New Order

Movement / Power, Corruption & Lies / Low-Life / Brotherhood / Technique

BY Cam LindsayPublished Nov 22, 2008

Last year saw the first part of the story told with the films Control and Joy Division, and heard with the remastered reissues of the three Joy Division LPs. Now, New Order get their due with similar respect: remastered editions of their first five studio albums, accompanied by bonus discs filled with non-album singles, B-sides, remixes and rarities. For a band whose most popular album is a singles collection (1987's Substance), there is a treasure trove to be found in these five double-disc sets. From their humble 1981 re-emergence into the public eye as New Order with Movement to 1989's Balearic beat and ecstasy-fuelled Technique, the growth, breadth and innovation of the quartet is a truly awe-inspiring story to hear. The remasters sound full and vibrant - no longer is the boisterous "Age of Consent" flat and muted, as it was on its the initial CD pressing. But with these exquisite packages, the treat comes via the bonus discs. A lot of the content has already been released, be it on Substance or 2002's bizarrely collected Retro box, but when added to its corresponding LP makes you realize that Shep Pettibone's twelve-inch remix of "Bizarre Love Triangle" trounces the one found on Brotherhood. In addition, Peter Saville's influential artwork is enhanced with gorgeous packaging, and also flattered by revelatory liner notes filled with anecdotes by New Order themselves. A must have on all five accounts.
(Rhino/Warner)

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