10 Bizarre Recording Techniques Used On Famous Records

Back to England for this entry, and renowned producer James Martin Hannett. A partner in the famous Factory Records label, Hannett worked with a who's-who of post-punk bands, including Durutti Column, Magazine, New Order and OMD. Hannett's commitment and drive for 'perfection' is legendary, and his sparse, cavernous sound defined the output of many of these groups.

By all accounts, Hannett put his charges through hell, demanding endless re-takes and brooking no argument. Undeniably brilliant, the producer was as inventive as he was eccentric, reportedly insisting on listening to the mix lying on the floor underneath the control desk. For Unknown Pleasures, Hannett employed several odd methods, issuing oblique demands to the players which more closely resembled zen koan puzzles than studio directions.

For rhythm tracks, Hannett had drummer Stephen Morris play only one drum at a time, so that each stroke could be recorded separately, with no bleeding between sounds. At another point, the maverick producer channelled Morris' beats through a speaker perched on a toilet in the studio's basement bathroom. Mad and infuriating though he was, Hannett clearly inspired something special from the band.