White Cover Folks (WCF)

WCF got its start in 1970, likely in/around the state of Illinois and was very active from 1970 – 1974. Clinton Heylin attributes WCF to an Ian Sippen based in the UK but this must have been a misunderstanding. They did not give themselves a name until ca. 1975 when they chose Berkeley Records. A large number of these early WCF titles are quite scarce and must not have been pressed in large numbers as WCF was busy churning out release after release. Some of these were repressed around 1973-75 in fold-out covers that had a picture of the artist on the back panel. Presentation-wise, their development progressed like this: (1970) A few stamped covers – (1971) inserts (double albums in gatefold covers with blank white inner panels) – adding their trademark “Compatable (sic) For Stereo)” slogan – (1971) dropping the slogan – wrap around inserts – (1973-75) folder style covers, either with inserts or printed ones, at times these were recycled from other releases) – 1975/6: Berkeley uses deluxe b&w covers only. Many releases were “copy jobs” and a few even pirates of officially released albums. WCF was responsible for a few original titles and out of all the classic first generation labels they did the most Grateful Dead bootlegs, around 1972. Many WCF releases have the text "Microgroove" on the right side of record labels below the 33 1/3 RPM information.Also "compatable for stereo" on inserts. Also typical that each release have a unique label design, often presented as a Record label or the band ( ie ZEP = Led Zeppelin or TULL = Jethro Tull )