A Factory Sample

A Factory Sample

A Factory Sample is a landmark document from the earliest days of Factory Records, the Manchester independent label that would become one of the most influential forces in British post-punk. Originally released in 1978 as a limited promotional double 7" set, the record introduced four artists who would become closely associated with Factory's distinctive experimental approach to music.

The release opens with Joy Division, featuring "Digital" and "Glass". These early recordings capture the band before the release of their debut album, with Bernard Sumner and Peter Hook's angular guitars and bass combining with Stephen Morris' precise drumming and Ian Curtis' unmistakable vocals. Both tracks became important parts of Joy Division's early repertoire.

The second disc moves into the more atmospheric and experimental territory of The Durutti Column, represented by "No Communication" and "Thin Ice (Detail)." Vini Reilly's distinctive guitar style would later become one of the defining sounds of Factory Records, combining minimalist playing with elements of post-punk, jazz and ambient music.

Side C features the confrontational humour of John Dowie, whose three brief tracks – "Acne," "Idiot" and "Hitler's Liver" – demonstrate the irreverent and deliberately provocative character of Manchester's emerging independent scene.

The final side belongs to Cabaret Voltaire, with "Baader-Meinhof" and "Sex In Secret." Their experimental use of electronics, tape manipulation and industrial textures provides a striking conclusion and hints at the increasingly adventurous direction Factory Records would take.

More than simply a sampler, A Factory Sample established the eclectic identity of the label. Its combination of post-punk, experimental rock, electronic music, industrial sounds and performance art reflected the creative atmosphere surrounding Factory and Manchester's burgeoning underground scene.

The release is particularly significant because it brought together Joy Division, The Durutti Column, John Dowie and Cabaret Voltaire at the beginning of their respective careers. Factory Records would go on to release some of the most influential British alternative music of the era, making this early sampler a fascinating piece of independent music history.

For collectors of Factory Records, Joy Division, post-punk, Manchester music, Cabaret Voltaire, The Durutti Column and British alternative music, A Factory Sample is an essential and highly collectible release.

Tracklist

Aside "Tears In Their Eyes"

1. Joy Division – Digital – 2:50
2. Joy Division – Glass – 4:00

Beside "Occasional Labour In Culture"

1. The Durutti Column – No Communication – 5:00
2. The Durutti Column – Thin Ice (Detail) – 3:29

Seaside "A Piece Of The Cake, 3 Songs That Spell FAG"

1. John Dowie – Acne – 1:36
2. John Dowie – Idiot – 1:55
3. John Dowie – Hitler's Liver – 2:30

Decide "Lips Of Sulphur"

1. Cabaret Voltaire – Baader-Meinhof – 3:15
2. Cabaret Voltaire – Sex In Secret – 3:32