Wednesday, 23rd January 2008

Unknown pleasures of the post-punk scene

As this is the last week of my thirties, I feel entitled to indulge in a spot of pop culture nostalgia (or more than usual, at any rate). In tomorrow’s Spectator, I review Paul Morley’s masterly book on Joy Division, which I recommend to anyone who is interested in the music, ideas and social currents of the late Seventies and early Eighties. Looking back on three decades of writing about the Manchester band, Morley explains why the group, and the Factory records label pioneered by the late Tony Wilson, were so important in the history of rock and the redevelopment of the North. Absolutely terrific.

And while I am at it, the DVD of last year’s Control is out soon and is similarly indispensable (even if you don’t care much for post-punk music). Anton Corbijn’s film about Ian Curtis – the Joy Division singer who committed suicide in 1980 – is mesmerically shot in black and white, with strong performances all round led by Sam Riley as Curtis and Samantha Morton as his wife, Debbie. There are some nice extras, too, including a “Making Of” mini-documentary which reveals the lengths to which the actors went so that they could actually play the band’s songs live (a cornerstone of the film’s authenticity). Perfect viewing for a man about to turn 40. As Curtis put it in one of his songs: Is this the start of it all?

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Punishment of Luxury

January 23rd, 2008 6:15pm Report this comment

I want Atmosphere played at my Funeral. If you excuse the pun it's probably the most moving & atmospheric song ever written with Love will tear us apart a very close second. I saw New Order play a Joy Division set for Peel Day at the Queen Elizabeth Hall & when they played Atmosphere I just burst into tears I couldn't help myself & I looked & everyone else was crying. The only music that comes close to that feeling of bleak despair & anguish is the Croydon dubstep genius Burial who I would thoroughly recommend. I have seen the film & it captures the northern grimness of it all perfectly & Sam Riley gets Curtis spot on when he jerks around to Transmission I was transported back to a night at the Rainbow in Finsbury park where I had gone to see the Stranglers & Joy Division supported (two weeks later Curtis was dead) I remember nothing about the Stranglers set but Joy Division have been part of my life ever since.

Max Kaye

January 23rd, 2008 8:46pm Report this comment

It much be a generational thing. I much prefer the 'depressive' music (and poetry) of Lenny Cohen. Of course, there's the bonus that he's alive, enjoying a wonderful life with lot's of good fortune, friends and gorgeous lovers - and is still productive.