a certain ratio

FAC 251 – review on stereoboard

km — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 20:37:04 +0000

To clear up the query about the pre-recorded sections – Jez Kerr said “believe it or not, the only pre-recorded stuff was the intro backing tape and a loop on the track wonder why. Keyboard player Liam Mullan often plays the same bass line as me, as a back up sometimes when I’m singing, but also because it sounds good.”

FAC 251 review

km — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 23:12:33 +0000

Quote from Keo about tonight’s gig at FAC251:

Tonight was the first time I’d seen you live in, at least, 15 years. And it was an absolute pleasure. You were awesome. Great idea to kick off with some oldies but the new tracks sounded just as good. For some reason the fact you look older somehow suits the tracks. Jez has the harsh appearence and lines of a Vietnam vet. Martin looks a little crazy at the back and the timeless donald just looks cool. These are the characters you need to push the new LP forward.

I had a great time and i felt there was another dimension to the band that was missing in the past. I just wish your releases were more accessible. iTunes and spotify are easy to sort out, and would open up a wider audience to the next chapter in the life of ACR.

Launch party this weekend

km — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 21:47:18 +0000

Here’s the poster for the gig on Saturday

FAC251 – Saturday 17th July

km — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:45:15 +0000

launch party for mind made up

Tickets for the gig at FAC251 are available here

Event: A Certain Ratio
Date: Sat 17th Jul 2010, doors 8pm including aftershow party until 4am
Venue: FAC251 – The Factory, 112 – 118 Princess Street, Manchester

Moonlight festival, Fano

km — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:44:50 +0000

Fano Moonlight Festival 2010 – Second Edition
8 / 9 / 10 July, Fano, Italy

Peter Hook performing Unknown Pleasures, A Certain Ratio, Covenant, The Names, Red Zebra, Martin Degville’s Sigue Sigue Sputnik, DerniËre VolontÈ, Diaframma, Ianva, Schwefelgelb, Atomizer, Joy/Disaster + others.
30 international Djs, Art Exhibitions, Vendors, Workshops, Drinks & Foods.

Weekend Tickets 35 € , single tickets from 10 to 20 €, available on greenticket.it
More info and details on moonlightfestival.com

Platt fields gig on friday

km — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 14:17:10 +0000

Rehearsing for the gig on friday and looking at the weather forecast – rain But apparently we’re playing in the tent

Where to buy

km — Sat, 29 May 2010 12:02:13 +0000

Mind made up -
It says it’s on amazon on 7th june – tho release date is 1st june we’re told.
Alternatively you can buy from LTM direct on their site – MIND MADE UP (LTMCD 2531) £10 + free post & packing in UK /£1 in Europe / £2 elsewhere.

LTM have also got :

Force (LTMCD 2552) £10
I’d like to see you again (LTMCD 2438) £10

Mind Made Up

km — Sat, 29 May 2010 08:52:17 +0000

MIND MADE UP (LTMCD 2531) £10
Produced by A Certain Ratio in Manchester between 2006 and 2009, Mind Made Up marks a stunning return to hard-edged funky form. ‘The songs are timeless and true to ACR’s roots,’ says Donald Johnson. ‘The emphasis was placed on keeping it simple in the studio. Trickery was kept to a minimum and we never took more than three takes on any track.’ Adds Martin Moscrop: ‘Most songs we jammed in rehearsal one week and recorded the next, so that they were rough round the edges. And the lyrics are some of the best Jez has ever produced. You’ll also hear old ACR influences throughout the album. Teri was actually the first song ACR ever wrote, but it has never been recorded or released until now.’ The band line-up remains unchanged since Ratio’s last studio album back in 1996, comprising Jez Kerr (vocals, bass), Denise Johnson (vocals), Martin Moscrop (guitar), Donald Johnson (drums), Tony Quigley (keys, sax) and Liam Mullan (keys). This remastered LTM edition features an extra bonus track not included on previous European editions. Full tracklist: I Feel Light, Down Down Down, Everything Is Good, Way To Escape, Rialto 6, Mind Made Up, Teri, Bird to the Ground, Starlight, Which is Reality?, Skunk, Very Busy Man, I Feel Light (Dub)

Reviews:

‘Certainly Ratio are happy to hark back to their late 70s peak. Johnson and Kerr recycle classic ACR rhythm riffs, while the predominant funky beats and spooky atmospherics blend nicely with the art-pop of Teri and Bird to the Ground. The results sound surprisingly tough, vital and contemporary’ (Uncut, 07/2010)

‘The formula remains true, and there’s still a vital disco energy in the gritty guitar and rubber-band bass. Faithful fans might find their passion rekindled.’ (The Wire, 06/2010)

‘Andy Weatherall’s favourite band have been around since the late 70s. Clinically executed, this is a must for history lovers and contemporary alt.funkers alike. 8/10′ (DJ Magazine, 07/2010)

‘Mind Made Up is perfect, lyrical ‘Head Music’ but still has that tight rhythmic force which has always driven ACR. Set to be a summer highlight for a new generation and firm fans alike’ (hangout.altsounds.com, 05/10)

mind made up – new release

km — Thu, 27 May 2010 21:02:16 +0000

acr release mind made up on LTM records on Tuesday June 1st 2010. Our first release since Early on Soul Jazz Records.

This new album has a bonus track, a remix by Headman of I feel light. and a booklet of lyrics including photos of the band.

Read about the new album

km — Thu, 27 May 2010 20:47:30 +0000

Here’s some links to press for the new album – mind made up – a mix of reviews and interviews:

Paul Pledger for All Gigs

Maddy Sparham for the quietus

big distraction

Robin Murray for clash music

access all areas music

Christina M for altsounds