For Paul S and George S who introduced me to this one.
Back in 1979 when disco was at its peak, New Wave music became the next wave. Co opting punk music with commercial sounds like disco, new wave quickly created new heroes for me like The Cure (especially 10:15 Saturday Night), Blondie, Elvis Costello and a raft of one single bands that have escaped my memory, but one stands out miles ahead of all of those, and it is Joy Division.
First coming together as Warsaw in Manchester, England, charter members Ian Curtis (vocals), Bernard Sumner (guitar/keys), Stephen Morris (drums) and Peter Hook (bass) began jamming together. Their sound evolved and their unique take influenced the popularity of the post punk movement. By the time they released their first EP, "An Ideal For Living" the band was known as Joy Division.
That release got them a UK label deal with Factory Records headed by Tony Wilson in 1979. Their debut LP "Unknown Pleasures" was a critical and gold success in the UK. As the band's popularity expanded, it took a toll on the emotional well being of singer Ian Curtis. The lyrics of "Love Will Tear Us Apart" seem to send up those of "Love Will Keep Us Together" by Captain & Tennille, a wry reflection of the darker side of love and insight to Ian's state of mind at the time.
Curtis was a diagnosed epileptic and the surprises of that burden seemed to amplify his feelings of depression. Coupled with the related psychological pain he felt about the impending failure of his marriage, he began to slowly unravel during the recording of their second LP "Closer". Just as that production was readied for release, Curtis took his own life on May 18, 1980.
Posthumously released in June, 1980 and not included on the LP, the single "Love Will Tear Us Apart" was released in the UK and featured his plaintive baritone voice with lyrics that expressed alienation and loss over a joyously energetic produced music track that peaked at #42 disco in the US.
Ian's wife, Deborah had the words "Love Will Tear Us Apart" inscribed on his headstone.
The remaining members carried on as The No Names for a short time until they decided on New Order in 1980 and then carved out a successful career in the clubs for the rest of the 80's and 90's with their electronically charged dance beats. I got my paws on the music stems of the original recording and put this version together, as it was never long enough for me. Its a no frills tune so I did not sweeten it at all, just moved the levels around to keep it moving and have you hear more of the details that this song was hiding.
Ещё видео!