Second Annual Report Of Throbbing Gristle CD

Throbbing Gristle: Genesis P-Orridge (vocals, violin, bass); Cosey Fanni Tutti (guitar); Peter "Sleazy" Cristopherson (trumpet); Chris Carter (keyboards).
Includes liner notes by Genesis P-Orridge and Cosey Fanni Tutti.
Personnel: Genesis P-Orridge (vocals, guitar, violin, clarinet); Cosey Fanni Tutti (vocals, guitar); Peter Christopherson (trumpet); Chris Carter (keyboards).
Audio Mixer: Chris Carter.
Liner Note Authors: Genesis P-Orridge; Cosey Fanni Tutti.
Recording information: Brighton (09/03/1977); Rat Club (09/03/1977); Southampton (09/03/1977).
Photographers: Chris Carter; Cosey Fanni Tutti.
Unknown Contributor Role: Peter Christopherson.
A proper debut of sorts, Second Annual Report includes several versions each (some live) of early Throbbing Gristle standards like "Slug Bait" and "Maggot Death," as well as an "Industrial Introduction" and the soundtrack work "After Cease to Exist." The music is relentless, grinding distortion, only occasionally leavened by vocal samples and percussion. ~ John Bush
Throbbing Gristle's first album--the "second" refers to it coming out at the end of their second year together--must have sounded like it came from another planet upon its 1977 release. Later industrial bands arguably introduced too much "normal" musical content, but very little about SECOND ANNUAL REPORT could be called normal.
From its deadpan sleeve to the peculiar choice of structuring the album with three live versions of the horrific "Slug Bait" (including a wonderful clip of a DJ screaming at the audience after a Throbbing Gristle gig) and four of the more straightforward "Maggot Death," it's a startling document. This reissue also includes the lengthy improvisation "After Cease to Exist," and both sides of the brilliant and subversive "United/Zyklon B Zombie" single, Throbbing Gristle's finest moment. Simply essential.Mojo (Publisher) (p.48) - Ranked #41 in Mojo's "The 50 Most Out There Albums Of All Time" - "TG's extraordinary debut is anti-music at its dissident best."