On holiday this summer I ended up listening to a lot of Yes and their musical opposites Joy Division / New Order. Recently I have acquired several of the the latter's albums in remastered form and these have also proved to be a fresh introduction into the Manchester outfit's work and development.
Firstly we have 'Movement', very much a continuation of the Joy Division style with the remaining trio struggling to find their way and still under the musical guidance of producer Martin Hannett. The album is subdued, moody with occasional glimmers of hope. In contrast, the extra disc here contains the blinding lights of a couple of stunning singles: 'Ceremony' (a JD song), 'Temptation', 'Everything's Gone Green' and the mighty 'Procession'. Where a growing interest in electronics and dance beats is revealed.
New Order - Procession
Then there was 'Blue Monday'. A new sound. A revelation. Totally unlike anything else. A defining moment in 80's music.
New Order Blue Monday
Followed by the self-produced album 'Power, Corruption and Lies'. New Order had found their feet and their direction. Synths! Drum machines! Dancefloor beats! But I could never really get to grips with this album - until now. Something about the old CD releases, they were muddy and the music was cloudy and vague. Now the sound is alive, edgy, kicking with the enthusiasm of a band reborn.
Odd details in the music are also shown up in sharp relief - like a totally out-of-tune synth/flute line about halfway through 'We All Stand' (track 2). Which contributes to that songs mood of displacement and uncertainty.
Then there is 'Low Life' a big, swaggering, confident ROCK album. New Order had finally become a major act with world tours and million-sellers.
Not bad for a bunch of scruffy lads from the Northern wastelands.
and I know I don't get them either)
