A Certain Ratio
A Certain Ratio: Pioneers of Post-Punk and Electronic Dance
A Certain Ratio (ACR) emerged from the vibrant musical landscape of Manchester, England, in the late 1970s. Led by the visionary producer Martin Hannett, the band became known for their genre-bending sound that seamlessly fused post-punk, funk, and electronic influences.
Early Days and Breakthrough
The band was formed in 1977 by Peter Terrell (bass), Paul Davis (guitar), Jeremy Kerr (keyboards), and Simon Topping (drums). They quickly gained recognition for their experimental and improvisational live performances, which showcased their eclectic musical influences. In 1980, they released their debut album, "The Graveyard and the Ballroom," produced by Hannett, which cemented their reputation as one of the most innovative bands of their time.
Musical Evolution and Controversies
Throughout the 1980s, ACR continued to push musical boundaries. They experimented with sampling, dance beats, and avant-garde techniques, and their music became increasingly influenced by funk and soul. Their albums "Sextet" (1982), "Force" (1986), and "Good Together" (1989) showcased their versatility and their ability to blend genres seamlessly.
However, their experimentation also led to some controversy. Their song "Shack Up" (1985) faced criticism for its sexually explicit lyrics, and the band was briefly banned from performing on British television. Despite such challenges, ACR remained steadfast in their pursuit of artistic freedom.
Discography and Collaborations
Over their career, ACR has released numerous albums, including:
* The Graveyard and the Ballroom (1980)
* Sextet (1982)
* I'd Like to See You Again (1983)
* Force (1986)
* Good Together (1989)
* Mind Made Up (1990)
* ACR:ACR (1997)
* Mind Made Up (2019)
ACR has also collaborated with renowned artists such as New Order, Björk, and Iggy Pop, further solidifying their influence on the music scene.
Members
Over the years, ACR has had several lineup changes. The core members listed above have been joined by numerous other musicians, including Tony Quigley (drums), Donald Johnson (bass), and Denise Johnson (vocals).
Legacy and Influence
ACR's music has had a lasting impact on the worlds of post-punk, electronic dance, and experimental music. Their innovative and genre-bending approach has inspired countless other artists, and their songs continue to be celebrated for their originality and timelessness.
Despite facing challenges and controversies along the way, A Certain Ratio has remained true to their artistic vision. Their music continues to captivate and inspire audiences, cementing their place as one of the most influential and enduring bands of the last four decades.
A Certain Ratio (ACR) emerged from the vibrant musical landscape of Manchester, England, in the late 1970s. Led by the visionary producer Martin Hannett, the band became known for their genre-bending sound that seamlessly fused post-punk, funk, and electronic influences.
Early Days and Breakthrough
The band was formed in 1977 by Peter Terrell (bass), Paul Davis (guitar), Jeremy Kerr (keyboards), and Simon Topping (drums). They quickly gained recognition for their experimental and improvisational live performances, which showcased their eclectic musical influences. In 1980, they released their debut album, "The Graveyard and the Ballroom," produced by Hannett, which cemented their reputation as one of the most innovative bands of their time.
Musical Evolution and Controversies
Throughout the 1980s, ACR continued to push musical boundaries. They experimented with sampling, dance beats, and avant-garde techniques, and their music became increasingly influenced by funk and soul. Their albums "Sextet" (1982), "Force" (1986), and "Good Together" (1989) showcased their versatility and their ability to blend genres seamlessly.
However, their experimentation also led to some controversy. Their song "Shack Up" (1985) faced criticism for its sexually explicit lyrics, and the band was briefly banned from performing on British television. Despite such challenges, ACR remained steadfast in their pursuit of artistic freedom.
Discography and Collaborations
Over their career, ACR has released numerous albums, including:
* The Graveyard and the Ballroom (1980)
* Sextet (1982)
* I'd Like to See You Again (1983)
* Force (1986)
* Good Together (1989)
* Mind Made Up (1990)
* ACR:ACR (1997)
* Mind Made Up (2019)
ACR has also collaborated with renowned artists such as New Order, Björk, and Iggy Pop, further solidifying their influence on the music scene.
Members
Over the years, ACR has had several lineup changes. The core members listed above have been joined by numerous other musicians, including Tony Quigley (drums), Donald Johnson (bass), and Denise Johnson (vocals).
Legacy and Influence
ACR's music has had a lasting impact on the worlds of post-punk, electronic dance, and experimental music. Their innovative and genre-bending approach has inspired countless other artists, and their songs continue to be celebrated for their originality and timelessness.
Despite facing challenges and controversies along the way, A Certain Ratio has remained true to their artistic vision. Their music continues to captivate and inspire audiences, cementing their place as one of the most influential and enduring bands of the last four decades.