Ride on Time
labels said the vocals were “very aggressive” and it barely shifted a copy of its first pressing, so how the heck did Black Box’s ‘Ride on time’ become a global hit?
Johnny Jewel
A surprise soundtrack album, an untimely death, a chance opportunity and a Hawaiian full moon… peak inside the Red Room of Johnny Jewel
Jeff Wayne ‘The War Of The Worlds’
With punk riding high, who knew a mix of Victorian sci-fi, disco and prog would have such an impact? Jeff Wayne on ‘The War Of The Worlds’ and the making of opening track ‘The Eve of the War’
Orange Juice ‘Rip It Up’
The excellent Edwyn Collins explains how Buzzcocks, new-fangled bass synths and music press tittle-tattle shaped Orange Juice’s TB-303 trailblazer, ‘Rip It Up’.
Factory Records: The Durutti Column
First published in New Musical Express on 2 February 1980 under the title ‘The Emaciated Line Between Art And Ambience’, we’re heading into the eye of the Factory Records storm… or in Tony Wilson’s car on our way to meet The Durutti Column’s Vini Reilly.
Factory Records: Stephen Morris
In his first volume of memoirs, Stephen Morris tackles growing up in Macclesfield and how he ended up as the drummer in Joy Division. We talk to him about the idea of independence, why it was embraced in 1970s Manchester and how Factory’s version ended up on top
Factory Records: Section 25
Way ahead of their time, Section 25 were one of Factory’s most inspired signings. Drummer Vin Cassidy looks back on the early years of the label and how his band came into its orbit
Factory Records: Minny Pops
One of the more curious arms of the Factory roster, there was never a dull moment with art punks Minny Pops. Lead man Wally Van Middendorp reminisces on the journey that started with a band called Tits.
Factory Records: Tony Wilson
My conversation with Tony Wilson took place on Saturday 29 October 2005 at his loft apartment on Little Peter Street in Manchester.
Factory Records: A Certain Ratio
One of the first bands signed to Factory, A Certain Ratio helped to define the label’s distinctive look and sound, from their Peter Saville-designed record sleeves to their individualistic output.