In THis weeks issue of Rolling Stone, RS 1084.
Various Artists
Factory Records: Communications 1978-92
RS: 4of 5 Stars
2009
One of the world's most influential independent labels, Manchester's Factory Records spent a decade and a half merging experimental rock with electronic club music — a blend that fostered Joy Division's post-punk, New Order's techno rock and the Happy Mondays' mixture of both in their "Madchester" sound. In between hits from those big three groups, Factory issued scores of one-shot singles and albums inspired by the label's studio maverick Martin Hannett or produced by pseudonymous New Order members. This 63-track download version of an import-only box is the best way for Radiohead and LCD Soundsystem fans to sample their favorite bands' roots.
