A Certain Ratio - Do The Du (Peel Session) (1979)

Early ACR stiff-funk.

Obviously, the proximity of Joy Division to A Certain Ratio in the Factory family suggests connections and comparisons. However, this really is like euphoric, loose-limbed take on Joy Division's post-punk.

'Do The Du' is lithe and sexy like a peephole overcoat, betraying the love of Northern Soul that would see them cover 'Shack Up'. However, it also has an angularity that places them in the post-punk egg of the musical Venn Diagram and leads us to the flat voweled funk of New Fast Automatic Daffodils.

This Peel Session version has a roughed-up edge and added looseness compared to the strictures of the album version. Twitch along.

Download A Certain Ratio - Do The Du (Peel Session) (1979)

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons - The Night (Pilooski Re-Edit) (Tamla Motown, 1973)

Awesome taut funk and harmony. Re-edited.

Great record on a Northern Soul tip. Rumbling, alomst threatening, bass. Insistent, slapback drums. Shaka-shaka-tambourine. Expansive harmonies.

Re-edit adds some extra layers of rhythm and the odd sound effect. Doesn't detract from the track.

Dancefloor magic.

Download Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons - 'The Night (Pilooski Re-Edit)' (Motown, Northern Soul, mp3) (Divshare)

Tortoise 'Glass Museum (Live)' (1996)

Peerless poise and amazing elegance, Post-Rock style.

This is just a track of such elegance, it's silly. Perfectly formed, beautifully resolved, an edge of improvisation and freedom within a framework of perfect balance.

This recording is from Toronto in 1996.

Download Tortoise 'Glass Museum (Live 1996)' (Post Rock mp3) (Divshare)

Photography by Valerio Berdini

Grace Jones - She's Lost Control (Long Version) (Joy Division Cover) (Island, 1980)

Sultry Joy Division gone dub action.
 
The pallid, skeletal angst of Joy Division's 'She's Lost Control' is given a blast of Vitamin D by Sly & Robbie on an unlikely Carribbean holiday and stretched out even further across this aptly named "Long Version".

Grace Jones' detached, aloof vocals are a perfect match for the detachment of Ian Curtis' lyric and the tune bumps along on a delicious dubby skank.

Download Grace Jones - She's Lost Control (Long Version) (Joy Division Cover, Dub, mp3) (Divshare)

Blur - For Tomorrow (Visit To Primrose Hill Extended) (Food, 1993)

Kinks-y slice of string-laden London loving.

Was this the start of Britpop? I know that 'The Drowners' came out first but I prefer not to sully Suede's name with the label Britpop, they were better than that.

Despite the scent of sulphur and cynicism that, for me, Damon Albarn carries with him, 'For Tomorrow' is a delight (as is the 'Modern Life Is Rubbish' album). This extended version let's the song stretch out, a breathless bike ride, looking out over London.

Download Blur - For Tomorrow (Visit To Primrose Hill Extended) (indie, Britpop, blur mp3)