CRISPY AMBULANCE “UNITED” (1985)
originally recorded by Throbbing Gristle (b/w “Zyklon B Zombie”, 1978)
cover version available on Fin (Les Temps Modernes, 1985/1990)
Hi.
Manchester’s Crispy Ambulance have fast entered into heavy rotation around these parts. Their debut full-length, The Plateau Phase (Factory, 1982), is a stunning document of better musical times, though, it was seriously maligned by most major British press at the time of its release as “plagiarizing Joy Division”. Alan Hempsall is a compelling and charismatic vocalist, and CA’s sound demonstrated experimental leanings moreso than pop. We all know that had Joy Division made it across the pond in 1980, they would have blown up…sort of like Nirvana—a weird “alternative” act that crosses over. The mythology around Curtis’ life and death burnished Joy Division for posterity, and sadly, they may always overshadow the other amazing Factory talent. While great and dear to me, they are not my favorite Factory band, and (dare I say it?) I find them terribly overrated. I listen to Section 25 (another act labelled as a JD ripoff), New Order, A Certain Ratio, and now Crispy Ambulance far more. Luckily, Crispy Ambulance are one of the few Factory acts that are still active—sadly, since I last updated, Larry Cassidy, the leader of Section 25 died—so hopefully, we’ll eventually be afforded the opportunity to give this band some long overdue support stateside.
ps. Who the hell else has covered Throbbing Gristle?
more Crispy Ambulance:
“Travel Time” (my absolute favorite) from The Plateau Phase
“Sexus” available on 12” and reissues of The Plateau Phase (a bonafide jam)
