2x45 is the fifth studio album by English band Cabaret Voltaire. It was released in May 1982 through Rough Trade. This was the last studio album by the band to feature founding member Chris Watson, who had departed during its recording.

2x45
Studio album by
ReleasedMay 1982
RecordedWestern Works, Sheffield, October 1981; Pluto Studios, Manchester, February 1982
GenrePost-punk, avant-funk, industrial
Length44:46
LabelRough Trade
ProducerCabaret Voltaire, Phil Bush
Cabaret Voltaire chronology
Red Mecca
(1981)
2x45
(1982)
Hai! (Live in Japan)
(1982)

Background

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The title comes from the album's original format of two 45 RPM 12" discs.

Sides A and B were recorded at Western Works, Sheffield in October 1981, while Sides C and D were recorded at Pluto Studios, Manchester in February 1982, after Watson's departure to join ITV Tyne Tees.

The track "Yashar" was later remixed as a dance record by John Robie and released as a single.

Critical reception

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Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic     [1]
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music     [2]
Muzik     [3]
The Rolling Stone Album Guide     [4]
Sounds     [5]
Spin Alternative Record Guide9/10[6]
Stylus Magazinefavourable[7]
Uncut     [8]

Trouser Press found 2x45 to be a "temporary letdown" following their previous release, Red Mecca, but went on to say: "Much has been said and written about an industrial, modern-age music; Cabaret Voltaire is the only group doing it... They make perhaps the most important pop music of our time."[9]

Track listing

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Side A
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Breathe Deep"Richard H. Kirk, Stephen Mallinder, Chris Watson5:20
2."Yashar"Kirk, Mallinder, Watson5:10
Side B
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Protection"Kirk, Mallinder, Watson7:42
Side C
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."War of Nerves (T.E.S.)"Kirk, Mallinder5:11
2."Wait and Shuffle"Kirk, Mallinder8:10
Side D
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Get Out of My Face"Kirk, Mallinder13:13

Personnel

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Cabaret Voltaire
  • Stephen Mallinder – bass guitar, vocals, percussion on "Breathe Deep", "Yashar" and "Protection", tape on "War of Nerves (T.E.S.)", "Wait & Shuffle" and "Get Out of My Face", production
  • Richard H. Kirk – guitar, saxophone, synthesizer, clarinet on "Breathe Deep", "Yashar" and "Protection", tape on "War of Nerves (T.E.S.)", "Wait & Shuffle" and "Get Out of My Face", production
  • Chris Watson – organ and tape on "Breathe Deep", "Yashar" and "Protection", production
Additional personnel
  • Alan Fish – drums and percussion on "Breathe Deep", "Yashar" and "Protection"
  • Nort – drums and percussion on "War of Nerves (T.E.S.)", "Wait & Shuffle" and "Get Out of My Face"
  • Eric Random – guitar and percussion on "War of Nerves (T.E.S.)", "Wait & Shuffle" and "Get Out of My Face"
  • Neville Brody – sleeve inside artwork
  • George Peckham – cutting
  • Phil Bush – production and engineering on "War of Nerves (T.E.S.)", "Wait & Shuffle" and "Get Out of My Face"

References

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  1. ^ Raggett, Ned. "2x45 – Cabaret Voltaire : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards : AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 28 January 2013.
  2. ^ Larkin, Colin (27 May 2011). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Omnibus Press. ISBN 9780857125958. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  3. ^ Bell, Duncan (June 2003). "Cabaret Voltaire: Mix Up / Voice of America / Red Mecca / 2x45". Muzik. No. 97. p. 79.
  4. ^ Considine, J. D. (2004). "Cabaret Voltaire". In Brackett, Nathan; Hoard, Christian (eds.). The New Rolling Stone Album Guide (4th ed.). Simon & Schuster. pp. 128–29. ISBN 0-7432-0169-8.
  5. ^ "Cabaret Voltaire: 2x45". Sounds. 5 June 1982. p. 39.
  6. ^ Sinker, Mark (1995). "Cabaret Voltaire". In Weisbard, Eric; Marks, Craig (eds.). Spin Alternative Record Guide. Vintage Books. pp. 67–68. ISBN 0-679-75574-8.
  7. ^ Smith, Chris. "Cabaret Voltaire – 2x45 – On Second Thought – Stylus Magazine". Stylus Magazine. Retrieved 28 January 2013.
  8. ^ Carlin, Marcello (February 2003). "Doom with a view". Uncut. No. 69. p. 93.
  9. ^ Ross, Alec (January 1983). "Cabaret Voltaire: 2 x 45" (PDF). Trouser Press. 9 (11). New York, NY: Ira A. Robbins: 50.
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