In old furs. Artemy Troitsky studies relations

Headliners of the two hundred and sixty-fourth edition of the podcast and radio program “Music for Freedom” – members of the British group A Certain Ratio, first became famous in the late 1970s and now they have returned to their former glory. Rock critic Artemy Troitsky, as usual, traces the creative path, finds differences and gives credit.

A Certain Ratio, translated from English, means “certain ratio”. Well, or “some attitude”. In any case, the phrase is completely inappropriate for the name of a musical group. Moreover, groups from the rechristened half-broken Manchester underground of the late 1970s, friends Joy Division and New Orderclients of the legendary “round-the-clock party people” label Factory Records. However, the fact is the fact: A Certain Ratio (I learned from Wikipedia that this is a line from an old song Brian Eno), or, as they are usually called, ACR – got together on the wave of punk in 1977, and their first album was called “Cemetery and dance floor”: the first vinyl side was recorded in a studio near the cemetery, and the second side was recorded live at a local acid dance floor.

Their style can be called “post-funk”, although I have never heard such a term for some reason

In the original composition there were two people – Peter Terrell (guitar, computers) and Simon Topping (vocals, trumpet). The guys worked for an hour without a live rhythm section. Then the group grew to a sextet with a second guitarist Martin Moskropbassist by Jez Kerra drummer Donald Johnson and the singer Martoi Tilson. On a social basis ACR, undoubtedly belonged to punk and post-punk, but musically they followed a different path: they were clearly attracted by black music – dance jazz and funk. Perhaps their style can be called “post-funk”, although I have never heard such a term for some reason.

Early work A Certainty Ratio

In 1982 ACR founding fathers Terrell and Topping left, and the band went into hibernation: only 5 albums were recorded in 35 years. However, in 2020, the pioneers of “post-funk” began a renaissance era – probably connected with a new contract signed with no less legendary than Factorylabel Mute Records. The eleventh studio album, ACR Loco, released 12 years after the previous one – in 2020. Old-timers Kerr, Moscrop and Johnson remained in the group; they were joined by a saxophonist Tony Quigley and keyboardist-arranger Matt Still. The post-punk “guitar” spirit on most of the tracks has completely faded away, giving way to pure funk and instrumental hip-hop. The song “Berlin” is the only one reminiscent of the old days.

In the following year, the world saw the first album of remixes in the history of the group Loco Remezclada. All tracks Loco got an even more radical club-dance sound, plus one new one was added – Down & Dirty. The co-author of the record is a DJ and producer Mr. Danhe is Don Keira.

In parallel with the long-plays of ACR maxi-singles were released regularly, and if the album numbers were experimental in nature (which is characteristic of Mute), then seasoned musicians attempted “hit” material here. Recently, all three discs were released under the same cover under the title EP ACR. The best song, in my opinion, is “Don’t feel fear” (maxi-single EPR) with an incredibly expressive vocal part Denise Johnson.

Yes, the “Definite Ratio” definitely succeeded, as they say, in entering the same river twice. In addition to the rich experience and professionalism of the musicians, the fact that funk came back into fashion helped here, of course. I am very happy for my peers, with whom the late boss is Factory Tony Wilson introduced me back in 1987, and they are in the game again. I will finish the plot of the songs $ouls In the Citystating that soul and money sometimes goes well together.

Playlist of the 264th issue of “Music on Freedom”:

1. Cat Power (USA). Pa Pa Power, LP Covers (Domino)

2. Fadhilee Itulya (Kenya). Amina, LP Shindu Shi (Naxos/ARC)

3. Hekla (Iceland/Germany). Hatur, LP Á (Phantom Limb)

4. Senyawa (Indonesia). Alkisah II, LP Alkisah (Phantom Limb)

5. Molly Lewis (USA/Australia). The Forgotten Edge, LP The Forgotten Edge (Jagjaguwar)

6. Molly Lewis (USA/Australia). Oceanic Feeling, LP The Forgotten Edge (Jagjaguwar)

7. A Certain Ratio (UK). Berlin, LP ACR Loco (Mute)

8. A Certain Ratio vs. Mr. Dan (UK). Down & Dirty, LP Loco Remezclada (Mute)

9. A Certain Ratio ft. Denise Johnson (UK). Feel No Fear, LP EP ACR (Mute)

10 A Certain Ratio (UK). $ouls In the City, LP LP EP ACR (Mute)

11. Sloks (Italy). No Makeup, LP A Knife In Your Hand (Voodoo Rhythm)