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a New Order party!

Posted at 1:23 AM on April 29, 2007 by Mac Wilson (8 Comments)

I recently listened to virtually every song New Order has ever done. In most cases, I limited it to one version of a song (unless there was a radical different between the album mix and the single mix), which still amounted to more than 8 hours of listening to 100 songs. It really was a fun experience; I was able to track the progression of the band's sound and notice little touches I hadn't before. Certain albums (namely Technique) dropped down on my scale, and others (such as Power, Corruption & Lies) gained points in my book.

What do you think? Is this a creative use of my time, incredibly nerdy, or both? Have you ever done this with any of your favorite bands or artists? Can you imagine doing it for Dylan, or Bowie, or Robert Pollard? Next up for me: Blur.

And incidentally, here's my final ranking of the New Order albums, plus my own personal mix tape of their finest songs:

1. Low-Life
2. Waiting for the Sirens' Call
3. Get Ready
4. Power, Corruption and Lies
5. Technique
6. Brotherhood
7. Movement
8. Republic

1. "Regret"
2. "Temptation" [Substance mix]
3. "Love Vigilantes"
4. "True Faith"
5. "Age of Consent"
6. "Blue Monday"
7. "Krafty"
8. "Bizarre Love Triangle" [album version]
9. "Thieves Like Us"
10. "Sub-Culture" [album version]
11. "Perfect Kiss" [single mix]
12. "1963" [Substance version]
13. "Run"
14. "Waiting for the Sirens' Call"

Comments (8)

It's a great use of your time and it is totally nerdy. My top two are definitely Low-life and Power Corruption and Lies. They kind of move back and forth on my list. I agree that Republic is one of their weakest albums but "Regret" is one of their best tunes. "Your Silent Face" is probably my all time favorite (devestating) but Love Vigilantes, and Temptation are close behind.. 1963 has long been on my list of great songs to cover.. New Order is one of those bands that once I start talking about, all these songs keep popping into my mind. so i could go on forever. but i won't.

Posted by Wells T. | April 29, 2007 2:44 AM

[pointing from the frat house]

NERD!!!!

(I kid!)

I don't think I own any band's or artist's entire catalog to be able to do that. Maybe DeVotchKa.

I will have to say that Low Life and Power, Corruption and Lies are my top two New Order albums.

Posted by Frick | April 29, 2007 11:31 AM

That sounds like an awesome good time. Did you do this by yourself or was it truly a party? Vinyl or CD? Count me in for a Bowie or Dylan marathon listening party!

Posted by Christina Schmitt | April 30, 2007 10:23 AM

You nerd - why didn't you invite me to the party!? NO is probably my favorite band ever. I find it interesting that you put WFTSC at #2 album. I loved it, but it was generally ignored by everyone (including the Current). I also agree that Republic is their worst, but Regret is is one of their best singles ever.

I'm more of a fan of Technique than you. It's probably my favorite complete album of theirs.

Thanks for the post. It's good to know there are other nerds out there like me who love NO and love to put together music lists.

Posted by Mike C | April 30, 2007 12:32 PM

Low Life was one of the first LPs I purchased after obtaining a turntable a few months ago. Hearing it for the first time on vinyl, priceless. Love the list. I'd put Brotherhood in the top 4 though. Probably under Low-Life, but then again, I am a little old school.

Posted by Goyzilla | April 30, 2007 1:05 PM

One word for you, Mac: "Procession."

Posted by Steve Seel | April 30, 2007 2:38 PM

"Procession" is essentially a Joy Division track. It's the Hannett single that never gets much attention; maybe because it was exiled to the second disc of Substance.

I found it interesting that Steve singled out that song of all songs. Steve, when asked what your favorite Beatles song is, you're the kind of guy who says something like "Rain" or "The Inner Light", am I right?

Posted by Mac Wilson | April 30, 2007 7:45 PM

when asked what your favorite Beatles song is, you're the kind of guy who says something like "Rain" or "The Inner Light", am I right?

I can't speak for Seel, but I'm that kind of guy. Rain is my favorite. The Inner Light is 2nd.

Posted by Frick | May 1, 2007 9:10 AM

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