Search - Certain Ratio :: Sextet

More Than Just Beauty

MarkF | Canberra, ACT, Australia | 08/28/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was ecstatic to see the reissue of this wonderful album. It is perhaps the highpoint of the early ACR recordings (together with the sublime 12" version of Flight), and is one of the vital reasons why Factory should be remembered.



The digital mastering is excellent, as with the other Souljazz ACR reissues, and the ethereal delights remain. Lucinda, Crystal and Knife Slits Water retain their senses of beauty, serenity and menace. This was, without doubt, one of the sexiest records Factory ever released. The percussive storm of Skipscada retains its energy and focus. It is surprising just how well this album stands up after almost 25 years.



From the abstract sleeve to the crystal sound, this is the album that defined ACR for me. Their next highpoint was to be Good Together, but that is another story. Listen to this and tingle..."

1 of their 2 great albums

John Hilgart | Memphis, TN USA | 02/03/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A Certain Ratio's first album, "To Each," features the gloom of Joy Division with a ganky funk foundation. An excellent record, quite unlike anything else at the time. "Sextet" embraces a cleaner sound and a much wider musical canvas, with some strong melodies (the wonderful "Lucinda"), quirky funk ("Gum"), extended rhythm experiments, and the wonderful creepiness of "Knife Slits Water." The album has a couple of throwaways, but so does "To Each." Together, these two albums comprise the bulk of what made ACR significant and compelling circa 1980. They soon lost their way, turning into a pedestrian funk band with the next album ("Can I See You Tonite?"). This cd reissue includes a remix single that sits more comfortably with that latter album. A better choice for "Sextet" bonus tracks would have been a 12" the band released under the name Sir Horatio."