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This has only two of the original members on it and in particular Angus Farquhar, whom I always thought of as the creative hub of the group in the 80s, is not involved. Not to say that it won't be worth hearing but it's not Test Dept as I remember them.
― the word dog doesn't bark (anagram), Monday, 4 March 2019 15:28 (five years ago) link
I'm not sure that is right. Not to take away anything from Angus, but TD was always a collective thing and I don't think he would want to take that credit. Also, he might not be an active particpant in the current line up (and wasn't in the 90s incarnation either) but is still a close ally.
While on the subject, I listened to "The Unaceeptable Face Of Freedom" in its entirety recently for the first time in a long time and it still sounds incredible. Also thematically feels very current in many ways too.
― stirmonster, Monday, 4 March 2019 17:23 (five years ago) link
this new record is solid, way better than the 90's material imo
humorless and bitter, but that's how I like my politics these days
― Emperor Tonetta Ketchup (sleeve), Wednesday, 6 March 2019 01:49 (five years ago) link
three years pass...
wow the book (Total State Machine) is incredible. 368 pages, full color, tons of dense text, diary entries, reviews, flyers, essays, so much to dig into.
― thinkmanship (sleeve), Sunday, 7 August 2022 01:00 (one year ago) link
it's epic.
reminds me that the accompanying reissue program never saw the light of day -
to mark this occasion beyond the book itself, the band re-issue ‘Shoulder To Shoulder’ (1985), the second in a series of re-releases, partnering the book, published in June by PC-Press, the first being the 12” ‘Tested Product’ for Record Store Day, in new and adapted artworks, also through PC-Press. This special red vinyl edition paves the way for more back catalogue action late October 2015, namely both 6 x CD & 6 x vinyl box sets.
‘Shoulder to Shoulder’ encapsulates the tour organised by Test Dept in support of the Miners Strike in 1984/85 and features a choir of South Wales miners, brought together by the group for a one off concert in London. Such was the bond formed on that occasion; it led to a nationwide tour, a landmark meeting and lasting memory of music, solidarity and political struggle. As such it can be viewed as an important historical document.
― stirmonster, Sunday, 7 August 2022 01:29 (one year ago) link
seven months pass...