The Book: Factvm 2012 Colin Gibbins Manchester. The Complete Collection.
My copy 193/422
Touched by the Hand of God (Fac 193)
Colin’s book begins with a forward written by ‘Peter Hook’.
The introduction leads you into the scenario and footprint of when Factory first entered Colin’s life. This is followed with personal stories from some of the people involved with the Factory label; how they first met Colin and their response to Colin’s quest to assemble the entire recorded works of a legendary record label like Factory.
VERBALS: As I step into Colin’s ‘verbals’ which take me through the years 1979 to 24th November 2011, I immediately feel a connection. Some of the people mentioned I recognise or are familiar with. Some of the people mentioned evoke memories I’d forgotten existed. Whether you identify with the people or not, you soon begin to re-encounter your own pathway during those times. Memories begin to flood back to those days…..Sad, bad, precious and exhilarating!
For me it was an emotional read as I recall my own memories and yet at the same time share in Colin’s.
I grew up in the North of Manchester (there was a short time I escaped but would soon return). My parents would listen to the Beatles, Free, 10CC, E.L.O, Santana, Bowie, and dare I say it….Rod Stewart!
This soon followed with our Leon’s musical influences: Joy Division, OMD, Heaven 17, Cocteau Twins, Talking Heads, New Order…..
A girlfriend once bought him ‘White Lines’ on 12”, which he immediately gave to me as it didn’t fit with his genre of music.
I often sat in the house with the lads listening to their vinyl and watching the latest VHS of New Order that one of them had managed to get their hands on? The lads were about 5 years older than me. They made it their job to educate me regarding music and style. I was one of the few girls wearing ‘Farah’ pants and a ‘Fila’ jacket (all hand me downs of course). So while they were taking acid and riding their ‘Vespa’ scooters I was listening to their vinyl, sneaking Leon’s tops and listening to ‘Ranking Miss P’ on the radio. My girlfriends were all listening to Duran Duran (although we did have a copy of Rio on vinyl) Wham and Kajagoogoo!
I was always the outsider listening to what some would call “my weird music” so to meet like minded people as the years progressed was refreshing.
I digress….
That’s exactly what the book has done for me. The book, the exhibition, new friends, new family, all congealed. Entwining the past, the journey, making relevant, making relevance, making sense, a sense of place, a belonging. The here, the now. Breathing life back into history, creating a story, sharing….
Thank you Colin X.
The book factvm: A luxury item you’ll want to treasure, just as you would your favourite piece of vinyl.
The only criticism I have about the book is the ‘proof’ reading? Now I’m not sure if that’s the tutor in me? But there are a few words missing here and there…haha! However, the artist in me would say that this only adds to the charm and the sincerity the book has to offer.
Endearing and Very Special!
God bless you Colin X.
The Complete Collection is photographed by Anne- Marie Gibbins.
Book design is by Factory records designer Trevor Johnson.
All proceeds go to The Christie Cancer.
Limited Edition: 422.
“leak” by kay rosen
BED
I’ve fallen out of love with Ian Brown
I don’t really care for the Rose’s any more.
I’ve waited all these years
And I just don’t know
Where you fit into my life any more.
I’ll just wait and see
What you can give to me
Until then
I’m on my own
As I always was
And always am
As it was in the beginning
And it will be in the end
Forever my Rose
Amen.
Growth.
If you sow a seed, and believe.
It will grow and become a reality x.
She made her loss
a sacred space
hidden in the barrenness
of high desert plain
it provided bare shelter
in the leanest months
the ones no one sees
come winter you will find her there
collecting dust in her hands
still trying to hold close
the delapidated memories.
Remote Control
Death, sex, lust and life, alcohol, drugs and tobacco
Work, society, cars and buses
Kids and food and washing and clothes
Domesticity, women and weightlifting
Its a heavy load
But she can hold so much more
Than her weight.
Connect with your soul
And not with society’s expectations
Predict what you hold
Don’t mould your freedom
She is fighting the waves
They are not sent from nature
As she lifts each foot from the mud
Planting seeds on her way
She can create
She is a stalk of beauty
A wind they can not hold
As they try to control her
Her seeds are blown
All over by the power of nature
And her will to survive.
