No
U.K. act crystallized independent, punk-influenced funk more than
Manchester's . The original line-up comprised
Jeremy Kerr (bass),
Simon Topping (vocals, trumpet),
Peter Terrell (guitar),
Martin Moscrop (guitar, trumpet), and
Donald Johnson (drums) who replaced a drum machine. Taking their name from a
Brian Eno song "The True Wheel", they signed to
Factory Records in
1979 for the cassette release, ''The Graveyard And The Ballroom''. One side was recorded at Graveyard Studios, the other live, supporting
Talking Heads at
London's Electric Ballroom . After releasing ''All Night Party'' in May 1979, there was a hiatus before ''Flight'', a U.K. Independent Top 10 hit over a year later. In the meantime, the band had teamed up with Factory's European sister company Benelux, for a cover version of
Banbarra's mid-70s funk classic ''Shack Up'', in July
1980 . This edgy but rhythmic version offered an excellent snapshot of the band's studio technique. ''To Each'', the band's official debut album, attracted BBC disc jockey
John Peel in
1981 , a year that also yielded ''Do The Du'' (officially intended for release in the
U.S.A. ), and in December ''Waterline'' also fared well. The following year saw a move from the independent to the national charts as ''Sextet'' further established the band's reputation.
Like ''To Each'', ''Sextet'' housed an intriguing, mostly instrumental collection hinged around funk rhythms. A 12-inch single for Benelux, ''Guess Who'', surfaced in July, followed by the ''Knife Slits Water'' EP in October, coinciding with the release of ''I'd Like To See You Again''. The band also issued an obscure 12-inch single on the Rock Steady label, ''Abracadabra'', under the guise of Sir Horatio, in September
1982 . A year later, ''I Need Someone Tonight'' was released, reaching the U.K. Independent Top 10. Topping and Terrell had departed, the former resurfacing in
1987 with
Mike Pickering as
Acid House innovators
T-Coy . Kerr took over lead vocal duties, the duo were replaced by
Andrew Connell , and ''Brazilia'' became the new line-up's first project of
1985 . ''Wild Party'', in June, featured new saxophonist
Tony Quigley . Those anticipating a new album had to wait until the end of
1986 for ''Force'', although a compilation, ''The Old & The New'', had provided some consolation earlier in the year. ''Mickey Way'' promoted ''Force'' and continued ACR's run of independent hits.
By
1987 , the band had outgrown the confines of mere cult status and, looking to branch out, signed with
A&M Records . To bridge the gap, the Dojo label issued ''A Certain Ratio - Live In America'' in February, alongside ''Greetings Four'', for the European label Materiali Sonari.
It was not until the summer of manager
Rob Gretton's Rob's Records, although
Creation Records reissued their back catalogue and also unveiled a sampler album of re-mixes from their vast discography (including contributions from
Electronic and
808 State ). Their experimental work and love of collage material has ensured their status as one of the most uncompromisingly original acts working in the
Post-punk era. ''Change The Station'' was the first album of new material in seven years. They are featured in the
2002 film
24 Hour Party People where
Tony Wilson (played by
Steve Coogan ) calls them '
Joy Division but better dressed'. Martin Moscrop had the prestigious job of Musical Supervisor of the film.
The band have released the following
Albums :
- ''The Graveyard and the Ballroom'' (1980)
- ''To Each...'' (1981)
- ''Sextet'' (1982)
- ''I'd Like To See You Again'' (1982)
- ''Force'' (1986)
- ''Good Together'' (1989)
- ''ACR:MCR'' (1990)
- ''Up In Downsville'' (1992)
- ''Change The Station'' (1997)
The following compilations have also been released:
- ''A Certain Ratio Live in America'' (live album, 1985)
- ''The Old and the New'' (singles compilation, 1986)
- ''Looking for a Certain Ratio'' ( Remix es, 1994)
- ''Early'' (2002)
- ''Live In Groningen'' (2005)
