Is This An Art Form.....?

The Durutti Column - A Paean To Wilson [KOOKYDISC 35 UK 2017 24_bit FLAC]

Immerse yourselves in the beauty, space and melody of the 21st album by The Durutti Column, recorded as a dedication to the artist's biggest fan, mentor and original manager, the late Anthony Wilson. It is clear from Vini Reilly's inner sleeve notes that Wilson's passing affected the composer so much that he was moved to write this work, initially as a stage performance and then a studio piece.

Reilly pulls much from his own work to influence A Paean... and then adds sprinkles of samples of blues and soul, including Marvin Gaye. Just listen the majestic Brother and the gorgeous The Truth. Does Reilly see Wilson as a brother and a father-figure? Requiem unveils Reilly's expertise with the rock guitar with screeching solos masked by fuzz and distortion, the lengthy and atmospheric Chant utilises the female voice and layers it over electronic beats and acoustic melodies with a wide spacey production. It is worthy to note that Reilly chooses not to sing ....and Tony would have appreciated that as we know. 

Stuki delights with its afro samples and Reilly's gently plucked guitar over the simplest of rhythms. Along Came Poppy, features just then girlfriend Poppy Morgan on piano and Tim Kellet's trumpet. It was Reilly's break-up with Poppy which seemed to damage so much of his final album, Chronicle. Two older Durutti tracks Duet (aka Royal Infirmary) and Catos Con Guantes (from FAC 184) get reworked, I assume they were Wilson favourites. How Unbelievable is laden with samples of Wilson interviews and the former head of Factory Records also opens the album via a sample loop.

This double blue vinyl set, pressed by Cargo Records was a sheer delight to rip and master to flac. I have every Durutti album and strongly believe this album is his best since The Guitar and Other Machines. It is a pity that the rather limited distribution meant that many will have not heard this album until now.

Praxis in its purest form.

A1 Or Are You Just A Technician
A2 Chant
A3 Quatro
B1 Requiem
B2 Stuki
B3 Along Came Poppy
C1 Brother
C2 Duet With Piano
C3 Darkness Here
D1 Catos Revisited
D2 The Truth
D3 How Unbelievable