Based in Manchester, U.K. and founded by Tony Wilson and Alan Erasmus, Factory Records was responsible for the birth of the “Madchester” scene in the 1980’s.  It was a fundamental part of the post-punk movement and launched the careers of Joy Division, New Order, Electronic, A Certain Ratio, The Happy Mondays and one of our favorites The Durutti Column.  (Factory Records first LP was Joy Division’s debut and critically acclaimed album, “Unknown Pleasures” featuring iconic cover art by Peter Seville.  Sadly, this would be the only Joy Division album released during lead singer Ian Curtis’s lifetime. ) Peter would go on to design all the label’s early covers.  “His designs were a big part of Factory’s image, and his aesthetic fitted with Wilson Situationist leanings.”

The box set: “Factory Communications: 1978-92” is a massive compilation featuring 63 songs across 8 lps and includes sleeve notes written by former NME journalist Paul Morley.  Take a deep dive into a plethora of music that has inspired bands from the 80’s and continues to do so today.  This one is a must have for fans of the post-punk sound and can be purchased HERE.