F**k So Pretty :: House Music Blog: Man Ray

Man Ray Summer 88 EP
HAC 001

“A collaboration between Peter Hook and Phil Murphy to create acid house trax to evoke the style of the second summer of love with a modern twist.”

Hacienda Records is proud to make available its debut release, the “Summer 88 EP” by Man Ray which sees Joy Division and New Order’s Peter Hook and production partner Phil Murphy indulge their passions for subliminal and elemental acid house, paying homage to the sound of the early days of Acid but with bang up to date production technique.
Originally produced as the opening tracks to 2009’s “Hacienda Acid House Classics” album, both tracks have been extended and reworked from these versions for the new EP. Put together by Hooky and Phil to add character, personality and an imprint to the original album, the tracks convey the euphoria that both members of Man Ray felt during that epic time at the club and revisit the staple sounds of the period.
Using analogue technology to recreate precisely the sounds belting through the summer of ’88, a mixture of classic Roland synths and drum machines were employed to simulate the early acid house vibes with samples only being used for sound effects, making both tracks feel as naturally timeless as possible.
Opening track, “We’re On It” presents itself as a twisting, laid back groove, permeated with references to early Detroit and Chicago, Larry Heard, Mr Fingers and the classic exponents of the lighter side of acid. With Hooky chatting over the vocal version, recalling his memories spoken word style, the tracks bobs and weaves, breaks up and down with a pulsating bassline, elegant synths and a cooly defined grace.
Second track, “Ways Of Making Music” continues with Hooky’s voice over but mixing classic break beats, sirens and a dance floor shaking electro bass, displays a harsher, more abrasive acid style to “We’re On It”. Purely reminiscent of middle of dance floor Hacienda action from way back then, whistles, Todd Terry-esque keyboard stabs, and that sense of musical adventure that characterized the time convey the euphoric sense of freedom and passion of the acid house revolution at the Haç.
The establishment of Hacienda Records via the new website at fac51theHacienda.com allows for artists to be developed and future side projects to be released and distributed easily. Further Man Ray releases are to include “Tokyo Joe”, presently used as the theme tune to new Manchester live music venue, The Factory and also the soundtrack to an upcoming Hacienda DVD.

All tracks written and performed by Peter Hook and Phil Murphy
Design & Art Direction: Phil Rainey @ Cuckoo Design, Manchester, UK

Hacienda Records
www.Fac51thehacienda.com
HAC1