In Memoriam

Thirty-one years ago today, Ian Curtis killed himself. I'm not a devout Joy Division fan at all - I admire them of course, and I don't think you can call yourself Mancunian without knowing at least some of the words to Love Will Tear Us Apart - but there's no denying they were a brilliant band.

And yes - until not very long ago, Love Will Tear Us Apart was the only song of theirs I knew. For the similarly uninitiated, here's a list of my favourite Joy Division tracks:

She's Lost Control. When I first heard this one, I was underwhelmed. Then I pressed replay. And then I pressed it again. And again. And again....so on and so forth until it became one of my favourites.

Digital. Another one that creeps up on you. But if by this time tomorrow you haven't found yourself murmuring "Day in! Day out! Day in! Day out! Day in! Day out!", I don't think you can be human.

Transmission. The intro is fantastic. 'Nuff said.

Disorder. Their best, in my opinion. I mean, come on! Have you heard that bass line? Plus, it's a really good one to yell along with.

And if you haven't already, go rent Control from the library or somewhere. I watched it a couple of months ago and it's one of those films where, even though you know how it's going to end, it still manages to make you cry. It's beautifully shot too, and Sam Riley is fantastic as Curtis.

Mollx

P.S. The original obituary. A very nice piece. http://www.nme.com/blog/index.php?blog=10&p=8469&title=paul_morley_on_ian_curtis_the_myth_gets_&more=1&c=1

Song Of The Week

I have two songs of the week today! Oh, I am spoiling you. Aren't I? Whaddya mean, no?

First. I felt sick when I first heard this, and it's the most immediate of the songs from the album, A Collection of Songs Written and Recorded 1995-1997. It's pretty good when you realise it was recorded on a 4-track in his basement when he was about 16. Bright Eyes, Falling Out Of Love At This Volume.

Second. I wasn't sure about this band at first, but the amazing bass lines pretty much sold it. Joy Division, Disorder.

Album of the Second: Basically a rarities collection released after his suicide. As such, it's pretty poignant - Elliott Smith, New Moon.

Mollx

Song Of The Week

Hi!

This weeks SOTW is by a band called Big Dipper, and is from Supercluster: The Big Dipper Anthology although I got it from the MOJO Roots of Nirvana CD. Big Dipper, You're Not Patsy

The AOTS this second is 'Symphonic Music of the Rolling Stones' (Dad's Choice) . I like the Stones, but orchestral versions? I am yet to be impressed. However, I've got a new Elliott Smith CD and a new Joy Division CD so if it starts getting on my wick I can always chuck my headphones on!

Mollx