Propeller Records (Boston)

Propeller Records was an independent record label formed in Boston, MA, in 1981. The label, a collective, was formed by a number of Boston bands, including The Wild Stares, People in Stores, The Neats, CCCPTV and V;. Later members include Dangerous Birds, Art Yard, 21-645, Chinese Girlfriends, White Women, and Lori Green. The label was known for its anti-corporate, consumerist approach, labeling all releases with the phrase "Propeller Product" and the consumer-friendly admonition "pay no more than $2.00". The initial release, Propeller Product EP, featuring The Neats, People in Stores, CCCPTV and The Wild Stares, was a success in indy-label terms, achieving distribution through Rounder Records and selling over 5,000 copies. In 1982, Propeller released a compilation cassette tape consisting of two songs from all of the label-member bands, which was another indy-success and sold over 1,500 copies.