Ace of Hearts Records (US)

Lore & Background

Ace of Hearts Records was established in 1978 by Rick Harte in Boston. Harte produced all of the label's releases, which focused on the local post-punk and garage rock scenes. The label's first known release was the Infliktors' single "Where'd You Get That Cigarette" in 1978. Over the following years, Ace of Hearts issued a series of singles, EPs, and albums by notable Boston bands, including Mission of Burma, Lyres, the Neats, and Birdsongs of the Mesozoic.

One of the label's commercial successes was the Neighborhoods' single "Prettiest Girl" from 1980, which sold ten thousand copies. The label continued releasing music into the 1990s and 2000s, with later releases by Chaotic Past, Tomato Monkey, Heat from a Deadstar, and others. Many of the label's classic recordings were later reissued by other labels such as Rykodisc and Matador.

Reader's Guide

Ace of Hearts Records played a key role in documenting the Boston post-punk and garage rock scene of the early 1980s. The label's catalog includes some of the first recordings by Mission of Burma, whose EP Signals, Calls, and Marches and album Vs. are considered landmarks of American post-punk. The label also released early work by Lyres, the Neats, and Birdsongs of the Mesozoic, helping to establish the sound of Boston's alternative rock underground. Although the label never achieved major commercial success beyond a few regional hits, its releases have been reissued and remain influential. The label's founder, Rick Harte, produced all of its recordings, giving the catalog a consistent sonic identity. Ace of Hearts is remembered as a crucial outlet for Boston's independent music scene during a formative period.

Did You Know?

• Ace of Hearts Records was founded in 1978 by Rick Harte, who produced all of its releases.
• The label recorded and released Boston area post-punk and garage rock bands including Mission of Burma, Lyres, and the Neats.
• Many Ace of Hearts releases were later reissued by Rykodisc and Matador.