RFI: the Durutti Column

mmmmmm, since no-one else has said anything, I'll have a go.
I don't have all of their (his?) stuff (still haven't got "Return of.."!),
but I do have quite a bit. Yeah, he's a really talented and idiosyncratic (I think everyone says that about him) guitarist and composer (Fripp called him a virtuoso, so I mean, that's some compliment), his sound is pretty consistent throughout, but on first listen some of his stuff can seem quite insubstantial and crappy. It takes patience to get into, to appreciate, if that didn't sound too pretentious. It is different to a lot of other "indie" music I've heard, but maybe cause a lot of what I heard stems from the 90s onwards.

As for the music:
"Otis" is pretty good, it's off "Vini Reilly", which is his most dreamy record; it has some pretty far out guitar on it, but I don't really think of it as one of his guitar-oriented records (more sampler-oriented). It is full of lovely moments, but I don't really think it holds together cohesively as a record (maybe cause I got the CD version with the bonus tracks).

There's also "LC" which is his second record (I think), which again, I can't listen to the whole way through, there's a lot of filler, but absolutely worth buying for its sublime moments (some of his best work is on this disc, IMHO). This exploits the sound of the guitar (vini's guitar) more, and when it works, it is something else).

My favourite however is "The Guitar and Other Machines", this one really holds together; flows; has some amazing guitar work; the ,for want of a better word, synthesis of synthesiser and guitar on this record really works, feels organic. It doesn't get too "ethereal" like "Vini Reilly" does.

The other records I've heard: Obey the Time seems pretty dull, but has some really great stand out tracks; bread and circuses, a very subtle record, doesn't give up its charms that easy; without mercy, this one went right above my head, no idea how to classify it.

Hope that helps

Tes-
ting

No-one told me you didn't have to insert
line breaks manually anymore

"The Return Of" (all instrumental) and "LC" (mostly with vocals) are both outstanding records, and I love "Circuses and Bread" as well. If you can find the "Valuable Passages" compilation it's packed to the gunnels with good early stuff.

I wouldn't call Vini a virtuoso from a strict technical ability point of view, but he is quite exceptional at what he does regardless.

What esoj said. In addition to "Valuable Passages", there is a companion compilation CD of early stuff originally released on Factory Benelux and other European labels called "Lips That Would Kiss/Madeleine" (originally the title of a classic Durutti single). Get this too.

Of the original Factory LPs not yet mentioned, "Another Setting" and "Without Mercy" are both strong, if not quite as good as the first two ("Return of..." and "LC"). "Without Mercy" was an attempt to write pieces with a wider palette of instrumental textures - viola, trumpet etc. - so there's less guitar on this one.

Probably best to avoid the album rebellion unless you get completist. I bought it after seeing the film as it was going cheap in a sale.

It has a ragga MC and a version of The Fields Of Athenry. Not that its intrinsically bad (Though "Fields .." is) but it sure as hell isn’t a satisfying Durruti column listen.

Most of the early factory albums are probably the way to go

Wow -- that's exactly the sort've info I was after! Thanks!!!!

Vini Reilly will be performing a couple of live tracks on 6 Music within the next 30 minutes

http://www.bbc.co.uk/6music/

it's on...

bugger. missed it. any good?

o, hey, i forget: i can "listen again". w00t.

x-post
i liked it. missed the beginning. vini reilly frail and ghostlike as ever.

thanks, dj. he introduces a piece by "this is not a happy song" ashamedly. classic. i don't know any happy songs by vini reilly. great theory on ugly bad weather places (like manchester) with good music (people have to escape the dullness by being creative) and beautiful good weather places like barcelona where the music is shite.

yes well worth a listen i think he played 3 or 4? tracks, plus interview segments between live tracks

part of freak zone show
http://www.bbc.co.uk/6music/shows/freakzone/

This is crazy I just played Durutti Column on my CD player not less than a half hour ago.

Also I am NOT I repeat NOT going to brag about the insanely rare Martin Hannett item I just got off of ebay.

is it the gun he used when he shot at AHW?

Wow, that Vini performance on the radio was stunning.