Factory Records: Communications 1978-1992

Factory Records: Communications 1978-1992

The digital download version of the new Factory Records box set Factory Records: Communications 1978-1992 is now available via Amazon.co.uk (and possibly other online retailers).

Whereas the 4CD version to be released on 12 January 2009 contains four tracks by The Durutti Column, it seems that the digital version contains five, the extra track being Otis.

First Four

The Durutti Column Remasters fresh from inch" to Kooky Central

As reported on the Kooky Records site, a 6CD box set of the first four Factory Records albums (The Return of The Durutti Column, LC, Another Setting, Without Mercy) will be released next year.

Following the recent acquisition of the original master tapes, the albums have been remastered by Keir Stewart at his inch" studio and will be presented in their original form without the inclusion of extra tracks.

There will be two bonus discs containing previously unreleased tracks. The precise content of the bonus discs is still being finalised but they will include studio demos from LC, 4-track demos from The Return of... and live tracks from the period 1979-1981.

More details to come.

Bread and Circuses and Bread

Bread and Circuses [TWI 988-2]

The missing image of Bread and Circuses, the Crépuscule re-release of Circuses and Bread is now in place.

The 8vo-designed cover of the original is replaced by different artwork based on a 1930s painting by Herbert Bayer with reworking done by regular Crépuscule designer Benoit Hennebert.

Top Ten Durutti Column Rarities

Time Was Gigantic / Reissued Experiments

To celebrate the relaunch of The Durutti Column Discography we present our Top Ten Durutti Rarities:

1. Experiments by Vini (FACDR 2.41) [25 copies]

Limited edition double CDR promo, 25 copies only, featuring "Time Was Gigantic...When We Were Kids" together with "Reissued Experiments" (titled "Experiments by Vini" on the label), a selection of some of the rare and previously unreleased material issued as extra tracks on the second phase of Durutti Column reissues (Factory Once). All copies signed, hand numbered and assembled by Vini himself, with "Vini Reilly" plectrum.

2. For Patti (Factory Benelux, FBN 100) [100 copies]

"Ce disque ne peut etre vendue separement du maxisingle deux triangles".

3. Voluntary Arrangement (promo) [300 copies]

300 promo copies only made but the full single release from the album Rebellion (artfulcd40) was cancelled.

4. The Return of the Durutti Column (Factory Records, FACT 14, in sandpaper sleeve) [2000 copies]

There were three editions of the sandpaper sleeve in a total edition of 2,000. Some have FACT 14 sprayed on (in black or white) and the Hannett Testcard flexi; some haven’t got the sprayed FACT 14 but the flexi; and some have no spray and no flexi. There are also initial pressings on dark-red (see-through) vinyl but this is thought to be a quirk of the manufacturing process at the pressing plant rather than a conscious decision to create a special pressing.

5. Enigma/Danny (Sordide Sentimental, SS 45005) [2730 copies]

Numbered limited edition of 2730 on the French label Sordide Sentimental. Numbers 1-2500 have a different cover to numbers 2501-2730 and contain different inserts.

6. The Sporadic Recordings (TTTTTTTTT, Spore CD 1) [4000 copies]

Essential collection of rarities and unissued material. Some copies were signed by Vini.

7. Lips That Would Kiss (Factory Benelux, FBN 2)

Rare Factory Benelux 12” single. Later expanded into a compilation CD.

8. Dedications for Japan (Japan Records, 7JAS 8)

Rare Japanese fanclub 7” single with beautifully intricate sleeve and inserts.

9. Live At The Venue (VU 1) [4000 copies]

Bruce Mitchell: “An interesting wheeler-dealer, involved in bootleg recordings at the time, arrived in his cream Rolls Royce at a Mayfair hotel restaurant that he had appointed. He brought cash and me and Vini scribbled out a contract and an agreement on a white napkin that had been surrounding Vini's burnt bacon sandwich”.

10. A Factory Sample (FAC-2, 2 x 7" + full set of 5 stickers) [5000 copies]

The first release. A double-7" E.P. in black and metallic silver gatefold sleeve, with 5 stickers. 5000 copies pressed.

Happy collecting!

The Factory Box Set

There are four tracks by The Durutti Column on the new 4-disc Rhino 'The Factory Box Set' which is released on 8 December. Details have just emerged on and Tower (Japan) which confirm that Sketch For Summer, Messidor, A Little Mercy (Duet) and Home are included.

The box set is compiled by Jon Savage with an essay by Paul Morley, and artwork by Peter Saville.

It's available to pre-order priced 27.99 GBP from Amazon UK.