A Product of ... (Participation)

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Professional reviews
A Product Of...Participation

Studio album by Thompson Twins
Released	1981
Recorded	1981
Genre	Alternative, Post Punk
All Music Guide (2/5) link
Thompson Twins chronology
	A Product Of...Participation (1981)	Set (1982)

A Product of ... (Participation) is the first album recorded by the English pop group Thompson Twins. It was released in June 1981 on the "T Records" imprint, a label specifically created for Thompson Twins and distributed through the Fame/EMI label. Those only familiar with the more popular releases by Thompson Twins might be surprised that on their debut album, they were a six-piece group that did not include Alannah Currie, although she is thanked in the credits for "playing and singing" on the record. The group had a 'scruffy' image that derived from the fact that they were very poor and living in squats in London; that is, abandoned houses that had been taken over by them as somewhat of a commune.

The self-produced album had a post-punk sound that was heavily influenced by African rhythms and chants. The Thompson Twins had already garnished a strong reputation for themselves due to their acclaimed live shows, where often members of the audience were encouraged to join the band onstage and pound along with them on makeshift percussion such as hubcaps and stray pieces of metal.

All of the songs on the album were written by the band themselves, except for two ethnic traditionals, both arranged by Tom Bailey.

Critical reaction from the British press was mixed. Most saw the album as good enough, but felt that the exciting element of their live show was lost in the translation of the music into an album.