ESG’s 1981 self-titled EP

Here is ESG’s 1981 self-titled EP.

I was going through my father’s record collection in Germany when I was 19. First I saw “You’re No Good” listed on the cover and assumed it was a band covering Dee Dee Warwick’s classic. I then saw that this was produced by Martin Hannett (Joy Division, New Order) and there was a thank you to Tony Wilson (Factory Records). I put the needle onto the 12 inch record and what came out was the slowest, sludgiest, minimal, funk groove I had ever heard. I danced like some goth caveman to that first side of the vinyl, invited my friend “Cowboy” James over to get high with me and dance some more. He was as astounded as I was that we had never heard of this dirge-y kraut-y call and response incantation. After months of listening, I played it for Adam Gunther who informed me that this was an EP and meant to be played at 45rpm. I had been listening at 33 ⅓. .

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