Yup, today just gone...so, er, yesterday then...VICTORY GARDEN RECORDS became TEN YEARS OLD. For twas at the beginning of September '98 that verily did SOUTHALL RIOT's debut offering "INTO THE CHICAGO ABYSS EP" (or VG01 as some knew it) come hurtling into the world.

 When we came into being there was no "transfer window", or "myspace and youtube", and there wasn't that much in the way of mobile phone usage. There was still a weekly showing for Top Of The Pops, smoking was allowed in pubs (it's not actually all that long ago that stopped, but it feels like a long time), and there was a war on in Iraq, the West just didn't like to publicise it then because it wasn't official.

 So, apart from bombing other countries, quite a bit has changed. However, VG has remained exactly as it was. Precisely as it was founded. A dusty yet trusty old retainer stuck fast in the safe territory of where ever it was we first started from. "No risks taken, no lives lost" - that's our motto, and by gosh we're sticking to it.

Ah, the glory days of all the surefire bankers we took on board - each and every one destined to fly pronto from the shelves of all good stockists and become collectors items before you could say "I ordered two from Rough Trade". It was a heady, crazy time, with every thing we touched turning to audio gold or, in the case of our famed "art" releases, hearing our name dropped in ever more fashionable circles of critical acclaim.

 They fucking loved us, mate.

 However, we are now ten. And while we remain alert and bright eyed to the wondrous possibilities that surround and fill our extraordinary lives every day of the year, we have decided that the best action to take for our tenth year is...to rest. Well earned, certainly needed, and possibly advised. Why pluck a sparrow at breakfast when you can eat a goose for tea, hmm ?

 So - we've pulled the tenth anniversary gig, we won't be releasing a tenth anniversary compilation, and shall not be printing up any "VG10th" t-shirts. No, no use pleading - it ain't happening. We're off for pint and a quick afternoon kip, sorry.

 Will be back later. Enjoy the silence !!

 Erika c/o VG