Bernard Sumner

END OF ALBUM SONGS: JOY DIVISION- DECADES

Well today Joy Division was again nominated for the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame. Why they have not been inducted yet is beyond me. We all know how messed up the voting is as well as the ones that get in. Joy Division is without a doubt one of the most influential bands of the last 40 plus years. Which brings me to today’s article. The song “Decades,” the closing song off of their other masterpiece, Closer. Each time I listen to this album and when I get to this song, I’m compelled to repeat it at least four times. The eerie vibe mixed with the synths create a lush soundscape to go along with what would become “goth rock” is astounding. You can hear on this album especially the back half of it where the band was heading. Here’s to Joy Division finally getting their due!

Joy Division- Decades:

END OF ALBUM SONGS: JOY DIVISION- I REMEMBER NOTHING

No matter how many times I’ve listened to Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures, I always find something new to love about it. For a long time I’ve been really getting into all the sounds and instruments they used on this album and live. Which brings me to today’s article. The final song on Unknown Pleasures, “I Remember Nothing.” This song, is truly remarkable. The dissonance and space throughout the whole song is stunning. From the way the drums and bass are so subtle yet at the same time, chilling. Then you add in the vocals and the delivery and how that sits like a cloud. The use of synthesizers on here is stark but poignant. And then you add in the added effects of smashing bottles in such a timely manner that, it in an eerie way almost “brightens” the mood. Call me crazy but, there’s something really intense about all this. Without a doubt, Unknown Pleasures is an absolute perfect album. It’s in my top 25 of all time and it’s not leaving there ever!

Joy Division- I Remember Nothing:

Alternate Versions: New Order- Senses (Cargo Demo)

Over the past couple days, I went on a bit of a Joy Division/New Order binge. It’s truly amazing how many bands have been influenced/inspired by these two bands. New Order’s debut album Movement, is one of those albums that is truly special. It’s part continuation of where Joy Division left off but, there’s new ground being explored in a subtle manner that will eventually lead to where New Order wound up. One of the songs off of this album that stands out in a really great way is “Senses.” One of my best friends loves this song so, I thought I’d dig up an alternate version of it and see if you can tell the difference between the two.

New Order- Sense (Cargo Demo):

New Order- Senses (Album Version):