What is the best The Durutti Column album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Another Setting" (1983). It's the most representative of what makes The Durutti Column worth hearing.

What are the best The Durutti Column albums?

The essential The Durutti Column albums include "The Return of the Durutti Column" (1980), "LC" (1981), "Another Setting" (1983), "Without Mercy" (1984) and "Obey the Time" (1990).

How many albums does The Durutti Column have?

The Durutti Column has 36 releases in their discography, including 32 albums and 4 EPs.

Photo: Hector.cenador · CC BY-SA 4.0

The Durutti Column

Q: Who is The Durutti Column for?

If you're into new wave and post-punk, The Durutti Column is worth your time. A delicate blend of swirling guitar lines and ambient textures creates an immersive experience marked by sustained tension and subtle shifts in dynamics.

A delicate blend of swirling guitar lines and ambient textures creates an immersive experience marked by sustained tension and subtle shifts in dynamics.

art rock · new wave · post-punk

United Kingdom Est. 1978

Read about The Durutti Column on Bookshop

Start here

The album

Another Setting album by The Durutti Column

Another Setting (1983)

Presents a cohesive blend of their signature sound with immersive textures and dynamics, making it accessible for new listeners.

The song

“Sketch for Summer” from LC

Features an immediate hook and showcases their distinctive style, serving as a strong introduction to their musical approach.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Chant" — from A Paean To Wilson (2010)

accessible entry with immediate hook
2

"Prayer" — from Another Setting (1983)

accessible entry with immediate hook
3

"Sketch for Summer" — from The Return of the Durutti Column (1980)

accessible entry with immediate hook
4

"Sketch for Dawn I" — from LC (1981)

establishes the sonic palette early
5

"Hotel of the Lake, 1990" — from Obey the Time (1990)

accessible entry with immediate hook

About The Durutti Column

The Durutti Column matters for its distinctive approach to melody and mood, carving out a space in music history that challenges the conventions of rock.

Emerging from the post-punk landscape, their sound is a serene counterpoint to the often aggressive energy of the era, inviting listeners to experience a reflective journey rather than a raucous celebration. This emphasis on atmosphere over traditional song structures has positioned them as a vital influence on artists seeking to explore emotional depth within their work. Their creative process often revolves around an improvisational spirit, blending electronic textures with acoustic instrumentation. The interplay between these elements creates compositions that feel both spontaneous and meticulously crafted, allowing room for organic growth within each piece. This innovative use of studio techniques not only redefined the boundaries of song construction but also encouraged other musicians to experiment with soundscapes rather than relying solely on lyrical content. Lyrically, The Durutti Column tends to navigate themes of introspection, love, and existential contemplation, favoring impressionistic storytelling over straightforward narratives. Their voice is imbued with a sense of longing and vulnerability, balancing irony with sincerity in a way that resonates deeply with listeners. This nuanced songwriting invites engagement while maintaining an enigmatic quality that keeps the audience returning for more.

32 studio albums· 36 total releases· 4 decades· United Kingdom