Label Guide: Charisma
Charisma Records is a British record label, founded by former journalist Tony Stratton-Smith who was manager of Van der Graaf Generator at the time. Unable to find a record company willing to release an album by one of his favourite groups so he founded his own company and released the Van der Graaf Generator album The Least We Can Do Is Wave To Each Other himself.
Charisma was initially manufactured and distributed in the United Kingdom as an off-shoot of B&C Records, but it later absorbed that label. During the mid and late 1970s Charisma's European distribution was handled by Phonogram Records. In 1983, Charisma Records was acquired by Virgin Records. Charisma continued to operate until 1986, when Virgin absorbed the label following its purchase by EMI.
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1. Label Variation
first Charisma label (1969 - Summer 1970)
This first Pink Scroll Label has no reference of 'B&C Records Ltd.' anywhere on the label. It was used for all the early Charisma releases until summer of 1970.
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2. Label Variation
second Charisma label (Summer 1970 - Summer 1972)
In 1970 the label was changed to add 'B&C Records Ltd' at the bottom rim. Otherwise the label is virtually identical to the Pink Scroll label. It was used for about two years into the summer of 1972 and the last album with a Pink Scroll label was Lindisfarne's Dingly Dell.
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3. Label Variation
third Charisma label (Summer 1972 - Summer 1974)
This label is usually referred to as the Large Mad Hatter label, designed by Paul Whitehead of Genesis sleeve design fame. The Mad Hatter's bow tie touches the spindle hole and his head is fully visible on the label. It was also used for about two years into the summer of 1974.
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4. Label Variation
fourth Charisma label (Summer 1974 - late 1970s)
The Small Mad Hatter label has the Mad Hatter's picture moved to the top and not touching the spindle hole. Other parts of the Alice in Wonderland montage are also distinctly different from the first Mad Hatter label design.
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5. Label Variation (I)
fifth Charisma label (late 1970s - )
This blue label was used mostly for reissues from the late 1970s on.
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5. Label Variation (II)
fifth Charisma label (late 1970s - )
A white US version of this design also exists.