E03: “We The Undersigned…” – The New York City Record Pool pt.1

Listen to the full episode here:

In this episode Jeremy and Tim begin the first of a two-parter on the New York City Record Pool - a cooperative venture that saw DJs in the city come together to distribute the records they received from the labels equally and with a spirit of egalitarianism.

We hear about the lay of the land for early DJs in the city, the ways in which they tried to make money, the role they played in 'breaking' records, as well as what early disco journalism was doing. Naturally, we also hear about the important role David Mancuso played in setting up the Pool.

These developments are contextualised as part of an international wave of people in different areas of life seeking ways to self organise and democratise, from Italian Autonomia to American and British trade union militancy, and in the tradition of 'commoning'.

Produced and edited by Matt Huxley.

Tracklist:

B.T. Express - Do It ('Til You're Satisfied)
Gloria Gaynor - Never Can Say Goodbye
Esther Phillips - What A Diff'rence A Day Makes
Labelle - Messin' With My Mind

Books:
Theodore Roszak - The Making of a Counter Culture
Tim Lawrence - Love Saves the Day: A History Of American Dance Music Culture, 1970–1979