Thorn/EMI Talk
This recording would not be here in this form and accessibility, at this time, without the help of Nettwerk Records. Nettwerk is independently owned and at present has a pressing and distribution deal with Capitol Canada (thank-you Capitol).Capitol's parent company is THORN EMI in England. EMI (Electronic and Musical Industries) merged with Thorn in 1979. Some of the other labels that they own or part own are: Angel, Blue Note, Chrysalis, Enigma (defunct), IRS, SBK, and now Virgin (including Caroline). With some help from CEMA (Capitol,EMI, Manhattan, Angel), they also distribute Alpha Int'l., Barking Pumpkin, Bellmark, Cara, Chameleon, Curb, 16th Ave., Gold Castle/Cypress, Rhino labels and MGM/UA videos.
This conglomerate also own part of Thames Television, Filmtrax, SBK, and EMI Publishing, HMV (His Master's Voice) record stores, Electronics, Security, and Software businesses, "Rent-A-Centre" rental stores (furniture to jewellery), and is a major world supplier of light fittings. Also, according to the information they graciously sent me, the Thorn division manufacture: "radar equipment for airborne and battlefield applications, proximity fuzes, thermal imaging systems, underwater ranges, computer-based command & information systems, radar/ magnetic/ infrared/ acoustic signature control data distribution systems & electronic warfare equipment. In late 1990, as part of a major restructuring of its defence electronics activities, Thorn EMI acquired MEL, the UK defense division of Phillips. This business has complementary activities in radar & electronic warfare systems & reinforces the technical & competitive strengths of Thorn EMI Electronics in important areas of the international market."
Many people, including a few people at Capitol, were not aware of this military connection. It seems hard to escape (or cure) any association with companies like this especially when some of your taxes go beyond your control and into the building of military people and equipment (as we all know).
So I guess you can tell that this bothered me and that this down-the-line association is less than perfect but perhaps something positive can come of this BlurbBurpInTheBelly OfTheBeast (Boycott me ).
If you want to write me about this (or my songs etc) I can be reached through Nettwerk at Box 330-1755 Robson St., Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6G 3B7 Tel: (604) 654-2929 Fax:(604) 654-1993.
Thorn EMI's address is 4 Tenterden St., Hanover Square, London, England WIAZAY.
Referring to this Thorn/military matter the Managing Director of EMI Records in London told me "Personally do we agree with it? No, but that's a business (laughs), unfortunately." And, "what are you going to do about it?"
Thanks for listening,
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