traction in the punk years, even though their two most visible bands – the Sex Pistols and The Clash – did deals with the major labels (even though the Pistols didn’t last very long on EMI).
Therefore we can cast our net wide in compiling a list of the best Indie Debut Albums, which includes works by the pioneers of punk rock like Patti Smith and the Ramones; individualistic songwriters like Elvis Costello and Ian Dury; stalwart British bands like The Stranglers, The Jam and The Damned; to post-punk experimentation from Magazine, Public Image Ltd and Joy Division.
Patti Smith – Horses: release date 10th November 1975
The debut album from the High Priestess of Punk was a huge influence on countless bands with its blend of poetic lyrics and basic garage rock. The cover of Them’s Gloria is a fine way to open a recording career.
Was it on an Indie label? Not really, Arista was owned by Columbia Pictures and would later become subsumed by the BMG company in the 80s, then Sony Music.
Ramones – Ramones: release date 23rd April 1976
Despite being looped in with the New York punk scene, Da Brudders Ramone knew how to rock hard and the barrage of tunes on their debut – 14 songs in just under half an hour – is a powerful statement of intent. From the opening track Blitzkreig Bop, you’re in for a hell of a ride.
Was it on an indie label? No, Sire was distributed by the giant Phonogram in the mid-70s, and was subsequently acquired by Warner Bros Records.
The Modern Lovers – The Modern Lovers: released August 1976
Originally recorded as demos in 1972, Jonathan Richman’s art rock escapades eventually found a release in the summer of ’76, where they found an audience in the new wave of punk that was on the rise. Tracks included the hit Roadrunner and Pablo Picasso.
Was it on an Indie label? Yes, the Californian Indie imprint Beserkley.
Blondie – Blondie: release date December 1976
While the Ramones remodelled garage rock for the punk audience, fellow New Yorkers Blondie added sass, melody and the most memorable frontwoman of the era in Debbie Harry. Their debut sets out their attitude perfectly on tracks like X Offender, Rip Her To Shreds and In The Flesh.
Was it on an Indie label? Yes, Private Stock was an Indie, but the album was later reissued on Blondie’s new label, Chrysalis, which enjoyed major label distribution.
Television – Marquee Moon: release date 8th February 1977
It didn’t sell well in their native US, but over in Great Britain, Tom Verlaine’s art rockers has a surprise hit and their avant-garde guitar music cast a long shadow over post-punk. The epic ten minute title track remains a classic.
Was it on an Indie label? No, Elektra had been acquired by the Warner Music Group by the mid-1970s.
The Damned – Damned Damned Damned: release date 18th February 1977
The London band released their debut album, which featured the first British punk single New Rose and the excellent Neat Neat Neat.
Was it on an Indie label? 100%. Stiff was one of the great independent record labels of the 1970s.
The Clash – The Clash: release date 8th April 1977
Putting aside the tabloid frenzy and moral panic of punk, The Clash demonstrated that it was possible to make a solid, classic rock record using the format. Their debut includes the rabble rousing White Riot and Career Opportunities and shows off the musicians’ dexterity on their cover of Junior Murvin’s Police And Thieves.
Was it on an Indie label? Definitely not – The Clash were signed to CBS, one of the big majors of the era.
The Stranglers – Rattus Norvegicus: release date 15th April 1977
The Guildford punks released their debut LP, which included (Get A) Grip (On Yourself) and Hanging Around…
Was it on an Indie label? Initially, United Artists was independently distributed, but were sold to major EMI in 1979.