RIP Larry Cassidy of Factory Records' Section 25

[Slicing Up Eyeballs]

[b]<a href="http://www.slicingupeyeballs.com/2010/02/27/larry-cassidy-section-25-dies-factory-records/">Larry Cassidy of Section 25, classic Factory Records postpunk act, dies</a>[/b]

[roc51]

Sad day indeed. Section 25 were vastly underated and overlooked legends of the Post-Punk era and were one of the cornerstones of Factory. It was fantastic to see them putting out new albums (last year's Nature + Degree was fantastic) and their recent retrospective, Dirty Disco, is a must have for fans and newcomers alike. I myself was introduced to the band via the classic From The Hip LP and from there was introduced to a vast back catalogue including the classic early album Always Now (featuring the classic Forest Fires, covered brilliantly by For Against on their 2008 gem Shady Side Sunny Side). Their follow up to From The Hip, Love and Hate In the English Countryside, was another classic release and solidified the band's status as one the very best indie acts in the world.

In recent years, Bethany Cassidy, daughter of Larry & the late Jenny Ross, assumed vocal & keyboard duties, and with new albums and gigs in recent times, were one of the few classic Factory bands still remaining. Credit must also be given to LTM Records for doing a majestic job curating the remastered back catalogue and releasing the new albums and whose support the band obviously appreciated.

Recommended listening: Always Now, From The Hip, Love & Hate in the English Countryside, Nature + Degree. For newcomers, start with Dirty Disco (The Best Of) and then seek further discoveries.

RIP Larry - you will be missed.