A Certain Ratio > Bibliography < FAC 128 Wild Party

A Certain Ratio Bibliography 1977-1985 [detail]

Orange paper envelope style promo sheet / biography / bibliography that accompanied some editions of A Certain Ratio's FAC 128 Wild Party white label 7".

The text (reproduced below) describes ACR's history from 1977 to 1985 and features artwork similar to the FAC 128 sleeve.

With thanks to Sebfact for imagery and info.

1977-1985

Simon Topping Peter Terrell

Jeremy Kerr

Martin Moscrop

Young Manchester boys (16-18) form a group in afterheat of punk explosion.

They take their name 'ACR' from a Brian Eno Track.

A CERTAIN RATIO

Anthony Wilson Alan Erasmus

One vocal, three guitars, white shirts, baggy demob trousers. No drums. Play first gigs in Manchester area. Become the group's managers.

Powerful, primitive post-punk thrash.

Donald Johnson

Funk begins to influence punk noises. Black hardline funk drummer joins and then there are five.

Record and release first single.

Put out second single in Belgium. Goes into top fifty of Billboard Disco Chart U.S.A.
Release Britain's first ever cassette-only recording (14 tracks).

"ALL NIGHT PARTY" 7" ONLY

"SHACK UP" 7" ONLY

"THE GRAVEYARD AND THE BALLROOM"

First visit to States; East Coast tour and recording in New Jersey.

Final synthesis of the second stage, punk rhythm guitar meets funk drummer, achieved on first 12" release.

"FLIGHT" 12" ONLY

Tilly

An American lady joins to sing and move to the Hulme flats.
Simon leaves singing to concentrate on Latin percussion.

Trumpets and early military chic (shorts from Lawrence Corner) are added.
Tours of Italy, Germany, Holland, Scandinavia, and second trip to America taking in Mid West and Canada.

"TO EACH"

Tilly

Andy Connell

Peter Terrell

Leaves to further her studies in the occult in the Low Countries.
Keyboard player joins to augment vocoder dimensions.
Donald (drummer) takes over on vocals.
Leaves to get head together in India.

Jazz influences and Brazilian pop lead the six piece on to a third stage. First sign is a 12" single.
This is followed by the second album which displays the jazz influence.
Cover designed by Ben Kelly who went on to design the HACIENDA.
Group release final single of this period.

"WATERLINE" 12" ONLY

"SEXTET"

"KNIFE SLITS WATER" 7"/12"

83

Anthony Wilson Alan Erasmus

Simon Topping

Carol McKenzie

Both decide to leave the group to do their own thing... man.
Leaves for New York to study timbales.

Experimental lady vocalist joins.

Third album and a single displaying more accessible sound yet still retaining their early influences.

"I'D LIKE TO SEE YOU AGAIN" (ALBUM)
"I NEED SOMEONE TONIGHT"/"DON'T YOU WORRY BOUT A THING (SINGLE) 12" ONLY

84

Carol McKenzie

Donald Johnson
Jeremy Kerr
Martin Moscrop
Andy Connell

Decides to go back to regular work.

The group, for the first time since 1978, are back to being a four-piece.
There is a new set, which gets a riotous reception on its first performance at Hammersmith Town Hall, London, in August.

Gigs around Europe but hold on recording. Bass player Jez takes over singing.

The new ACR sound, the fifth new move, finds expression on 12" vinyl, released in November 1984.
A tight danceable rhythm to be released on Factory Benelux November 1984.

"LIFE'S A SCREAM"/"THERE'S ONLY THIS" 12" ONLY

"BRAZILIA"

85

Tony Quigley

Guest sax player from Kalima adds another dimension to the band's sound, both live & in the studio.

The band resume their live performances to critical & dance floor acclaim. Their hard-funk approach attracts offers from Spain and Holland and their new 12" single reflects this new found confidence.

"WILD PARTY"/"SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING DIRTY" 12" ONLY

A Certain Ratio Bibliography 1977-1985

A Certain Ratio Bibliography 1977-1985; reverse detail