A fusion of jazz-funk and electronic with 10 tracks showcasing ACR’s sonic evolution; a key recent vinyl release on Mute Records.
Artist page · 04/07/2026
A Certain Ratio
About
A Certain Ratio, Manchester’s post-punk innovators blending funk, jazz, and electronics since 1977.
Over 30 vinyl releases tracked with original Factory and Mute pressings, including 2023’s acclaimed '1982'.
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, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.
Mute · 2024
Mute · 2023
Mute · 2021
Mute · 2020
Le Maquis · 2008
LTM · 2005
Creation Records · 1994
Robs Records · 1992
A&M Records · 1990
A&M Records · 1989
Factory · 1982
Factory · 1982
Factory · 1981
Factory · 1980Playlist
Signature tracks
The tracks that sum up A Certain Ratio's career.
The essentials
The 3 A Certain Ratio albums you absolutely need
Our pick, validated by the editorial team.
Features funk-infused songs with 10 tracks including ‘Friends Around Us’ and ‘Berlin’, released as a limited edition LP on Mute.
A remix album expanding on ‘ACR Loco’ with 13 tracks, featuring contributions from various remix artists, an essential collectible for vinyl lovers.
Go further
Artists similar to A Certain Ratio
Artists who share part of A Certain Ratio's musical DNA.
Collectors
For vinyl die-hards
The hidden side of the catalogue: rare pressings, sought-after matrices, Discogs values.
Market values (source: Discogs)
For each reference edition, these cards summarise the state of the global Discogs market. Market position places the average price of a copy between the observed min and max prices. Average price is the price seen for a mint-condition copy. Copies available counts listings currently for sale. Collectors who want it is the number of Discogs users who added it to their wantlist without owning it — a good signal of upcoming demand.
Notable pressings & editions
Face B
Side B: the hidden stories of A Certain Ratio
Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.
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
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.
‘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.
Records by A Certain Ratio
See all
CDs by A Certain Ratio
Search all A Certain Ratio CDsFAQ
FAQ: A Certain Ratio on physical formats
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 page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
- Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.


