30th Jan - New Order's Technique

Artist – Album: New Order - Technique

Released: 30^th January 1989

Sounds Like: It’s twistin’ my melon man

Manchesterrrr!

I love Manchester. I was born here, it’s my hometown and where I still live and work. I support Manchester United. My sister works at the M.E.N. And, phwoarr, Manchester music. Five great Manchester bands: Joy Division, New Order, The Smiths, The Stone Roses, Oasis. We might not have The Beatles, but there is an incredible musical heritage here.

New Order are the link between them all. Formed from the ashes of Joy Division following lead singer Ian Curtis’ tragic suicide, they were the flagship band of Factory records and were regulars at the legendary Hacienda nightclub. They famously headlined a festival at the G-Mex with The Smiths, The Fall and A Certain Ratio in the mid-eighties. Their more indie rock moments made a lasting impression on thousands of start up guitar bands, and the mix with synth-y dance numbers was way ahead of his time. If they weren’t direct influences on Madchester groups like The Stone Roses or the later Oasis, they certainly made it easier for people to take these guys seriously.

They actually shipped away from the rainy UK to record this gem, heading to the party island of Ibiza to sample the holiday weather and Balearic beats. ‘Fine Time’ and ‘Vanishing Point’ are full on dance tracks, whereas songs like ‘Run’ bring sunshine melodies to their alternative rock sound. The album is arguably their finest, a UK number 1 that also garnered high critical praise. Enjoy it.

Albumaday... rating: 7/10

1.       Fine Time – 4:42

2.       All the Way – 3:22

3.       Love Less – 2:58

4.       Round & Round – 4:29

5.       Guilty Partner – 4:44

6.       Run – 4:29

7.       Mr. Disco – 4:20

8.       Vanishing Point – 5:15

9.       Dream Attack – 5:13

Listen to ‘Run’: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRDk8p0N__k

Also released on the 30^th January:

1995: Leftfield – Leftism

Also released on the 30^th January:

1968: The Velvet Underground – White Light/White Heat

Also released on the 30^th January:

2008 – Lykke Li – Youth Novel