Probably one of my favourite aspects of Joy Division are Ian Curtis’ lyrics. So pained, surreal, and vivid, you can just picture exactly what he is saying. I still find them extremely relatable and powerful to this day.
Was lucky enough to see them as a support act at a small club in London in 1978. Was standing 15 foot or so from Ian Curtis who was a low stage. They only did around 6 tracks,but it was spellbinding to watch him in full flight.
It's interesting to hear you say it recalls Pink Floyd. That would have been absolute sacrilege during the time - the punks HATED Floyd. But you're kinda right. It was an album that gave punk an atmospheric, almost psychedelic twist. Interesting to hear a fresh perspective from someone your age. BTW you have insanely beautiful eyes.
I have always hated Pink Floyd as well and I was working for a music company and copped plenty of flack for saying it..Brick in the Walk is ok the rest seems too overblown kind of corny I get they are highly skilled musicians though but...
She’s Lost Control has one of the best lyrical backstories. Frontman Ian Curtis is singing about how he once witnessed a girl having an epileptic seizure, and after he was diagnosed with epilepsy how he fears for his fate. He would frequently have seizures during live performances, which (along with the other depressing stuff that was going on is his life that led to his suicide 1 year later) definitely took a toll on the band
He also later called in to see how the lady was going at the job he helped her get as he worked at an employment centre with disabled people and she was one of his clients and found out she had choked on her tounge and died during a fit
favourite album of all time. martin hannett’s spacey production is revolutionary and the defeated nature of ian curtis’s vocals is harrowing and cathartic, especially with the hindsight of his death a year later, which should be looked upon as a huge part of the context of the lyrics on the album with many songs referring to his depression and trouble with epilepsy (she’s lost control is about a woman curtis met who died after suffering from seizures - a fate curtis was terrified of meeting.) these themes are also shown on the subsequent album closer, another fantastic album
Just as punk was beginning to take its stride, Joy Division was already breaking it down with this pitch black monolith of an album. The production pioneered post-punk and industrial sounds with field recordings and even an aerosol can used as a one of the percussives on she's lost control, a song which Ian reflects on his own mortality being recently diagnosed with epilepsy and seeing a women he knew die of the condition. New Order is definitely worth listening to and became legendary on their own accord this time pioneering sounds in synth pop/new wave. Joy division put out another album after Unknown Pleasures called Closer which some people actually consider the better of the two albums.
Joy Division were a one off, epic band. This album is arguably their very best and owes its fantastic sound to the legendary Martin Hannett who was this album's producer. Check out the film 'Closer'. All about Hannett and the band.
I think Wire did kinda lean towards post-punk a little bit before Joy Division, even though "Unknown Pleasures" was definitely the turning point, I just don't think they invented it
Not true btw, Post-Punk developed alongside Punk Rock in the late 70s, notably in 77 ‘Never Mind the Bollocks’ was released as well as Television’s ‘Marquee Moon’ arguably the first Post-Punk album. Even earlier in 75 and 76, the band Pere Ubu would release the singles 30 Seconds Over Tokyo and Final Solution which straight up are Post-Punk Point being, Post-Punk existed way before 1979 and way before Unknown Pleasures, see: Wire Television Chrome Pere Ubu The Contortions Devo Mars D.N.A. Tuxedomoon Talking Heads Magazine XTC Ultravox! Alternative TV The Fall Public Image Ltd. The Durutti Column The Pop Group There are even some early Industrial acts that fused the genre with Post-Punk, see: Cabaret Voltaire Clock DVA Come (basically proto-Whitehouse)
Thanks, man, great reaction. I discovered "Blue Monday" by New Order in 1983, before ever listening o Joy Division. Back then I was a teenager and the music of The Smiths dominatad my world. However, listening to both of their albums in '84, I got to love JD, both because of their tragedy, but most of all their lyrics combined with their unique sound. Still my favoute band today..
Well young man it was a pleasure to see you succeed to connect to this pure jewel album of the greatest New Wave band of my own youth. you did the Trip! ;)
For the short amount of time Joy Division we’re active they sure made a hell of an impact in British music. Devastating story about Ian Curtis but his art will always live on.
Nice reaction. Check out their album Closer - equally as good. As far as New Order, check out Movement (it’s basically almost like Joy Division but with Bernard singing most tracks). You’d dig it.
Was it a coincidence that you decided to do Joy Division so soon after doing Atrocity Exhibition? Atrocity Exhibition is the name of the first song off of Closer if you didn't know. Speaking of rappers who love Joy Division, you should give Summertime '06 by Vince Staples a listen if you haven't heard it. The cover art is a reference to Unknown Pleasures and the comparisons don't end there.
“Unknown Pleasures” and “Closer” constitute a pair of albums that represent, to my mind, a rougher, more energetic and driving version of a sound, followed by a thorough exploration of the territories opened up by the first. In this respect I’d compare them to another pair, My Bloody Valentine’s “Isn’t Anything” and “Loveless.” For some fascinating reading about these two, I’d recommend two books in the 33 1/3 series, “Unknown Pleasures” and “Isn’t Anything.”
That album cover looked great on a TShirt. They came out at the same as the Cure. Both considered Post Punk. The Cure was Goth rock and Joy was Industrial Rock. Joy Divisions was good at putting danceable upbeat to depressing, morose lyrics . There’s a great film biography about Ian Curtis that came out not ago. He had Epilepsy and he would get frequent Seizures which probably made him commit suicide at 21. Sadly he was doomed. Then after his death, Joy became New Order and had a huge dance club hit with Blue Monday. But they are basically a one hit wonder band. RIP Ian Curtis
(tw suicide) The story behind Joy Division is quite sad. The lead singer, Ian Curtis, suffered from severe epilepsy and would sometimes have seizures on stage (the song "She's Lost Control" is actually about a woman he witnessed having a seizure while working in disability services.) He had depression and ended up taking his own life on the eve of Joy Division's first American tour, and a bit before their second album came out (as you read in the video.) I believe the band members later said they wished they had realized he was suffering sooner, as it wasn't until after his death that they noticed his lyrics were essentially a cry for help. The remaining band members ended Joy Division and formed that new band called New Order with Gillian Gilbert. Joy Division was only active for around 4 years. They were a really incredible band, and this is one of my favorite albums of all time. I'd love to hear your thoughts on their second album "Closer" as well! I would be interested in seeing you react to New Order too :]
I have both Unknown Pleasures and Closer signed by original legendary bassist Peter Hook 🪝! he signed my vinyl sleeve of Closer and cd sleeve of both Closer and Unknown Pleasures. He has done SO much for me gawd bless 'im! C
I'm glad you liked this album and yes - you definitely do have to check out New Order eventually! Power, Corruption & Lies is probably their best album, and although they have quite a few good if not great albums, their singles are where they shine, IMO. Bizarre Love Triangle and Ceremony are my favourite singles of theirs, but Blue Monday is probably their most well-known and acclaimed. If you want something that is reminiscent of Joy Division, Ceremony is a great track as it was the last song written by Ian Curtis. For something to get you into New Order's sound, you can't really go wrong with Blue Monday and Bizarre Love Triangle.
I always imagine the album was set in a kafkaesque type world, a repressive police state. The album will grow on you with repeative listening. Another classic from the same period is Waiting for a Miracle by the Comsat Angles.
For the craic, here's Moby covering New Dawn Fades, from the 1995 de Niro/Pacino/Mann movie, Heat: th-cam.com/video/4PklfXxhTo0/w-d-xo.html. I think it translates really well from Manchunian post-punk to shiny LA electro-whatever. Anyway, Unknown Pleasures is wonderful, and the poster is right; it's all about atmosphere, soundscapes and pure sound for me. But I also love when JD go all melodic and poppy; Shadowplay, Transmission, Love. A towering influence on generations of bands and musicians.
Post punk for sure. Metal? 🤣 I'll be back to add to my comment. ETA: I'm so glad it grew on you! Sometimes people hear one song by JD, usually their most popular song, Love Will Tear Us Apart, and they don't know what to make of it. I've heard people complain that it's boring/weird/badly mixed/Ian's vocals are terrible, etc. And then you have the JD fans who think the song is overrated/bad. As a JD fan, I really enjoy that song and honestly everything the band released. I understand that for many they are hard to digest for various reasons. It seems like their music either clicks with you or it doesn't. I think if your mind is open enough and you can shed your ideas about what music is "supposed to sound like/be/do" then I think you're opening yourself up to discovering and enjoying a lot more music. Definitely listen to Closer next! As far as New Order is concerned, I would start from the beginning with their first album, Movement. I find it super interesting because it was released in 81, the year after Ian died, and they were trying to find their own sound, but still clearly were influenced by their previous sound. I'm sure almost any NO fan would disagree with me, but whatever. If I'm being totally honest, I find NO to be a bit spotty in terms of their albums. I can listen to JD albums in full without skipping whereas with NO I am more likely to skip certain songs. Obviously it's all up to the individual. You've got a lot of NO fans who hate JD 🤷🏽♀️ NO has amazing music that is more like synth pop and dance music. I think you'll recognize their song Blue Monday.
i think she’s lost control mainly deals with curtis’ epilepsy, doing so through the story of a girl he saw having a seizure while still unaware of his condition. this is just what i gathered from the movie though, i have no actual evidence to back that up.
you gotta do new order at some point man. power corruption & lies and low-life are EASILY 2 of the best records of the 80s and a pretty big shift from this tonally, it'd be pretty fun to see ur reaction
@@DAVECHERI listened to the album when it was first released, yeah I am that old. But reaction videos should be accessible to those that haven't heard the album. Maybe haven't even heard of Joy Division. I realise there's a balance with copyright and fair use but too much talk and not enough music imo
Wonder what is this generation obsession with music from the 80's. technically this is late 70's. When I was this age, i wasnt listening to music from the late 30's
you should be glad instead to see a young man appreciating the music of our era. The transmission of this heritage is far more important of the little differences between his feelings and yours to this music. Learning is a process.
Be brave and take on The Cure Disintegration. Die hard fan. Also, there's a biopic of Joy Division called "Closer". So good. Especially if you're a fan- I'm getting that vibe ❤
Probably one of my favourite aspects of Joy Division are Ian Curtis’ lyrics. So pained, surreal, and vivid, you can just picture exactly what he is saying. I still find them extremely relatable and powerful to this day.
Was lucky enough to see them as a support act at a small club in London in 1978. Was standing 15 foot or so from Ian Curtis who was a low stage. They only did around 6 tracks,but it was spellbinding to watch him in full flight.
It's interesting to hear you say it recalls Pink Floyd. That would have been absolute sacrilege during the time - the punks HATED Floyd. But you're kinda right. It was an album that gave punk an atmospheric, almost psychedelic twist. Interesting to hear a fresh perspective from someone your age. BTW you have insanely beautiful eyes.
I have always hated Pink Floyd as well and I was working for a music company and copped plenty of flack for saying it..Brick in the Walk is ok the rest seems too overblown kind of corny I get they are highly skilled musicians though but...
Dude you have to react to Remain in Light by Talking Heads one of the best albums of all time! A great album to react to imo
She’s Lost Control has one of the best lyrical backstories. Frontman Ian Curtis is singing about how he once witnessed a girl having an epileptic seizure, and after he was diagnosed with epilepsy how he fears for his fate. He would frequently have seizures during live performances, which (along with the other depressing stuff that was going on is his life that led to his suicide 1 year later) definitely took a toll on the band
He also later called in to see how the lady was going at the job he helped her get as he worked at an employment centre with disabled people and she was one of his clients and found out she had choked on her tounge and died during a fit
@@oisinduggan8944Tongue 👅.
@@oisinduggan8944 of course everything is grim around this band
Wrong@@Alix777.
I'm 55 and this is till the best album ever in my mind. Thanks for your reaction, sir!
Im 45 and concur sir
favourite album of all time. martin hannett’s spacey production is revolutionary and the defeated nature of ian curtis’s vocals is harrowing and cathartic, especially with the hindsight of his death a year later, which should be looked upon as a huge part of the context of the lyrics on the album with many songs referring to his depression and trouble with epilepsy (she’s lost control is about a woman curtis met who died after suffering from seizures - a fate curtis was terrified of meeting.) these themes are also shown on the subsequent album closer, another fantastic album
Just as punk was beginning to take its stride, Joy Division was already breaking it down with this pitch black monolith of an album. The production pioneered post-punk and industrial sounds with field recordings and even an aerosol can used as a one of the percussives on she's lost control, a song which Ian reflects on his own mortality being recently diagnosed with epilepsy and seeing a women he knew die of the condition. New Order is definitely worth listening to and became legendary on their own accord this time pioneering sounds in synth pop/new wave. Joy division put out another album after Unknown Pleasures called Closer which some people actually consider the better of the two albums.
Joy Division were a one off, epic band. This album is arguably their very best and owes its fantastic sound to the legendary Martin Hannett who was this album's producer. Check out the film 'Closer'. All about Hannett and the band.
Sorry, film is called 'Control'.
It's not just post punk, that's the album that invented post punk
I think Wire did kinda lean towards post-punk a little bit before Joy Division, even though "Unknown Pleasures" was definitely the turning point, I just don't think they invented it
Not true btw, Post-Punk developed alongside Punk Rock in the late 70s, notably in 77 ‘Never Mind the Bollocks’ was released as well as Television’s ‘Marquee Moon’ arguably the first Post-Punk album. Even earlier in 75 and 76, the band Pere Ubu would release the singles 30 Seconds Over Tokyo and Final Solution which straight up are Post-Punk
Point being, Post-Punk existed way before 1979 and way before Unknown Pleasures, see:
Wire
Television
Chrome
Pere Ubu
The Contortions
Devo
Mars
D.N.A.
Tuxedomoon
Talking Heads
Magazine
XTC
Ultravox!
Alternative TV
The Fall
Public Image Ltd.
The Durutti Column
The Pop Group
There are even some early Industrial acts that fused the genre with Post-Punk, see:
Cabaret Voltaire
Clock DVA
Come (basically proto-Whitehouse)
yes Marquee Moon@@dogmanbitehurt8243
agreed....
They made relentlessly dark,eerie music,the second side of Closer is beautiful.
Ian Curtis had a wonderful Jim Morrison type croon i think.
Thanks, man, great reaction. I discovered "Blue Monday" by New Order in 1983, before ever listening o Joy Division. Back then I was a teenager and the music of The Smiths dominatad my world. However, listening to both of their albums in '84, I got to love JD, both because of their tragedy, but most of all their lyrics combined with their unique sound. Still my favoute band today..
Well young man it was a pleasure to see you succeed to connect to this pure jewel album of the greatest New Wave band of my own youth. you did the Trip! ;)
For the short amount of time Joy Division we’re active they sure made a hell of an impact in British music. Devastating story about Ian Curtis but his art will always live on.
Nice reaction. Check out their album Closer - equally as good. As far as New Order, check out Movement (it’s basically almost like Joy Division but with Bernard singing most tracks). You’d dig it.
Was it a coincidence that you decided to do Joy Division so soon after doing Atrocity Exhibition? Atrocity Exhibition is the name of the first song off of Closer if you didn't know.
Speaking of rappers who love Joy Division, you should give Summertime '06 by Vince Staples a listen if you haven't heard it. The cover art is a reference to Unknown Pleasures and the comparisons don't end there.
yeah complete coincidence lol
My favourite band, this and Closer are perfect albums. You should check out some Sonic Youth.
“Unknown Pleasures” and “Closer” constitute a pair of albums that represent, to my mind, a rougher, more energetic and driving version of a sound, followed by a thorough exploration of the territories opened up by the first. In this respect I’d compare them to another pair, My Bloody Valentine’s “Isn’t Anything” and “Loveless.” For some fascinating reading about these two, I’d recommend two books in the 33 1/3 series, “Unknown Pleasures” and “Isn’t Anything.”
That album cover looked great on a TShirt. They came out at the same as the Cure. Both considered Post Punk. The Cure was Goth rock and Joy was Industrial Rock.
Joy Divisions was good at putting danceable upbeat to depressing, morose lyrics .
There’s a great film biography about Ian Curtis that came out not ago. He had Epilepsy and he would get frequent Seizures which probably made him commit suicide at 21. Sadly he was doomed.
Then after his death, Joy became New Order and had a huge dance club hit with Blue Monday.
But they are basically a one hit wonder band.
RIP Ian Curtis
Lol. New order a one hit wonder? You don’t know them very well do you..
@@force7773 That’s the only song of theirs I like so it’s enough for me.
Please please please do disintegration by the cure, my personal favorite album of all time
As a Joy Division fan for over 35 years, you actually inspired me to go back and listen again with a different perspective. Thanks, well done.
(tw suicide) The story behind Joy Division is quite sad. The lead singer, Ian Curtis, suffered from severe epilepsy and would sometimes have seizures on stage (the song "She's Lost Control" is actually about a woman he witnessed having a seizure while working in disability services.) He had depression and ended up taking his own life on the eve of Joy Division's first American tour, and a bit before their second album came out (as you read in the video.) I believe the band members later said they wished they had realized he was suffering sooner, as it wasn't until after his death that they noticed his lyrics were essentially a cry for help. The remaining band members ended Joy Division and formed that new band called New Order with Gillian Gilbert. Joy Division was only active for around 4 years.
They were a really incredible band, and this is one of my favorite albums of all time. I'd love to hear your thoughts on their second album "Closer" as well! I would be interested in seeing you react to New Order too :]
damn that's super depressing. definitely will consider doing a reaction to "closer"
I have both Unknown Pleasures and Closer signed by original legendary bassist Peter Hook 🪝! he signed my vinyl sleeve of Closer and cd sleeve of both Closer and Unknown Pleasures. He has done SO much for me gawd bless 'im!
C
Thanks for the upload Mr. "Dave", if that even is your name
I'm glad you liked this album and yes - you definitely do have to check out New Order eventually! Power, Corruption & Lies is probably their best album, and although they have quite a few good if not great albums, their singles are where they shine, IMO. Bizarre Love Triangle and Ceremony are my favourite singles of theirs, but Blue Monday is probably their most well-known and acclaimed.
If you want something that is reminiscent of Joy Division, Ceremony is a great track as it was the last song written by Ian Curtis. For something to get you into New Order's sound, you can't really go wrong with Blue Monday and Bizarre Love Triangle.
Great recommendations. Ceremony is my favourite song by them.
@@reishin6 Yeah, it's great, isn't it? It's one I don't think I'll ever be tired of, really.
Power Corruption and Lies is a great New Order album. Youll love it and Closer the final JD album more darker and experimental
imagine what it was like for us back in 79 as 16 year olds
I always imagine the album was set in a kafkaesque type world, a repressive police state. The album will grow on you with repeative listening. Another classic from the same period is Waiting for a Miracle by the Comsat Angles.
Kudos to you kid for checking out JD. Greatest band ever. Find a Peter Hook concert ASAP and get there.
Great reaction. Very honest.
Joy Division ➗️ are legendary.
React to their second album "Closer" such a masterpiece, way better than the first one imo
Insight is my favorite...such a ghostly track
At eight mins you say i wonder what made them put the Dew Dew sound in,
I would say a combo of Martin Hannet's pure genius and good smack 😜
For the craic, here's Moby covering New Dawn Fades, from the 1995 de Niro/Pacino/Mann movie, Heat: th-cam.com/video/4PklfXxhTo0/w-d-xo.html. I think it translates really well from Manchunian post-punk to shiny LA electro-whatever. Anyway, Unknown Pleasures is wonderful, and the poster is right; it's all about atmosphere, soundscapes and pure sound for me. But I also love when JD go all melodic and poppy; Shadowplay, Transmission, Love. A towering influence on generations of bands and musicians.
He listened to me, I'm so glad he liked it. kisses from Brazil.
Post punk for sure. Metal? 🤣 I'll be back to add to my comment.
ETA: I'm so glad it grew on you! Sometimes people hear one song by JD, usually their most popular song, Love Will Tear Us Apart, and they don't know what to make of it. I've heard people complain that it's boring/weird/badly mixed/Ian's vocals are terrible, etc. And then you have the JD fans who think the song is overrated/bad. As a JD fan, I really enjoy that song and honestly everything the band released. I understand that for many they are hard to digest for various reasons. It seems like their music either clicks with you or it doesn't. I think if your mind is open enough and you can shed your ideas about what music is "supposed to sound like/be/do" then I think you're opening yourself up to discovering and enjoying a lot more music. Definitely listen to Closer next!
As far as New Order is concerned, I would start from the beginning with their first album, Movement. I find it super interesting because it was released in 81, the year after Ian died, and they were trying to find their own sound, but still clearly were influenced by their previous sound. I'm sure almost any NO fan would disagree with me, but whatever. If I'm being totally honest, I find NO to be a bit spotty in terms of their albums. I can listen to JD albums in full without skipping whereas with NO I am more likely to skip certain songs. Obviously it's all up to the individual. You've got a lot of NO fans who hate JD 🤷🏽♀️ NO has amazing music that is more like synth pop and dance music. I think you'll recognize their song Blue Monday.
Mf was in the middle of writing a comment and just 🚶♂️
@@megatron4466 🤣 A girl has to eat!
this album is Gold!. Nice video. What app did you use for create the effect in your profile pic?. Best regards.
i think she’s lost control mainly deals with curtis’ epilepsy, doing so through the story of a girl he saw having a seizure while still unaware of his condition. this is just what i gathered from the movie though, i have no actual evidence to back that up.
Please listen to their second album! It was released posthumously after Ian Curtis’ death and it’s as good as this one
Musically much better but still love Unknown more.
Day of the Lords is so Gothy I love it so much
JDs ode to the Doors
I think you ll enjoy closer and new order albums (first 4)
Closer
You should check out The Damned :D
You can thank Martin Hannett for the sound ;)
Masterpiece of an album .
This is the best... FML. I can't sleep music. I
REDLORRYYELLOWLORRYTALKABOUTTHEWEATHER!🖤
Interesting that you mention M. Gira. He certainly was influenced by Joy Division.
It's funny to me that at first he wishes the vox were mixed a bit louder - I've always wished they were mixed a bit quieter.
best band ever by far.
Great reaction, could please react to Seventeen Seconds or Faith album by The Cure, these r in the same vain
Please do Closer their sophomore
You are young so that is true. Delve into Joy Division and New Order. You will be better for it.
you gotta do new order at some point man. power corruption & lies and low-life are EASILY 2 of the best records of the 80s and a pretty big shift from this tonally, it'd be pretty fun to see ur reaction
You should react to The Verve and Arctic Monkeys
Check out Head Injuries - Midnight Oil surf punk rock
The producer of that album was off his head on drugs.
shirt album cover
Yeah War within Him...😢
Listen to Warsaw same singer
...was the start of All... pos-punk and Gothic Music including Industrial
Why the hard edits?
I own the japanese box set. Sorry I just had to gloat.
If you like JD on first listen, you don't really like them.
Na mate, too many interruptions. We need to hear it too.
if you wanna hear it just go listen to the album
@@DAVECHERI listened to the album when it was first released, yeah I am that old. But reaction videos should be accessible to those that haven't heard the album. Maybe haven't even heard of Joy Division. I realise there's a balance with copyright and fair use but too much talk and not enough music imo
Wonder what is this generation obsession with music from the 80's. technically this is late 70's. When I was this age, i wasnt listening to music from the late 30's
Late 70s until late 90s were the absolute pinnacle of modern music, of course younger folks with a taste for great music gonna be obsessed with.
Because it's simply a piece of Art! simple as that! we are still listening to Mozart or Beethoven right?
@@zcomme 80's music a piece of art ? lol bro stop lolololol I grew up in the 80's, 90's were better
You should stop worrying about genre. Good music isn't by formula😂
Man, constantly skipping parts of a song is extremely annoying, there are other ways of avoiding blocks.
if you really want to see it uncut, the patreon exists for a reason...
Can you do reactions of Norman f**king Rockwell by Lana del Rey and Melodrama by Lorde please
already did a reaction to melodrama th-cam.com/video/DBULx37ZeKw/w-d-xo.html
I'll be reacting to nfr soon!
I got through almost twelve minutes with you. When you gave up on the lyrics, I gave up on you. Sorry.
Worst commentary ever. If you aren't going to do it right, don't do it at all.
okay Scott
No offense, sorry. Just a comment or two that I didn't agree with. I should just shut up. And I will :) Take care man!
you should be glad instead to see a young man appreciating the music of our era. The transmission of this heritage is far more important of the little differences between his feelings and yours to this music. Learning is a process.
@@zcomme meh
You repeatedly said they sounded atmospheric. On Closer, is a song called Atmosphere. Gut wrenching.
Be brave and take on The Cure Disintegration. Die hard fan. Also, there's a biopic of Joy Division called "Closer". So good. Especially if you're a fan- I'm getting that vibe ❤
JD, The Cure, The Smiths - the holy trinity. Followed very closely by (The) Chameleons.
Do Joy Division's Closer and New Order's Substance.