The Heads are an English psychedelic rock band formed in Bristol, England in 1990. They have released around 20 full-length albums, numerous EPs and singles. They recorded three Peel Sessions between 1995 and 1999.
Originally formed in 1990 by Hugo Morgan, Simon Price and Dave Spencer from the remnants of Bristol bands Quinton and The Spasmodics respectively. They were joined by Wayne Maskell a few months later and played music somewhat influenced by Loop, Spacemen 3 and The Stooges. This line up lasted for 2 years, playing support slots to bands such as Babes in Toyland and Swervedriver, but without any record releases. After a few months with a guitarist called Jim, who then left to be replaced by Paul Allen in 1993, the band took a slightly more rock route more inspired by bands such as Monster Magnet. Their first single was released in 1994, entitled The QUAD EP. This has become a collectors item with its Russ Meyer inspired sleeve and initial copies including a packet of cigarette papers with the name of the band printed on the front. The band recorded three Peel Sessions between 1995 and 1999 as well as a session for Mark Radcliffe.
CD/LP – CD 1st edition in sleeve 100 copies, 2nd edition in jewel case 60 copies, 3rd edition 1000 copies. LP on Rocket Recordings, 500 copies, light blue coloured vinyl issued with 3 different silk-screened covers; blue & red, red & white, blue & white. These covers were not pressed in equal amounts, the blue & white and the red & white were the rarer editions. The blue & white being the rarest with 30+/- copies made.
CD/LP – CD Originally a pressing of just 33 copies on black cds in a flipback cover, inside a Rooster outer bag. 2nd CD edition jewel case 60copies pressed. LP on Invada Records, 1st pressing on black vinyl 500 copies. 2nd pressing on blue vinyl 500 copies.
Under The Stress of a Headlong Dive – Invada Records / Alternative Tentacles
CD/LP – 2xLP on Rocket & Invada Records 1000 copies. CD released in UK on Invada Records has an orange and silver cover, whilst the US version on Alternative Tentacles is purple and silver.
Dead in the Water – Rooster / Invada Records
CD/LP – CD Originally 100 numbered copies in card sleeve. CD 2nd edition in jewel case, 30 numbered copies. 2xLP 500 copies pink/red vinyl. CD 3rd edition 1000 copies.
Rituals From The Heads & The Big Naturals Volume One – Rooster
CD – 100 numbered copies in card sleeve. 2nd edition 30 numbered copies in card sleeve inside a plastic Rooster outer bag with sticker on the front.
Rituals From The Heads & The Big Naturals Volume Two – Rooster
CD – 100 numbered copies in card sleeve. 2nd edition 30 numbered copies in card sleeve inside a plastic Rooster outer bag with sticker on the front.
Bedlam – Rooster
CD – 1st edition 100 numbered copies in blue card sleeve. 2nd edition 30 numbered copies in orange card sleeve. 3rd edition 30 numbered copies in yellow card sleeve.
Irrepressible Heads – Chicken Slide Records
CD – 100 copies, half of them came in Chicken Slide paper bags...
CD – 1st edition card sleeve, 150 numbered copies, first 30 copies have a purple back cover and label.
Live at the Koko – Rooster
CD – Recorded during their support set for Mudhoney in October 2009. 150 copies, first 50 copies came in a brown paper bag with 'Live at the Koko' stamped on.
Relaxing With... – Rooster
2xCD – Remastered edition, includes Peel Sessions and out-takes.
Rituals From The Heads & The Big Naturals Volume Three – Rooster
CD – 150 numbered copies, first 50 copies came in a brown paper bag with a spiral print.
Relaxing With Rehearsals – Rooster
CD – 150 numbered copies, first 100 copies came in a paper bag with Quad/Ultravixen print.
2CD Limited Edition.CD 2 – A collection of recordings from The Heads' rehearsal room. The Heads have released numerous editions of their albums, in extremely limited quantities – usually two or three editions with altered artwork or sleeves and usually less than 100 copies, not to mention rarer promo editions. This trend seems to have begun with the original release of "33" – so called because of the 33 copies they pressed. The band also take it in turns to produce each release. i.e. Everybody Knows We Got Nowhere was designed by Simon. Irrepressible was designed by Hugo. Time in Space was designed by Wayne and Vertigo Swill was designed by Paul. A friend of the band, Johnny O, also sometimes lends a hand in designing the sleeves and covers. As a result of these limited pressings and altered sleeves the band have managed to create a niche market, where completists can end up paying more than 20 times the original price for a CD – usually via eBay.
