2x45

2x45 is the fifth studio album by English band Cabaret Voltaire. It was released in May 1982 through Rough Trade. This was the last studio album by the band to feature founding member Chris Watson, who had departed during its recording.

2x45
Studio album by Cabaret Voltaire
Released	May 1982
Recorded	Western Works, Sheffield, October 1981; Pluto Studios, Manchester, February 1982
Genre	Post-punk, avant-funk, industrial
Length	44:46
Label	Rough Trade
Producer	Cabaret Voltaire, Phil Bush
Cabaret Voltaire chronology
Red Mecca (1981) 2x45 (1982) Hai! (Live in Japan) (1982)

Background

The title comes from the album's original format of two 45 RPM 12" discs.

Sides A and B were recorded at Western Works, Sheffield in October 1981, while Sides C and D were recorded at Pluto Studios, Manchester in February 1982, after Watson's departure to join ITV Tyne Tees.

The track "Yashar" was later remixed as a dance record by John Robie and released as a single.

Critical reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[1]
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music	[2]
Muzik	[3]
The Rolling Stone Album Guide	[4]
Sounds	[5]
Spin Alternative Record Guide	9/10[6]
Stylus Magazine	favourable[7]
Uncut	[8]

Trouser Press found 2x45 to be a "temporary letdown" following their previous release, Red Mecca, but went on to say: "Much has been said and written about an industrial, modern-age music; Cabaret Voltaire is the only group doing it... They make perhaps the most important pop music of our time."^[9]

Track listing

Side A

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Breathe Deep"	Richard H. Kirk, Stephen Mallinder, Chris Watson	5:20
2.	"Yashar"	Kirk, Mallinder, Watson	5:10

Side B

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Protection"	Kirk, Mallinder, Watson	7:42

Side C

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"War of Nerves (T.E.S.)"	Kirk, Mallinder	5:11
2.	"Wait and Shuffle"	Kirk, Mallinder	8:10

Side D

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Get Out of My Face"	Kirk, Mallinder	13:13

Personnel

Cabaret Voltaire

• Stephen Mallinder – bass guitar, vocals, percussion on "Breathe Deep", "Yashar" and "Protection", tape on "War of Nerves (T.E.S.)", "Wait & Shuffle" and "Get Out of My Face", production
• Richard H. Kirk – guitar, saxophone, synthesizer, clarinet on "Breathe Deep", "Yashar" and "Protection", tape on "War of Nerves (T.E.S.)", "Wait & Shuffle" and "Get Out of My Face", production
• Chris Watson – organ and tape on "Breathe Deep", "Yashar" and "Protection", production

Additional personnel

• Alan Fish – drums and percussion on "Breathe Deep", "Yashar" and "Protection"
• Nort – drums and percussion on "War of Nerves (T.E.S.)", "Wait & Shuffle" and "Get Out of My Face"
• Eric Random – guitar and percussion on "War of Nerves (T.E.S.)", "Wait & Shuffle" and "Get Out of My Face"
• Neville Brody – sleeve inside artwork
• George Peckham – cutting
• Phil Bush – production and engineering on "War of Nerves (T.E.S.)", "Wait & Shuffle" and "Get Out of My Face"