Henry Cow

Label: Broadcast
Country: UK
Released: 1979
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Release Overview

Henry Cow's "Western Culture" is the fifth and final studio album by the English avant-garde collective. Released in September 1979, it came out on their own Broadcast label, catalog number BC 1. The album was recorded at Sunrise Studios in Kirchberg, Switzerland, in two sessions during early and mid-1978. It was produced by the band alongside sound engineer Etienne Conod.

Musical Structure and Composition

This album is divided into two distinct suites. The first side, titled "History & Prospects," features compositions entirely by Tim Hodgkinson. It includes tracks like "Industry," "The Decay Of Cities," and "On The Raft." The second side, "Day By Day," is composed by Lindsay Cooper and comprises pieces such as "Falling Away," "Gretel's Tale," and "Look Back."

The album presents an instrumental exploration that merges 20th-century classical music with elements of avant-rock. The sound is characterized by intricate polyrhythms, a blend of acoustic and electric instrumentation, and the use of woodwind counterpoints. This innovative approach draws on influences from composers like Bartók, Varèse, and Stravinsky.

Instrumentation and Collaborators

The lineup for "Western Culture" includes Tim Hodgkinson on organ, clarinet, and various other instruments, along with Fred Frith on guitars and bass. Lindsay Cooper plays bassoon and oboe, while Chris Cutler handles drums and electronic percussion. Annemarie Roelofs contributes with trombone and violin. Guest musicians Georgie Born on bass and avant-garde pianist Irène Schweizer also appear on the album.

Production Details

The album was pressed and mastered at Nimbus and reflects the band's unique vision, as it was created after their disbandment in mid-1978. The absence of vocals in "Western Culture" highlights the focus on musical dialogue and experimentation.

"Western Culture" was released on September 1, 1979.

Tracklist

History & Prospects
A1	Industry Lap Steel Guitar [Hawaiian Guitar], Written-By – Tim Hodgkinson	6:58
A2	The Decay Of Cities Lap Steel Guitar [Hawaiian Guitar], Written-By – Tim Hodgkinson	6:55
A3	On The Raft Piano, Written-By – Tim HodgkinsonSoprano Saxophone – Fred FrithTrumpet – Chris Cutler	4:01
Day By Day
B1	Falling Away Piano – Chris CutlerWritten-By – Lindsay Cooper	7:38
B2	Gretels Tale Piano – Irene SchweizerWritten-By – Lindsay Cooper	3:58
B3	Look Back Written-By – Lindsay Cooper	1:19
B4	1/2 The Sky Bass – Georgie BornWritten-By – Lindsay CooperWritten-By – Tim Hodgkinson	5:14

Credits

Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass – Fred Frith
Bassoon, Oboe, Soprano Saxophone, Sopranino Saxophone, Tape – Lindsay Cooper
Drums, Electronic Drums, Noises, Cover – Chris Cutler
Lacquer Cut By – GR*
Organ, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Tim Hodgkinson
Recorded By, Mixed By – Etienne Conod
Recorded By, Mixed By – Henry Cow
Trombone, Violin – Annemarie Roelofs