Palatine: The Factory Story / 1979–1990 is a comprehensive box set released in 1991 that chronicles the history of the legendary Manchester-based independent label, Factory Records.
Key Details
Format: Originally released as a 4-CD or 4-LP box set, it includes a booklet detailing the label's turbulent and influential history.
The Title: Named after Palatine Road in Manchester, where the label's founder, Tony Wilson, lived and where the label was born.
The Music: The set is divided into four themed discs (as seen on the cover):
Tears in Their Eyes: Early post-punk and moody classics.
Life's A Beach: Dance-oriented tracks and the "Madchester" sound.
The Beat Groups: Pop-leaning and alternative guitar tracks.
Selling Out: Later hits and the label's commercial peak.
Featured Artists: It showcases the label's heavy hitters, including Joy Division, New Order, The Happy Mondays, The Durutti Column, and James.
This collection is highly regarded by collectors as the definitive "last word" on the label before its financial collapse in 1992