Photograph
The Change
Cargo Recording Studios
1979

“It was after hearing the "Birdy Song" that Factory sent Joy Division into Cargo with Martin Hannett believing that only Hannett could give JD that true "Birdy" feel, you can hear it on "Atmosphere" but probably more famously on Durrutti Column "Sketch for Summer"
Mark E Smith & the Fall recorded in Cargo, Mark was adament that I gave him the full Birdy Song sound treatment and I think we acheived that for him.

Seriously the Birdy Song wasn't recorded at Cargo and if it had been I think I would have kept very quiet about it. John Brierley”

“ha ha...nice one john you had me going for a second there..i was starting to hear mark e smith in my head going "i'm only a poor little sparrow" in his own dulcet tones....glad to be proved wrong, glad you have a sense of humour and glad you would have kept it quiet...awfull song.

leaves one question...where the hell did i get that from..we did visit a couple of other studio's before coming to yours so maybe there ?? was it recorded in the north west ?? or have i made it up ??.....answers on a postcard to....”

“Hi Foz,
Don't know if you know but I've put a website about Cargo on line. If you want to take a look it's at www.cargostudios.co.uk
If I could have your permission it would be nice to add your photos. jb. john@cargostudios.co.uk”

“hi john - i've linked to your site in the biog. best. mat.”

“hi john...of course you may have any pictures i have from cargo....consider them sent.”

“Hi Foz,
Don't know if you've had a look at the Cargo studios website, but there's a myths section, it would be good to add the above story, would that be ok with you?
From the recesses of my mind I seem to recall that Smile Studios out at Chorlton recorded "the Birdy Song", it was, I think, their one claim to fame, if fame is the right word. Did you ever call in at their place?”

“allright john..
had a good look round cargo site and have seen the myths section..you may of course use the birdy song myth....dont know if we visited smile but it is possible as it was a long time ago when we was very young, and with the lifstyle i've led it's a wonder i can remember anything...e mail'd the pics i have to you at the address you left..hope they reached you..if not give us a shout.

keep up the good work john,,,,,,,,,,,,best wishes foz.”

“Foz, I can't find your e-mail address, can you send it over got something that may interest you,
john@cargostudios.co.uk”

“allright john.....dont know what happend with the mail i sent you but here's my address.... ( you got it now) ..if there is any more cyber gremlins then drop a msg here cos they allways get to me.
ps....i'm intrigued.”