Search - Durutti Column :: Four Factory Records

Odd Box of Essential Music

jPOW! | seattle, WA United States | 09/17/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First, the packaging is a bit odd on this set. A larger than needed purple box, measuring about 8 inches square by 2.5 inches deep. Within this, there is an envelope, lightly glued shut, hand numbered, containing 6 discs of music (which, if you are reading this, probably are already aware of what is included) in cardboard slip cases. Each slip case is a different solid color, with the album and track info printed on back, looking much like the cover design of the box. Behind the envelope of CD's are a series of flat prints the size of the box, the Four album covers, and a number of double sided prints of interviews, recording info, and essays. What makes this box set bizarre is the fact that the box is 2.5 inches deep, leaving more than enough room of empty space for the envelope of CD's to flip around in the box in. I wish it included a T-Shirt for padding. That would have been awesome, although I know I am just being silly saying that. Luckily the box I bought, number 948 of 1175, everything inside was in fine condition, no harm. They must have done test shakings. The box only needed to be 1 inch deep, to make a nice tight package.



I am giving this set 5 stars, because, even without all the cool bonus live shows, and demos, the first four albums should always be in print! Especially Without Mercy. I know even Vini Reilly doesn't much enjoy that album, but it is probably my favorite, following the live album Domo Arigato, which is my favorite (the Japanese pressing). Vini says the circumstances surrounding the recording of Without Mercy make him dislike it, or that he didn't like his guitar sound. I hope he, himself, will warm up to the album one day. It is a fantastic piece of music, I think the guitar sounds great, it was a shame it was cut up for the "Best Of" a few years ago. It includes some of the most beautiful passages, themes of music, ever recorded by the Durutti Column, or anyone in the 1980's. What more can I say? I really like that album. My only dissapointment with this set, is the fact that the Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say EP, was not included alongside Without Mercy. I understand those tracks were not on the original album, but were from the time period, and had some great, shortened versions of some of the themes on the album.



One of the first things you will read, in the interview with Vini Reilly, is that when they located all the Factory Records master tapes, there was something like 50 reels of music. Which makes me hope that KOOKY is not stopping here, and makes plans to put out another set of Durutti Column remasters (Say What You Mean...,Domo Arigato, Amigos Em Portugal, etc.)



I can't wait for my next odd box of essential Durutti Column albums!



Thanks Kooky!"