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 is one of my all time favorite bands. I remember getting into them because of Nine Inch Nails and their cover of “Dead Souls” which appeared on The Crow soundtrack (quite possibly the best soundtrack of all time, Top 5 for sure). Obviously, seeing Joy Division live is out of the question but, thankfully we do have Peter Hook and his band The Light, to carry the torch for the legacy of Joy Division. A couple years back I went to see Peter and The Light do a set of Joy Division songs and New Order songs and it was superb. Now, in 2022, Peter Hook and The Light are bringing out both Joy Division albums (Unknown Pleasures and Closer) to play in their entirety along with a few other choice JD cuts. The tour is a massive cross cross-continental journey, taking them across the United States and Canada in August and September 2022. At some twenty-six dates overall, the tour takes place across five weeks as the band return to some venues and debut at others to perform Joy Division’s seminal two albums Unknown Pleasures and Closer in full with additional Joy Division rarities and an opening set of New Order material. The tour follows the debut UK dates for “Joy Division: A Celebration” which commemorate the 40th anniversary of Joy Division and Ian Curtis’ continuing influence.
This live version of “Love Will Tear Us Apart” is pretty stellar. That signature sound of Peter Hook’s bass drives the song and his vocals are in line with how Ian Curtis sang them originally. What’s also pretty cool too is that Peter’s song Jack (who also plays bass for The Smashing Pumpkins) joins him on stage and the baton is sort of passed over to Jack.
Peter Hook & The Light- Love Will Tear Us Apart (Live at O2 Apollo, Manchester – 7/29/22):
Peter Hook & The Light Play Joy Division Tour Dates:
Joy Division are one of those bands with such a short history but with a legacy and impact that has truly become legendary. Each time I go and listen to this band, I’m always pulled in and find myself becoming more and more intrigued by little nuances and other parts of songs. This captivation has led to countless conversations with others about all sorts of subjects on the band. One of the things I love to discuss with people is the first songs on Unknown Pleasures and Closer and which one is more impactful. To me it has to be “Disorder.” The lyrics of this track are quite introspective and poetic. The music sets a tone for the darkness and yet at moments shines a light in opportune moments throughout.
One of my favorite things to do when I love a band so much is to delve into what influenced them. Throughout the years of my obsession with Nine Inch Nails, I read that Joy Division was a huge influence on Trent Reznor. So years ago I went out and bought all the Joy Division albums and listened to them over and over, realizing why Trent loved them so much. Which now brings me to todays topic, which Joy Division album is better, Unknown Pleasures or Closer.
Unknown Pleasures was released in June of 1979. Interestingly no singles were released from the album. This album is considered one of the most influential albums in the post-punk movement. There are so many great songs on this album from “Day Of The Lords,” “New Dawn Fades,” Shadowplay,” and “She’s Lost Control.” There is something beautiful and haunting about this album. The desperation of Ian Curtis’s voice, is so dyer and urgent that it makes the music even more driving. I can’t forget about the cover art, which is such a seminal part of music history. It’s kind of sad that hipsters have hijacked the cover and made put it on all their urban outfitters clothing.
Closer was released in July 1980. This album took a darker approach and instilled a more gothic feel to it. This was a giant step in the creativity and songwriting of Joy Division. there are lots of critics out there that claim Closer to be the bands masterpiece. Ian Curtis had committed suicide two months prior to the release of Closer. The songs on this album really delved deeper into Ian’s problems with depression and seizures. “Atrocity Exhibition,” “Passover,” Twenty Four Hours,” “Heart and Soul,” really show the progress the band had made since their debut.
It’s really hard for me to pick a favorite, but If I had to I’d go with Unknown Pleasures. There is something about that album that really strikes a chord with me. There is a wonderful influence of The Velvet Underground and The Doors that rings throughout the album. I also love the production of it. Closer is more in line with what New Order would go on to do. I enjoy New Order, but I love Joy Division.
Today marks the 35th anniversary of Ian Curtis of Joy Division’s passing. During his very brief career, he left a lasting effect on the music landscape and influenced countless bands and artists over the years. So in tribute to Ian, here are my favorite covers of Joy Division songs and the albums themselves.
Nine Inch Nails- Dead Souls:
Bush- In A Lonely Place:
The Killers- Shadowplay: This also the best thing this band has ever and will ever do.
AUDIOECLECTICA 