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The other day I bought "To Each" by ACR for the princely sum of one earth pound. Not earth-shatteringly great, but it seems quite a decent record. And the first ACR record I've ever bought...
Now, since from my extensive lurking I believe there may be one or two ACR fans who use the forum, can anyone tell me how this compares to their other work? Representative? Better/worse? Does the artwork get any better?
Cheers kids. 
keep purchasing and your ears will be in for a treat...the early stuff can be quite difficult but anything from force onwards becomes very very good...
Can't say I've listened to 'To Each' in Donkey's cos I've only got it on vinyl, and haven't owned a record player for a good decade. However, since they've returned with a couple of gigs this year (after 7/8 years hiatus), they have included 'Forced Laugh' and 'The Fox' in their set.
Always found 'To Each' and the likes of 'I'd like to see you again' a bit hard on the ears though, v.murky sound. Think the band were still finding their feet, so to speak.
Their tour de force ('scuse pun) was probably their last Factory album proper, 'Force'. 'Live In America' (my personal fave) and 'Old & the New' from the same era are also worth a look - sort of 'hits' albums, if you like. Or dig out 'Early', which has only recently appeared. 'Looking for A Certain Ration', a compilation album with mixes from the likes of Electronic, The Other Two and Way Out West is another good introduction to the band.
One to avoid is 1989's 'Good Together' (or was it called 'The Big E', can't remember?) as they just sound like Level 42. However, the lead track did get re-recorded then remixed by Barney and Fat Boy Slim and is probably one of their finer moments on record. Most of their 90's output was dire, but check out 'ACR:MCR' if you can find it, which is them at their stripped down electronic best.
Now, where's me whistle?
IMHO ... acr mcr is well worth getting.. as is .. change the station... up in downsville and.. looking for a certain ratio
I think it's a damn fine record. My favourite is the shockingly short The Graveyard and The Ballroom, although it's probably hard to come by now. I also like Force, and Good Together (a bit harsh with the Level 42 comment there, Jarvo!!). After that they went a bit dance....and I lost interest.
If your interested in hearing more, I can also recommend the recent "Early" compilation.
Originally posted by Old Blue I think it's a damn fine record. My favourite is the shockingly short The Graveyard and The Ballroom, although it's probably hard to come by now. I also like Force, and Good Together (a bit harsh with the Level 42 comment there, Jarvo!!). After that they went a bit dance....and I lost interest.If your interested in hearing more, I can also recommend the recent "Early" compilation.
OLD BLUE i was given this on a cassette recently but have not played it yet.I was told it was rare in this format.Is it FAC 28 ? 
They are a Swell' group and still going MCR' is a good start for an LP, Force is another good all-rounder of a record.
Originally posted by Al Jarvis .One to avoid is 1989's 'Good Together' (or was it called 'The Big E', can't remember?) as they just sound like Level 42. However, the lead track did get re-recorded then remixed by Barney and Fat Boy Slim and is probably one of their finer moments on record. Most of their 90's output was dire, but check out 'ACR:MCR' if you can find it, which is them at their stripped down electronic best. Now, where's me whistle?
bit harsh al....i think good together was the attempt at mainstream...they spent alot on production and it was a bit neat...but some cracking tracks on it and for a first time listener very easy...which im sure was the directive from the record company a&m....you are right about change the station...only a couple of gems..( on your own ) the stand out track...the rest a confused eclectic mixture of jazz-funk-electro...
Originally posted by ROCKET MICK > Originally posted by Old Blue I think it's a damn fine record. My favourite is the shockingly short The Graveyard and The Ballroom, although it's probably hard to come by now. I also like Force, and Good Together (a bit harsh with the Level 42 comment there, Jarvo!!). After that they went a bit dance....and I lost interest.If your interested in hearing more, I can also recommend the recent "Early" compilation.
OLD BLUE i was given this on a cassette recently but have not played it yet.I was told it was rare in this format.Is it FAC 28 ?
Which one are you talking about, fella? I suspect you mean Graveyard.....? Fac 16, I think. Originally released only on cassette in a funky plastic wallet, then re-released in one of those Factory linen box things. Highlights for me are "Do The Du" (possibly my favourite ACR track) and a stonking live version of "All Nite Party". As with the Peel session of this track, Donald Johnson gives it the serious drums that were missing off the original.
It was also released on CD, though to this day I have never found it. If anyone out there in neworderonlineland can help me, then you can have my house and all my posessions.
Originally posted by PAUL TROWELL bit harsh al....i think good together was the attempt at mainstream...
Beg to differ. I was living in Mancland - for me sins - when that came out and remember coming back down to London to see them at the T&C (the old Forum) and the entire gig was Good Together shite. Your Blue Eyes, anyone? (incidentally called 'Stadium' on setlists at the time. Says it all really. They wished!).
Only good thing about the T&C gig 89 was that I got chatting to Jez Kerr by the t-shirt stall and he's the first fella I'd ever seen over here in Timberlands. I have been following his yardstick from that gig forth!!!
Also really like the Live In America and Force albums, but none of the post-Factory releases have appeared out my way. The America The Beautiful vamp before Wild Party on the live album always catches me off-guard.
Hmmm. Have just noticed 'Change The Station' has been made available on Import at amazon.co.uk this very week..
Always been a bit hard to track down, that one..
Originally posted by Al Jarvis Hmmm. Have just noticed 'Change The Station' has been made available on Import at amazon.co.uk this very week..Always been a bit hard to track down, that one..
i,ve got change the station if anyone wants a copy...
