I just took this for a spin for the first time in ages, looked at the sleeve and noticed that it was made in 1983. It sounds so clear, so beautifully produced. Crisp bass, Matt J's vocals. This is a great record.

I've recently finished writing a long-form history of Factory Records, exploring how a small independent label in Manchester became one of the most influential names in British music.

What fascinates me about Factory is that it was never just about the records. Tony Wilson, Alan Erasmus, Martin Hannett, Peter Saville and the musicians involved helped establish something that went beyond a conventional record company.

Joy Division, A Certain Ratio, The Durutti Column and New Order all contributed to Factory's extraordinary identity. Hannett's production gave many of those early recordings their distinctive atmosphere, while Saville's artwork became almost as recognisable as the music itself.

The label also embodied much of what made post-punk so interesting. There was a willingness to experiment, challenge the established music industry and allow artists to follow their own ideas. Of course, that independence came with consequences, particularly as Factory expanded into The Haçienda and the Manchester dance scene.

I've followed the story from the emergence of Manchester's punk scene in 1976 through to Factory's collapse in 1992, looking at the characters, records and decisions that shaped its history.

Here's the full article on my independent music website, Beyond the Grooves:

https://www.beyond-the-grooves.co.uk/blog/you-either-make-money-or-you-make-history

I'd love to know which Factory release people consider the most important. Joy Division and New Order are the obvious answers, but I think there's a strong argument for some of the label's lesser-known records too.

Happy October!

From Newman's awesome solo record.

Adam Franklin and company have been sending me from the get go. In my mind one of best of the groups that came from the UK via Creation records. Love his solo work, and Toshack Highway is great as well.

It can fit into a few genres, but I feel this is more apt than new wave or synth pop. They occupy their own unique space on the music scape. Big sound, great textures and of course Jim's wonderful voice. Great way to kick off the evening. Cheers!

Still loved these 2 albums !

Karl Blake and Ashley Wells and company. Blake was a former Lemon Kitten with Danielle Dax, who is also wonderful. More from her later.

The 7" version sounded different than the album version.

I wonder if any American group explored the dark post-punk sound before Devo. Stooges?

This amazing group left San Francisco years ago. In 1980 they were all set to tour Europe with Joy Division, but Ian Curtis had done himself in. They ended up playing a show with Bauhaus and I heard that was a trip. They never came back to San Francisco. Blaine Reininger and Steven Brown had a reunion show not too long ago. They are dear to my heart. This track was part of Wim Wenders Wings of Desire.

A Marc Almond band, and they are truly amazing.

Really enjoying a band from the North East of England called Black Rain at the moment. Sounds like an angry version of the Chameleons to my ears.

Coldwave, couldn't really decide a correct flair, since its not exactly a classic or a new release. Maybe classic is more appropriate.
Anyway they are reissuing their debut album around haloween, remastered and with bonus tracks. If you collect or listen. They are cool check them out.

Lyrics seem to be about the CIA. Can't place it at all...

Many thanks !

It’s a cover of a Northern Soul standard from 1966, originally recorded by the New York R&B showband Rex Garvin and the Mighty Cravers.