Few record labels continue to inspire as much devotion as Factory.
Founded in Manchester by a motley crew of music fans, artists, TV presenters and chancers, the label rose to produce some of the most groundbreaking music Britain has ever seen. Taking risks, supporting new talent and investing in beautiful artwork each Factory release was sought after by a dedicated band of followers.
New compilation ‘Fac. Dance 02’ gathers some of the label’s more difficult to find material. The second instalment in the series, the album places renewed emphasis on the imprint’s hunger for dancefloor-ready releases.
Shuffling between proto-Acid, avant funk and awkward, post-punk material ‘Fac. Dance 02’ is an engrossing journey into the outer fringes of Factory Records.
In celebration, we asked James Nice and Mike Pickering to nominate their ten favourite lost Factory cuts – here’s what they came up with.
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SECTION 25 – Always Now (Fact 45, 1981) JN
Chiefly remembered for an extravagant and costly Peter Saville sleeve, the album inside was pretty good too. At the time SXXV were routinely slated as Joy Division copyists, but their sound was closer to Krautrock and Metal Box-era PiL. This was produced by Martin Hannett at Britannia Row, then owned by Pink Floyd.
THE WAKE – Harmony (Fact 60, 1982) JN
Glasgow band. Caesar, the frontman, had been in Altered Images, so The Wake sound like the missing link between Postcard and Factory. They joined Sarah Records later on. Simple, strong, heartfelt songs. No wonder Nouvelle Vague did a cover.
DURUTTI COLUMN – Short Stories For Pauline (FBN 36, 1983) JN
The fourth Durutti studio album, recorded for Factory Benelux, but shelved because Tony Wilson felt Vini Reilly was treading water. The best track, Duet, for violin and piano, was expanded as Without Mercy the following year.
52nd STREET – Can’t Afford To Let You Go (Fac 118, 1984) JN
An incredibly punchy electro track produced by Stephen Morris of New Order, and still a regular deejay favourite. They were a virtuoso funk/soul band originally, but Factory discouraged soloing – except on bass.
THE OTHER TWO – The Other Two & You (Fact 330, 1992) JN
The first ‘solo’ album from Steve and Gillian of New Order, recorded around the same time as Republic, then released on London after Factory went spectacularly bankrupt. Tracks like Ninth Configuration are every bit as good as the parent band.
THE STONE ROSES – The Thin Line (1985) MP
I would have signed The Stone Roses to Factory but then they were managed by Gareth Evans who ran the International, so there was quite a lot of rivalry with the Hacienda. That meant it would never have worked as Tony Wilson and Gareth didn’t really get on. The first time the Roses played the Hac Martin Hannett mixed their sound. I think it was the first time he’d been in the place since it opened.
HAPPY MONDAYS – Delightful (Fac 129, 1985) MP
I did sign the Mondays and produce their first single.They’d never been in a studio before and had no idea about recording so it was quite tough getting it done. It was also hard getting a few of them to leave at the end of the session because there was a pool table and television. I was fairly happy with it, awful sleeve though. Shaun had a fantastic voice in those days, reminded me a bit of Feargal Sharkey.
T-COY – CARINO (Deconstruction, 1987) MP
T-Coy was me and Simon Topping from A Certain Ratio plus Ritchie Close. ‘Carino’ was one of the first British house records and was originally just a ten- minute groove on a cassette. Pete Hadfield and Keith Blackhurst had managed me in Quando Quango and between us we started Deconstruction Records. We went with Decon rather than Factory as Tony didn’t want to release dance records and Rob Gretton had already resigned as a director.
BLACK BOX – Ride On Time (Deconstruction, 1989) MP
It’s a myth that I offered this to Factory before Decon but a good one. To give Tony credit he did send me a bottle of champagne when it went to number 1.
HAPPY MONDAYS – 24 Hour Party People (M People remix) MP
Paul Heard from M People and I did a belting hands-in-the-air remix of this but Factory went bust the week before release so it didn’t come out. I have a copy, might start playing it out now.
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‘Fac. Dance 02’ is out on September 17th.
