In the early 80s, Swindon's Flashback Records shop was a major hub for the local jazz-funk scene, supplying DJs and customers with the latest US imports across the West Country. Run by Alan Osborne, an avid record collector and DJ, he had started the business from his bedroom in the mid-70s before setting up shop in the town, specialising in oldies.
Osborne got involved with Cloud after a band member who was a regular customer brought in a demo tape for consideration and it went from there. The original version of All Night Long was recorded at Tudor Studios, Swindon.
Whilst Cloud was generally a live band playing mostly covers, the musicians wrote their own material for the studio recordings, with Osborne producing, arranging and tailoring the final mixes for club playback. As the band line-up changed, this formula continued for several singles appearing across various labels including his Tudor Studios, Swindon venture featuring Cloud offshoot Style X as well as various new wave and punk bands.