Memory Span, by The Lines

Memory Span

by The Lines

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1.	White Night 03:25	buy track
2.	On The Air 03:35	buy track
3.	Not Through Windows 03:11	buy track
4.	Dance For A Drop Of Blood 02:03	buy track
5.	Blisstability 03:44	buy track
6.	Uneasy Affair 03:43	buy track
7.	Don't Need Surgery 02:59	buy track
8.	2Split Seconds 03:10	buy track
9.	False Alarm 04:25	buy track
10.	Background 04:54	buy track
11.	Cool Snap 04:59	buy track
12.	Nerve Pylon 03:45	buy track
13.	Over The Brow 05:18	buy track
14.	Transit 02:48	buy track
15.	Part II 05:56	buy track
16.	House Of Cracks 08:01	buy track
17.	Old Town 07:25	buy track
18.	Barbican 03:54	buy track

about

Between 1978 and 1983, The Lines released 5 singles, 1 EP and 2 LPs to mixed reviews and little sales. One reviewer at the time noted that “The stumbling block for instant accolades seems to be the puzzling paradox that these are lasting pieces of work which require several listens before they finally take root in your soul.” Sure enough, anybody who’s spent enough time with these records has developed a cult-like devotion to The Lines. Over the years, these few records have become rare and expensive collector’s items and have never been released on CD until now.Acute’s first Lines reissue "Memory Span" represents 5 years in the growth of one of the most interesting bands of the era. Their music evolved from skeletal and taut post-punk scorchers to atmospherically recorded dubbed out bliss. The singles possess an angular and melodic thoughtfulness and precision that bring to mind Wire, Joy Division, the Feelies or Mission of Burma. Included are the seminal cult-classic power-pop/punk first single, “White Night”, it’s more taut and post-punk follow-up, "On the Air" 7″, the "Cool Snap!" EP (a desert-island disc to Chuck Warner of Messthetics), the more atmospheric and new wave Nerve Pylon and Transit singles, the rare final 12″ "House of Cracks/Old Town" and 2 early unreleased tracks.

Although they played shows with bands like The Cure, Bauhaus, The Sound and Birthday Party, and featured members of prag Vec and Alternative TV, they were never part of any scene. They never toured and rarely spoke to the press. For 5 years they rehearsed, performed and recorded to little acclaim, leaving only 8 releases on vinyl. While unappreciated in their time, they perfectly encapsulate the best qualities of the era: angst-ridden angularity, danceable catchiness, sublime dub-influenced atmospherics, sonic experimentation and killer hooks, with an unrivalled consistency.

credits

released September 2, 2008

license

about

The Lines London, UK

The Lines were formed in 1977 by Rico Conning and Jo Forty, recording and performing until 1982.

discography

hull down

May 2016
Flood Bank

Nov 2008
Memory Span

Sep 2008

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