In the early 80s Factory signed lots of bands who sounded very Factory. Many of them struggled to escape from the long shadow cast by Joy Division and New Order. Occasionally someone would produce something that stepped forward from those shadows. Section 25's Looking From A Hilltop, from 1984, is one of those records. The single release had this version on the B-side, produced by Bernard Sumner and Donald Johnson from ACR (as Be Music), it is years ahead of itself. A pulsing bassline, percussion and drum machine way up front, with layers of synths, guitars and noises and hard to hear vocals. It is one of Factory's most startling moments and despite being eight minutes long it never feels like it. Various underground djs and left of the dial radio stations in the States picked up on it pushing it further onwards. From Blackpool too. Kiss me quick.
Looking From A Hilltop (Megamix)
7 comments:
I seem to be discovering lots of new (old) tunes today. All of them related to New Order.
I remember, when hearing Looking From A Hilltop the first time, thinking that it wasn't just another single from Factory (which had a lot to do with seeking it out to be honest) but something much more adventurous and daring. This was Electro, but it wasn't aping a New York sound, or flirting with territory that Cabaret Voltaire were exploring. In my fantasy of the past, this would be the song I walked into The Haçienda to on opening night. The first time I heard it played at Danceteria, it was mesmerizing, to hear it the next night at The Funhouse was awe inspiring.
To hear it at Danceteria would be pretty high on many people from over here's fantasy Echorich.
What Swiss Adam said!Nice description too Echorich.
I actually have this full concert if you would like me to upload it for you.....?
Max
Yes please
Swiss adam
I remember hearing this back in the day and refusing point blank to believe it was on Factory. It's one that sounds as if it could have been made in much more recent times. Great to get reacquainted with it. Thank you.
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