In the late 80s, Factory Records was at the height of its success thanks to two bands – Joy Division and New Order – and the single-minded company director, Anthony H. Wilson. This is the fascinating story of the rise and fall of this influential independent UK record company. Drawing on exclusive interviews, Mike Middles uncovers the real story behind the company that fell so dramatically from unprecedented global success to an all-time low by 1992, when the back catalogue had been sold off and its key bands were in disarray. The classic warts-and-all history of Factory Records, told by one of Manchester's leading music writers.
At the start, I felt Mick was a bit of a sycophant. And he may well be. As things progress, I was able to put that aside and was quite fascinated with this slice of British music history. And really, being sycphantic is not a bad thing in context. Anyone who was around when the music came out, or anyone who loves electro pop, dance and DJ culture should enjoy this. Me, I always love the Brits and their writing. I enjoy the quiet humour. Does that sound sycophantic???