As historically important during their active period of 1975 1981 as contemporaries Can, The Sex Pistols and Kraftwerk, TG's influence on today's electronic music (from experimental production techniques and confrontational live shows to independent promotion via their own Industrial Records label) runs far deeper than they are often credited. Throbbing Gristle were the first group to fully deliver on punk's failed promise to explore extreme culture as a way of sabotaging systems of control - beginning with rock music itself. However, where punk ranted against rock while playing a debased version of the same, TG were very consciously anti-rock 'n' roll. In many respects Throbbing Gristle as artists, self-promoters, marketeers, label runners/owners and music makers broke the mould on every level and decentralised the whole music making process into their own hands. A feat that everyone from Atlantic Jaxx to Underground Resistance owe at least a passing nod.
It is therefore no surprise that some of today's most notable figures in electronic dance music jumped at the chance to re-work some classic TG catalogue. Whilst Planet E man Carl Craig and Basement Jaxx's Simon Ratcliffe may not at first glance seem obvious TG fans both have indeed been gristlised over the years with Simon Ratcliffe further citing TG's Second Annual Report as one of the influences that helped shape the new Jaxx opus. So the pair have returned the favour and updated Hot On The Heels Of Love with two different dancefloor bound versions whilst the French/US collaboration behind Motor turn Persuasion into a pulsing, radioactive piece of sonic sound sculpture. Having made the first Sabres of Paradise record as a cover/homage of Throbbing Gristle's United, Mr Andrew Weatherall was more than eager to pepper the original with some unique spastic magic and with trusty Two Lone Swordsmen recording partner Keith Tenniswood the job was indeed delivered under a dark smoke plume with fire in its belly.
From a world of free parties, performance art and punk attitude Hedonastik turn What A Day into a psychotic dub fuelled mantra and Carl Craig shows his more experimental side via Still Walking with a mix that reverbs and coil's around itself like a trapped snake. Finally, two of TG's original line-up Chris Carter and Cosey Fanni Tutti make mincemeat of Hamburger Lady and turn two tracks into one with HotHeelsUnited.
