Onda Sonora Picks Week 7.

This week we select 5 tracks by bands who’ve played at Plan K, a legendary late 70s / early 80s club in Molenbeek led by Michel Duval and Annik Honoré which among others held the first concert by Joy Division outside of the UK. This because we have Philippe Carly in our radio show to talk about the crowdfunding he’s running to get a book printed with photos he made during those days at Plan K. Do support this essential cause.

Joy Division – She Lost Control – Factory
A Joy Division track here is essential. They played their first gig outside of their home country at a Plan K night with William Burroughs. A night which holds many (urban) legends. This was just one of the results of the tight relationship between Brussels and Manchester in those days. An influence lasting until today.

A Certain Ratio – Guess Who? – Factory Benelux
Any reason to make you listen to A Certain Ratio tracks we take with both hands. One of our favourite bands ever here with one of our absolute favourites released on Factory Benelux the Belgian sublabel of the well-known Manchester-based one which was managed by Duval and Honoré. Post-punk-jazz-funk at its best.

Cabaret Voltaire – Yashar – Factory
One of the few tracks this band released on Factory. They played on the same Burroughs night as Joy Division. Somehow we can imagine the Front 242 enjoying their live performance back in those days. Anyhow, just as the next track firmly part of our sets when we explore the darker sonic territories.

Front 242 – U-Men – New Dance
We couldn’t leave these local favourites of ours out. Still mighty relevant and fresh after all those years. Just one of the bands that originated in the early 80s in Brussels and claimed their spot in the worldwide music history books.

The Names – Floating World – Les Disques Du Crépuscule
Another local band, more in the Joy Division vain, which released a Martin Hannett produced album on Duval and Honoré’s Les Disques Du Crépuscule label which outdid Factory in many ways. Superb artwork by Benoit Hennebert.