Joy Division-“New Dawn Fades” & Interpol-“Leif Erikson”

Joy Division

Joy Division formed in Greater Manchester in 1976. In the beginning Joy Division referred to themselves as a “Punk” band, but by the time their debut album “Unknown Pleasures” was released in 1979, they’d developed a sound that was extraordinarily groundbreaking.

Joy Division’s sound, at the time, was described as “doom laden,” and there is certainly a sense of foreboding and tension in their music. (An almost intentional restraint).

Ian Curtis’ lyrics centered a great deal on death and isolation, and when coupled with the “Lead Bass” playing style of Peter Hook, the muted guitar of Bernard Sumner and the almost Metronomic drumming of Stephen Morris, Joy Division’s music went down a path not yet traveled.

Considered one of the first bands in the “Post Punk,” era Joy Division’s influence, not unlike Captain Beefheart’s, is almost immeasurable. In fact, “Unknown Pleasures” is said to not only be one of the best albums ever recorded, but one of the most influential as well. (Joy Division is credited with building the foundation for “Goth.” Christ!!! Dorks with “Beetlejuice” tattoos!!!!!)

Unfortunately, Joy Division never had an opportunity to really expand their sound to the fullest. In 1979, Ian Curtis was diagnosed with Epilepsy, and the illness severely impacted not only his life, but Joy Division’s ability to record and play music. (Curtis, it’s reported, often had seizures on stage including “tonic-clonic” seizures, and the band was forced to cancel numerous shows to allow him time to recover).

On May 18, 1980, after watching the “New Wave” movie “Stroszek” (A film about a street singer who commits suicide) Ian Curtis hanged himself in the kitchen of his home.

Joy Division only recorded two albums: “Unknown Pleasures” and “Closer.” Several albums, comprised of unreleased material, were issued after Curtis’ death.

“New Dawn Fades”

MrBlue006

 

Interpol

I included a video by Interpol to demonstrate the influence Joy Division has to this day. Interpol’s “Turn on the Bright Lights” was recorded over 20 years after “Unknown Pleasures,” but if you listen you can hear Joy Division in their sound.

“Leif Erikson”

Live Morning Show

 

~ by fairlane on August 15, 2007.