Still fresh after 28 years
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In some ways it’s strange that a band that released only two studio albums and, shortly after its lead singer-lyricist committed suicide, a posthumous hit single, should even have a best of collection. But 28 years after Ian Curtis’ death and subsequent demise of Joy Division, the 14 songs collected on The Best of Joy Division remain fresh, immediate and compelling. So there’s no reason why there shouldn’t be a best of album of music by Manchester, England’s, influential Joy Division.
The disc includes the band’s hit, “Love Will Tear Us Apart,” an unusually melodic song for Joy Division that atypically features prominent use of synthesizer. The Cure and countless more ’80s bands would later use the song’s template again and again, reaping great rewards.
While “Love Will Tear Us Apart” is good, many more splendid Joy Division songs complete the disc. Opening track “Digital,” from the band’s 1979 album debut, Unknown Pleasures, is actually joyful. “Disorder,” also from the band’s debut, is perky, too, including such Joy Division hallmarks as Bernard Sumner’s jangling, melodic guitar and Stephen Morris’ hyperactive drumming. Peter Hook’s trebly, staccato bass is key to the band’s sound, too. And Martin Hannett’s production puts bass and drums high in the mix, making them essentially lead instruments.
Curtis’ demons rise in “Shadowplay,” another Unknown Pleasures track, his voice sounding deeper and older than his 23 years. “New Dawn Fades,” with its reverb treatment may be the beginning of Goth rock. In the early single, “Transmission,” Curtis chants “Dance, dance, dance, dance to the radio” as if he’s grasping for salvation.
There’s also “Dead Souls,” with its grand, anticipation-building intro and Curtis’ tortured plea, “Someone take these dreams away. They keep calling me!”
The Best of Joy Division arrives during a busy period for Joy Division projects, including last year’s reissues of the band’s first three albums and the upcoming DVD releases of the Curtis biopic, Control, and a new Joy Division documentary.
