Artist profile · 04/07/2026
A Certain Ratio
- 20
- Albums on Vinyles.com
- 213k
- Last.fm listeners
- 3M
- Last.fm plays
About
A Certain Ratio, Manchester’s post-punk innovators blending funk, jazz, and electronics since 1977.
A Certain Ratio (ACR) emerged from Manchester's vibrant music scene in 1977, initially rooted in post-punk but quickly incorporating funk, jazz, Latin influences, and electronic sounds. The founding lineup included Simon Topping, Martin Moscrop, Jeremy Kerr, and Peter Terrell, with drummer Donald Johnson joining soon after, injecting a funk-jazz groove. Early releases on Factory Records were produced by Martin Hannett, who brought a distinct atmosphere characteristic of the era.
Over the 1980s they evolved, distancing from pure post-punk towards house music elements, and continuously experimenting with instrumentations like brass and unconventional percussion.
Discography
A Certain Ratio discography
Studio albums, live records, compilations and radio recordings. Each album groups all its editions.
Loco Live at Hope Mill Studios
A Certain Ratio
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
It All Comes Down to This, Live at New Century, Manchester
A Certain Ratio
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Data provided by Discogs
Listen
Signature songs
- 01Lucinda
- 02Shack Up
- 03Knife Slits Water
- 04Do the Du
- 05Flight
- 06Gum
- 07The Fox
- 08Do The Du (Casse)
Essentials
3 A Certain Ratio albums you need to own
Our picks, approved by the editors.
#1 · 2023A fusion of jazz-funk and electronic with 10 tracks showcasing ACR’s sonic evolution; a key recent vinyl release on Mute Records.
10 tracksJazz-Funk styleLP albumReleased 2023
#2 · 2020Features funk-infused songs with 10 tracks including ‘Friends Around Us’ and ‘Berlin’, released as a limited edition LP on Mute.
10 tracksLimited EditionLP albumReleased 2020
#3 · 2021A remix album expanding on ‘ACR Loco’ with 13 tracks, featuring contributions from various remix artists, an essential collectible for vinyl lovers.
13 tracks45 RPMLimited EditionReleased 2021
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B-side
B-side: the hidden stories of A Certain Ratio
Studio secrets, tour stories and B-sides worth the whole album.
Recording with Martin Hannett at Factory Records
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, A Certain Ratio recorded early singles like 'Flight' and 'Do The Du' with producer Martin Hannett, whose post-punk production style shaped their distinctive sound.
‘To Each...’ recorded in New York
The first studio album 'To Each...' was recorded in New York, demonstrating the band’s early departure from Manchester’s local sound and expanding their stylistic range in 1981.
First Factory release with ‘All Night Party’ single
‘All Night Party’ was the first single released by Factory Records, marking A Certain Ratio as the label’s initial signing and contributing to the post-punk movement’s growth in Manchester.
The band’s voice and style were often compared to Ian Curtis of Joy Division, reflecting their deep roots in the Factory Records scene.— Contemporary observers
‘1982’ LP original pressing availability
The original 2023 pressing of the ‘1982’ LP on Mute Records sees strong availability and demand among collectors, with multiple editions including limited versions in Europe priced from €17.39 upwards.
A Certain Ratio vinyl discography
See allNew Loco Live at Hope Mills Studios
A Certain Ratio
Rock indépendantAlternatif
2021-12-24MuteFrom$24.59
2 offersFriends Around Us (Part 1 and 2)
A Certain Ratio
Rock internationalRock
2020-06-20MuteFrom$37.00
1 offer
A Certain Ratio CDs
See allNew New
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FAQ
FAQ
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
Who are the founding members of A Certain Ratio?
Simon Topping, Martin Moscrop, Jeremy Kerr, and Peter Terrell formed A Certain Ratio in Manchester in 1977.
What music genres influence A Certain Ratio’s style?
Their style blends post-punk with funk, jazz, soul, electronic, and dance music elements.
Which record labels have released A Certain Ratio’s vinyl albums?
Most vinyl albums were released on Factory Records and later Mute Records.
Are original pressings of A Certain Ratio’s albums easy to find in Europe?
Some original pressings, like the 2023 ‘1982’ LP, are regularly available on the European market with competitive prices.
What formats do A Certain Ratio’s vinyl releases come in?
Their vinyl releases include LP albums, limited editions, and special remix editions on 12" and 45 RPM formats.
How has A Certain Ratio’s lineup changed since their formation?
While there have been several personnel changes, key members have maintained the band's core sound since 1977.
Where did A Certain Ratio record their debut album?
The debut studio album 'To Each...' was recorded in New York in 1981, signaling a broader musical direction.
What is a recommended recent vinyl release by A Certain Ratio?
The 2023 album ‘1982’ is a notable recent release available on vinyl, highlighting their continued activity and evolution.
Transparency
Sources & method
This profile is compiled by the vinyles.com editors from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discography data from MusicBrainz (dates, country, active years).
- Tracklists, covers and genres from Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists from Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editors.