In the film 24 Hour Party People Steve Coogan's Tony Wilson has a conversation with God, at the end of the film on the roof of the Hacienda the night it closed down. God assures Wilson that what he's done is going to go down in legend but that it's a pity he didn't sign The Smiths. God also tells him he was right about Mick Hucknall ('His music's rubbish'). Wilson finishes the conversation by saying that The Durutti Column make very good chill out music. Which they do- but there's something about Vini Reilly's music that lifts it above the realm of the chill out, there's some real emotional heft to his songs- happiness, sadness, loss, tragedy, melancholy, ecstasy (both kinds). Vini is often dismissive of his music calling it 'trash... with the odd spark occasionally that seems to work... by accident. I never know whether it's any good or not'.
On his 1990 album Vini worked with the new technology available, programmed beats largely rather than Bruce Mitchell's live drums, sequencers and synths and with less guitar than previously. The album is a triumph, showing Vini's ability to make great, inventive and moving instrumental music. This song is one of my favourites from it. I've been trying to narrow down Durutti Column's work to ten songs, partly with one of The Vinyl Villain's imaginary compilation albums in mind, but it's proving difficult.
Home
I hope you manage to nail the imaginary compilation, I'd like to check it out. My knowledge of Vini's music is way too patchy. 'Home' is lovely.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDyzOQuBm20 is one of my favourites and could be passed off as a chilled instrumental but as with most Durutti Column there's much more going on.
ReplyDeleteThat is right up there Michael.
ReplyDeleteI almost forgot this record although DC is still on rotation on my mobile phone. It is a lovely tune and thank you for bringing it back to my mind, Adam. Looking forward to your compilation over at JC.
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