Another Welsh independent label. According to Y Blog Recordiau Cymraeg Gwerin was a Folk-orientated label associated with the Siop Y Wern, Market Street, Llanelli, which was owned by Dyfrig Thomas. It put out a number of Choral and Vocal albums but also, as a comparative latecomer to the scene, issued a fair number of Folk / Rock LPs including three very collectable ones by a band called Pererin. Gwerin operated from 1976 to 1986. Most of its records in the various different formats shared the same basic SYW-200 numbering, the prefix reflecting 'Siop Y Wern', but singles generally had an additional 'S', and the (sole?) EP had an additional 'E'. The vast majority of its releases were albums. The only 7" release from the '70s that I have happened upon so far is a single by Seindorf, 'Olwen Dwy Olwyn' b/w 'Aelwyd Roc A Rôl' (SYW-208-S; 1978), which was pressed by Lyntone, but there were a handful more in the '80s. Until the end of 1979 the label design was fairly plain (1) but with the advent of the new decade it became more adventurous (2) - the new label can also be found in silver-on-red. My pocket Welsh dictionary claims that 'Gwerin' means 'ordinary folk', or 'populace'. Make of that what you will.
Copyright 2008 Robert Lyons.