Looking For The Balearic Beat / June

A Certain Ratio / Lucinda / Mute A Certain Ratio recorded their 3rd long-player, “Sextet” in 1981. To celebrate its 45th birthday, rather than do a straight reissue, the band have handed the masters over to friend and collaborator Andy “Emperor Machine” Meecham. The results have been rebranded “The Joy Of Sextet” – after the popular 70s love-making guide – and promo’d by Mr. Meecham’s mix of “Lucinda”. A big fan himself, Meecham deliberately hasn’t messed with ACR’s distinctive sound, but instead beefed and tightened it up. Razor-sharpening the rhythm guitar and intensifying the crazy congas. Making the most of the muscular rhythm section and the duelling, twin, slapped bass-lines. Polishing this unique hit of ethereal vocal-ed dance floor jazz funk. The new album will swap out 3 of the original tracks and replace them with Meecham’s mix of the 12” take of post-punk classic “Knife Slits Water” plus a bonus dub of Andrew Weatherall favourite “Waterline”. All of which is currently being…