ZE Records was started in 1978 by Michael Zilkha and Michel Esteban in NYC at a time when the music scene was mixed up, artsy, amateur, creative, and beyond fun. ZE's "Mutant Disco" roster included many of my favorite funky no/new-wave buddies including James Chance, Lizzy Mercier Descloux, Suicide, Ohio's The Waitresses, Lydia Lunch, and Cristina.
Fun fact: Michel Esteban was dating Anna Wintour around this time. Her friend, Chris Blackwell of Island Records, helped ZE get worldwide distribution with a licensing deal.
The label closed in 1984, but was re-established by Esteban in 2003.
Cristina, Cristina, ZE Records US LP, 1980
This is the cover for the US version only.
Lio, Pop Model, Polydor France LP, 1986
Not technically on ZE, but produced by Esteban.
Lizzy Mercier Descloux, Best Off, ZE Records France CD, 2006
Various, Zevolution - ZE Records Re-Edited, Strut UK 2xLP Compilation, 2009
Also not technically on ZE, but produced by Esteban. The taxi illustration is what's used on ZE's generic sleeves
Material with Nona Hendryx, Bustin' Out, Celluloid/ZE France 12", 1981
This cover is not exactly the same as this release, but it's closest to it. I'm not entirely sure which specific release this image is of.
Like a moron, I forgot that I already made a post featuring a bunch of ZE covers, so feel free to check out more.
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