The initial outing for the company was a FIREBALL XL5 release in the 12 Inch format JOURNEY TO THE MOON. This was shortly thereafter edited down to fit the "21 Minutes Of Adventure" framework of the 7 Inch 33 R.P.M. Mini-Album of the same name with the catalogue number MA100.
The first batch of records gave young listeners the chance to reacquaint themselves with characters from FIREBALL XL5 and STINGRAY that they perhaps had seen on television in the previous few years. However MA103 INTRODUCING THUNDERBIRDS did what it said 'on the tin' with the show itself premiering on television at almost the same time as the record hit stores across the UK in late September 1965.
The early Mini-Albums were specially written new adventures featuring the voice artists children would recognise from the shows themselves. They were recorded in the same manner as the dialogue tracks for the actual programmes often with Sylvia Anderson overseeing the sessions. So integral was her role in Century 21 Records that when the company was presented with a silver disc for sales of a quarter of a million units Sylvia proudly accepted it on their behalf.
By early 1966 THUNDERBIRDS had largely won the hearts of viewers of all ages whether they had been fans of the previous programmes or otherwise. The earlier torrent of merchandise for shows such as SUPERCAR and STINGRAY had reduced to little more than a trickle engulfed by the deluge
that was THUNDERBIRDS.
that was THUNDERBIRDS.
This was reflected in the subsequent waves of Mini-Albums released with every one spotlighting members of International Rescue in new adventures or those using 'sound bites' from the actual episodes with guest narration by key characters integral to specific plots.
When MA109 THUNDERBIRD 2 was released, giving listeners an audio version of the episode 'End Of The Road', Century 21 Records address was now heralded as offices in The London Coliseum St Martin's Lane the heart of the theatre district. Given the expansion of operations throughout the Century 21 group facilities beyond the original Slough Trading Estate were required and central London offices were a necessity.
Jim Lewis
Jim's article is serialised here for our Fifth Birthday every night at 9PM UK Time this week
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