Awful as it sounds I don't think the CD had even made it out the case until this week. I bought it originally for 'Age of Consent' (which it turned out i already had) and it's been gathering dust since. Shameful.
Critics bang on about how it's one of the best albums of the '80s but after the first few listens I was going to risk the wrath if New Order purists and say its not aged well. But I've persevered...
Still reeling from the death of Ian Curtis, New Order's first album Movement still sounded like Joy Division but with added keyboards. Hardly surprising as several tracks were written before Curtis died. It's a ghostly, depressing and fragile album. POWER CORRUPTION & LIES was the turning point when New Order started to develop the own post-punk electronic dance sound. Inspired by European electro artists like Kraftwerk and Giorgio Moroder and their experiences on the New York's club scene in 1981, New Order's began to incorporate dance beats and loops into their music.
First track 'Age of Consent' picks up where Movement left off though they sound totally rejuvenated and upbeat. It's classic New Order. Principally guitar based with Peter Hooks bass leading the way with the melodies played on the high strings. It's after this that thing begin to go digital...
'We All Stand' sound like a more electronic Joy Division but without Curtis's powerful vocals there's nothing here compelling. Its just a bit dull. The production is sparse and minimal leaving Bernard Sumner's weak vocals exposed. He's no Ian Curtis, theres none of the authority needed to carry such an empty song. It seems to linger endlessly.
'5-8-6' Is the first big dance number beginning slowly before morphing into a drum loops and electro/disco track. It contains the DNA of New Orders mightiest floor-filler, Blue Monday. Also good is 'Ultraviolence' with it's menacing robotic tribal drums.
The standout track for me is the haunting 'Your Silent Face' which contains just enough of Joy Division's 'Atmosphere' but with a soft electro throb. It's similar to something you might find on the Drive soundtrack and at 6 minutes, it's still too short. Stunning.
Other than that I'm afraid there's slim pickings on this album and even after many many listens to much of it sounds too thin and tinny for me. Summers vocals sound so reedy. Sorry but it's not aged well.
Its obvious to see why it's such a revered album, it's pioneering sound combining new wave with dance must have been a shot in the arm at the time. Also given the Joy Division / New Order history there's a tendency to deify the band. POWER, CORRUPTION & LIES does have some great moments but by and large it drags on. Great Peter Saville designed sleeve though and a brilliant name for an album.
YOUR SILENT FACE
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