durutti column: short stories for pauline

Factory Benelux is pleased to announce the belated release of Short Stories for Pauline, the legendary ‘lost’ fourth album by cult Manchester group The Durutti Column. Originally recorded by Vini Reilly in Brussels for Factory Benelux in 1983, the 14 track album features several exquisite pieces including College, A Room in Southport and (most notably) Duet. Recorded with Tuxedomoon viola player Blaine L. Reininger, this poignant instrumental proved - ironically – to be the downfall of the album, after Factory director (and Durutti manager) Tony Wilson insisted that Duet form the basis of an entire neo-classical album. As a result, Duet became Without Mercy in 1984, and Short Stories for Pauline was shelved. Although individual tracks from Short Stories for Pauline have appeared on several compilations, notably highbrow Crépuscule collection Hommage à Marguerite Duras, this limited edition vinyl release is the first time the original FBN 36 album has appeared in its entirety. Bearing the original catalogue number, and with new artwork prepared with the help of Crépuscule designer Benoit Hennebert, this remastered vinyl-only edition in 2012 is a must for Vini and Factory collectors alike, and a priceless addition to the Durutti canon. Just 1000 copies of the album will be pressed worldwide. Purchasers are also entitled to a free digital download.