ACR:Set

by A Certain Ratio

Overview

From the mid-'90s through the mid-2010s, A Certain Ratio's 1979-1986 output for Factory was reissued to varying and sometimes confusing extents by Rev-Ola/Creation, Soul Jazz, LTM, and Factory Benelux. In 2017, ACR connected with Mute for their widest-scoped archival series yet, beginning with straightforward reissues of all their studio albums through 2008's Mind Made Up. Next was the similarly career-spanning ACR: Set, a fine introduction viewed by the band as a best-of, and also a representation of what they've continued to play live. Two-thirds of the previously released selections rightfully date from the Factory era, when the band was at its creative peak and most productive. "Waterline" perversely is missing, but the essential majority of ACR's six other Top Ten U.K. indie hits are here. Crucially, there's the superior 12" version of the sensational "Flight," along with other 7" and 12" edits and versions, choice album cuts, and the B-side percussion workout "Si Firmir O Grido." The other one-third judiciously covers 1989-1992, highlighted by "Good Together" (with Bernard Sumner and Shaun Ryder in the background) and the Denise Johnson showcase "Be What You Wanna Be" (released before Primal Scream, powered by Johnson and Andrew Weatherall, scored with the stylistically similar "Don't Fight It, Feel It"). Also featured are the band's first studio recordings in a decade. "Dirty Boy," fronted by fellow Manchester post-punk veteran Barry Adamson, sounds like it could have been written around the same time as the included "Wild Party" (1985) but craftily incorporates elements from across the band's history -- a tough, funk-derived rhythm, a battery of hand percussion, whistle, acid squiggle, even a pre-gig pep talk from manager Anthony H. Wilson -- without being overloaded. The comparatively smooth and fluid "Make It Happen," with Jez Kerr providing an optimistic lead, similarly draws from the band's history and translates to the present. ~ Andy Kellman

Product Details

Release Date:	10/12/2018
Label:	Mute
UPC:	0724596976425
Rank:	191341

Tracks

1. Do the Du (Casse)
2. Wild Party
3. Flight
4. And Then Again
5. Forced Laugh
6. Wonder Y
7. Mickey Way
8. 27 Forever
9. Won't Stop Loving You
10. Good Together
11. Be What You Wanna Be
12. Shack Up
13. The Fox
14. Knife Slits Water
15. Si Firmir O Grido
16. Dirty Boy (Extended)
17. Make It Happen

Album Credits

Performance Credits

A Certain Ratio   Primary Artist
Barry Adamson   Vocals,Featured Artist

Technical Credits

Donald Johnson   Composer
Trevor Johnson   Sleeve Design
Jeremy Kerr   Composer
Joseph Carter   Composer
Andy Pidge   Photography
Paul Husband   Photography
Banbarra   Composer
Simon Topping   Composer
Bernard Sumner   Producer
Bob Platt   Assistant
Martin Moscrop   Composer
A Certain Ratio   Composer
Craig Johnson   Sleeve Design
Andrew Connell   Composer
Tony Quigley   Composer
Daniel Meadows   Photography
James Martin   Photography
Peter Terrell   Composer