THE DURUTTI COLUMN Vinyl & CDs

Review: Formed in the post-punk era of Manchester in 1978, The Durutti Column, led by guitarist Vini Reilly, has remained an enigmatic and influential force in the history of post-punk. Their 1989 release, aptly titled Vini Reilly, is a testament to Reilly's eclecticism and sonic experimentation. The album spans a vast musical landscape, encompassing elements of post-punk, rock, acoustic, avant-garde, jazz, classical, folk, pop, and electronica.The album's 35th anniversary reissue box set includes many great additions that allows listeners to appreciate the enduring impact of his artistry, as he continues to inspire and challenge music enthusiasts worldwide. Includes new essay by Durutti Column/Factory Records expert James Nice, liner notes by band member Bruce Mitchell, liner notes from Anthony Wilson, interview extracts with Vini Reilly and restored images and outtake images.

Review: On its initial release in 1995, Sex and Death marked the end of an era for Vini Reilly's Duratti Column ensemble, and the start of a new one. It was recorded in the years following the collapse of Factory Records, boasts a string of guest musicians including New Order's Peter Hook, and was their final collaboration with producer Stephen Street. As this expanded reissue proves, the album, remains a strong one, offering a mix of opaque, dream-like soundscapes, jazz-flecked musical meditation, effervescent post-punk pop and jangling downtempo compositions. This edition includes a second disc packed full of alternate takes and previously unheard tracks discovered in Tony Wilson's archive, the majority of which is every bit as interesting and entertaining as the full album.