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=> GENERAL DISCUSSION => Topic started by: miss pretentious on October 09, 2007, 08:50:00 am
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Joy Division is multiplying
Nearly 30 years after the death of leader Ian Curtis, pop culture is rediscovering the onetime gloom-rockers in a big way.
By Chris Lee, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
From the LA Times. (http://www.calendarlive.com/movies/cl-ca-joydivision7oct07,0,963611.story?coll=cl-movies)
MORE than three decades have passed since Joy Division emerged from the cultural rubble of post-industrial Manchester, England to rechannel punk rock's sound and fury into something more sublime.
Over the group's fleeting, three-year existence, its lyrics connected with fans by conveying emotional isolation and existential despair while the music arrived with the visceral impact of shattering glass. Just 50 Joy Division songs were recorded in all: darkly propulsive rock anthems and atmospheric soundscapes that demonstrate a kind of glacial grandeur, both serene and severe.
Now, 27 years after the group's charismatic lead singer and songwriter, Ian Curtis, hanged himself at age 23, the band is having a "moment." Which is to say, after years as a cult phenomenon, Joy Division's influence is suddenly turning up all over pop culture.
But why Joy Division? Why now?
In an era that has post-punk cultural touchstones such as skinny ties, danceable rock and distrust of the government making a comeback, many of those participating in the band's revival seem more apt to frame debate around what Joy Division isn't than to provide a new raison d'être for its current resurgence.
"When people revisit it, there's no cultural kitsch. It's so pared down, it's not retro," said Grant Gee, director of the new documentary "Joy Division." "Everything about the band has a minimalism that doesn't age."
Added Anton Corbijn, director of the elegantly shot Curtis biopic "Control": "Joy Division doesn't feel fashionable in any way. It defined an era but it doesn't really come from that era."
On Oct. 19, "Control" will begin its Los Angeles theatrical run. Co-produced and directed by the music-video ace and art photographer, it traces Curtis' internal conflicts as a married family man who struggled to reconcile his fragmented existence as a rock star and closet intellectual prone to devastating epileptic seizures.
"Control" cleaned up at last year's Cannes Film Festival, winning the Regards Jeunes prize for best first or second directed feature and the Europa Cinema award for best European film being shown out of competition for the Palme d'Or.
Last month, music-video helmer Gee's rockumentary -- which details the group's fast rise and sudden end from the perspective of band members and those close to them -- was acquired by the Weinstein Co. at the Toronto Film Festival. Although a release date hasn't been set, "Joy Division" has caused a stir among band faithful for including a first-ever interview with Annik Honoré, Curtis' mistress during his final days.
Moreover, it's become almost impossible to turn on modern-rock radio without registering the sonic debt owed Joy Division by a who's who of buzz bands -- most notably, the Killers, She Wants Revenge, Interpol, Bloc Party, the National and Moving Units.
"It's not like the hipsters have united and decided, 'This is the best band,' " said Brian Aubert, singer-guitarist of Silver Lake indie-rock group the Silversun Pickups, which covered Joy Division's "Shadowplay" on an early demo tape. "It's always been the best band. A band you found out about through other people. It was never pushed on you."
Until now, that is. Cashing in on the interest, Rhino Records is releasing deluxe editions of Joy Division's studio albums, "Unknown Pleasures" and "Closer," and "Still," a compilation of rare recordings; Joy Division ringtones, a special vinyl box set and the soundtrack to "Control," which contains unreleased music by the Killers and New Order, the band composed of Joy Division's three remaining members.
Tom Atencio has managed New Order in North America for more than 20 years in addition to administering Joy Division's catalog on this continent and executive producing "Joy Division." He places the band's purity of purpose against the disposable nature of most pop music today.
"We live in a time of 'American Idol' where, if you're a kid, you are being force fed pop music that is a direct descendant of a hit from six months ago," Atencio said. "Yet here's a band you could trust. They weren't seeking the idolatry of a rock stage. This music was something they needed to express.
"Then there's something so moving in the sound of the music that people just want to identify with. Something in Ian's deeply felt lyrics and delivery that's unbelievably honest. It's that dog whistle of instant recognition -- in an era of branding, here's a brand you can trust."
A pop-music cipherCHRIS Ott, who wrote the book "Unknown Pleasures" about the making of Joy Division's epochal 1979 debut album, places Curtis' reclaimed relevance in a different context: alongside fellow rock casualties Jim Morrison and Sid Vicious. "Because Ian Curtis killed himself, people can project whatever they want onto his life and music," Ott said. "He's not around to tell them otherwise."
To wit, "Control" arrives on the heels of an earlier Joy Division movie: director Michael Winterbottom's "24 Hour Party People" in 2002. Depicting Manchester's "Madchester" alternative music scene as it revolved around mogul Tony Wilson's Factory Records, Curtis is portrayed as a brooding, erratic control freak. But the film angered some Joy Division purists by providing scant motive for the singer's decision to commit suicide.
Blame the dearth of archival Joy Division information -- largely because of the notoriously press-averse, socially circumspect Curtis' habit of singing his mind rather than speaking it -- for its continuing mystique. "Bands now, you know every biographical detail," said Gee. "With Joy Division, there was one audio tape and one major print interview -- there are gaps around everything they did. If you're discovering [the group] now, you have to work to fill in the gaps with your imagination. The image draws you in."
Toward that end, look no further than the fashion runway for evidence that Joy Division's military-inspired, minimalist "look" -- buttoned-up shirts, trench coats, suit trousers and apparent contempt for anything casual or synthetic -- is indisputably now.
But while rock, film and fashion have been in lock step for decades, the band's influence has been popping up even further afield. This year, the U.K. Japanese restaurant chain Yo! Sushi began offering a boxed meal named in honor of Joy Division's most famous song. The Love Will Tear Us Apart salmon and tuna box set includes a selection of nigiri, maki and sashimi as well as a salad topped with a piquant sunomono dressing. And even more incongruously, in April, the sportswear company New Balance commissioned artist Dylan Adair to design two pairs of limited edition Joy Division running shoes, one featuring the iconic pulsar wavelength artwork from the "Unknown Pleasures' " album cover. Not necessarily the roll-out you'd expect for a band that takes its name from concentration camp brothels for Nazi soldiers.
She Wants Revenge frontman Justin Warfield isn't convinced, however, that Joy Division's resurgence is as sudden as it might appear. He ticks off other similar comebacks in recent years for influential underground bands including the Velvet Underground, the Ramones and Gang of Four. Still, Warfield allows that it's not a coincidence that popular music -- and especially indie rock -- should take a turn away from frivolousness during wartime.
"To me, this is a dire and ominous time, and if Joy Division influences music in no other way than to add a touch of darkness, that's a great thing," Warfield said. "There's so much bright and shiny escapist music right now, we need music to reflect and inspire other emotions."
"I love dark music. But why is Joy Division popular? Because they're a great band that's been overlooked for a long time. And great music stands the test of time."
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I just watched the preview for Control yesterday. It looks awesome.
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The Sunday NYTimes had two great articles on the band/movie:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/07/movies/07lim.html?_r=1&oref=slogin (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/07/movies/07lim.html?_r=1&oref=slogin)
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/07/movies/07reyn.html (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/07/movies/07reyn.html)
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One of my favorite pieces of music...probably the best bootleg I own.
<img src="http://members.aol.com/lwtua/DESP1.jpg" alt=" - " />
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Originally posted by bearman:
One of my favorite pieces of music...probably the best bootleg I own.
<img src="http://members.aol.com/lwtua/DESP1.jpg" alt=" - " />
What's the date on that?
I crave Joy Division bootlegs. They were such an electric band on stage. Love the albums, but I listen to the live recordings a lot more.
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This just vindicates what I keep saying and get called a miserable old git stuck in a time warp for.....there is no music today that means anything. Bands these days are either out and out shite, or nothing less than a tribute band. That's why these 'old timers' keep resurfacing, and why these reunion tours are selling out. If there were any current decent bands to go see nobody would bother with the Police.
*disclaimer* Not particularly a Police fan myself, but using them because they're the reunion tour de'jour.
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Originally posted by Roadbike Mankie:
This just vindicates what I keep saying and get called a miserable old git stuck in a time warp for.....there is no music today that means anything. Bands these days are either out and out shite, or nothing less than a tribute band. That's why these 'old timers' keep resurfacing, and why these reunion tours are selling out. If there were any current decent bands to go see nobody would bother with the Police.
*disclaimer* Not particularly a Police fan myself, but using them because they're the reunion tour de'jour.
Old fart.
Brian
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Desperation Takes Hold is (mostly) a boot of the Amsterdam Paradiso gig, but the energy of this recording is just insane. People forget how much Joy Division could ROCK. When they break into "Day of the Lords", it never fails to raise the hairs on the back of my neck. Bernard Sumner's guitar-playing rivals that of even people like Bob Mould, and for those who know what I think of Bob's skills, that says a lot. This is not the complete show...the first 2 songs are missing, but it's still pretty much my favorite Joy Division music and I'll listen to the live versions of "Atrocity Exhibition", "A Means to an End" and "24 Hours" any day before putting on Closer.
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Originally posted by Brian Wallace:
Old fart.
Brian
Maybe little kids should chew with their mouths closed when they're at the dinner table with all the grown-ups, especially when they couldn't be bothered to do their homework.
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Originally posted by Roadbike Mankie:
This just vindicates what I keep saying and get called a miserable old git stuck in a time warp for.....there is no music today that means anything. Bands these days are either out and out shite, or nothing less than a tribute band. That's why these 'old timers' keep resurfacing, and why these reunion tours are selling out. If there were any current decent bands to go see nobody would bother with the Police.
*disclaimer* Not particularly a Police fan myself, but using them because they're the reunion tour de'jour.
Ummmmmmm . . . maybe people are going to see The Police because there's amazing musicianship which exists within those 3 bandmembers. Far fetched concept, but I'm just throwing it out there . . . :roll:
With that being said, Joy Division was a damn fine band. They get The Director's stamp of approval. And The Director doesn't tend to give it out often . . .
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Originally posted by bearman:
Desperation Takes Hold is (mostly) a boot of the Amsterdam Paradiso gig, but the energy of this recording is just insane.
if this is the show i'm remembering, it's the best joy division live recording. maybe not better quality than the show they put on 'still', but a better set and a better show overall. my favorite. i've got a low gen cassette around somewhere, but i haven't actually listened to it in quite a while.
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>hack< >hack< (http://lagrimapsicodelica.blogspot.com/2006/12/joy-division-bootlegs.html)
sorry, hairball
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Sorry if it's been posted and i've missed it somewhere along the line, but does anyone know where Control the movie will be showing and when? In the DC area I mean.
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nevermind. it was 01/18/80 i was thinking of, not the paradiso show.
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dropping a quote from any member of she wants revenge nullifies the credibility of your article. sorry.
Moreover, it's become almost impossible to turn on modern-rock radio without registering the sonic debt owed Joy Division by a who's who of buzz bands -- most notably, the Killers, She Wants Revenge, Interpol, Bloc Party, the National and Moving Units.[/b]
what's up with bands watering down -- and not expanding the possibilities hinted at by -- joy division and gang of four? yawn.
signed,
really old fart
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The only one of those bands that I think really has made any contribution is Interpol. At least they can write good songs, even if they don't expand on what Joy Division did. Even their new LP has really grown on me. I really gave Bloc Party a chance...the National is a good band, I like them but I wouldn't say that I'm officially a convert just yet. I think they need more time to blossom. I really couldn't be bothered with the Killers.
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Wed October 10 - Control
It opens up tomorrow in NYC and has a 1 week limited engagement at the film forum. its insanely popular here as almost all shows are sold out. luckily me and a bunch of friends have tix to see it tomorrow. Cant wait!
No clue about other cities - but considering its a limited release here and LA is getting it after us, id imagine dc is much farther down the list before it shows up there.
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Originally posted by Relaxer:
[qb]
I crave Joy Division bootlegs. They were such an electric band on stage. Love the albums, but I listen to the live recordings a lot more.
My only familiarity w/ Joy Division live is the fake Joy Division in the great film 24 Hour Party People. But its interesting that they were such a great live band and New Order has a terrible reputation as a live band.
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Originally posted by Mobius:
Originally posted by Relaxer:
[qb]
I crave Joy Division bootlegs. They were such an electric band on stage. Love the albums, but I listen to the live recordings a lot more.
My only familiarity w/ Joy Division live is the fake Joy Division in the great film 24 Hour Party People. But its interesting that they were such a great live band and New Order has a terrible reputation as a live band. [/b]
I think they had a handful of lousy shows years ago and the reputation stuck with them - I saw them on live TV at Glastonbury and some other 'fest' in the UK over the last couple of years they sounded absolutely perfect.
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Originally posted by xneverwherex:
Wed October 10 - Control
It opens up tomorrow in NYC and has a 1 week limited engagement at the film forum. its insanely popular here as almost all shows are sold out. luckily me and a bunch of friends have tix to see it tomorrow. Cant wait!
No clue about other cities - but considering its a limited release here and LA is getting it after us, id imagine dc is much farther down the list before it shows up there.
So you're saying I shouldn't expect to the see it at the Jupiter Plex then? ;)
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Originally posted by Roadbike Mankie:
Originally posted by xneverwherex:
Wed October 10 - Control
It opens up tomorrow in NYC and has a 1 week limited engagement at the film forum. its insanely popular here as almost all shows are sold out. luckily me and a bunch of friends have tix to see it tomorrow. Cant wait!
No clue about other cities - but considering its a limited release here and LA is getting it after us, id imagine dc is much farther down the list before it shows up there.
So you're saying I shouldn't expect to the see it at the Jupiter Plex then? :) LOL at that point you might *just* be in luck. im guessing by the end of the year it'll prob get a wide(r) release if it does this well. naturally im not in the business so i could be totally wrong, but everyone always wants to make more money.
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I am just recently getting into the Joy Division. They are drawing me in like no band has before. Truely amazing stuff. Can't wait for control to be released on DVD(praying for DC dates, but most likely not).
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wasn't this "moment" about 4 years ago? seems like the overt joy division tributes were a 2002/3 phenomenon and most new music trends seem to be straying from the JD/Go4 post-post-punk hegemony we had back then
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i so have to get to sleep as im dead tired, but hands down one of the best films ive seen this year, if not the best. its dark and hauntingly beautiful and sam riley (playing ian curtis) is amazing. you forget youre not watching a documentary at times, and the live sets will blow your mind away.
im prob seeing it a 2nd time before it leaves theaters. thank god it was shot in black & white - thats how it deserves to be shown.
sal - if youre around saturday let me know. i could be persuaded to catch it again before seeing hot hot heat.
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I saw a poster of this up last night at E Street Cinema and the manager said that it is likely to be coming there at some point soon. We'll just have to keep our eyes peeled. I cannot wait to see this one, as well as What We Do Is Secret.
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We will host the DC theatrical release party for Control Oct. 27th at BLISS. There are a limited number of free passes (which admit 2) available to the film beginning Nov. 5th for the first 10 folks through the door. Doors at 9:30.
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That is doors are at 9:30 p.m., not at 9:30 (club)
blisspop.com
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Originally posted by Whycontrol:
We will host the DC theatrical release party for Control Oct. 27th at BLISS. There are a limited number of free passes (which admit 2) available to the film beginning Nov. 5th for the first 10 folks through the door. Doors at 9:30.
Brilliant. Thanks for the heads up.
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might i suggest a 930 forum outing for one of these films?
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the film was really beautiful, having it shot in black and white made it really captivating. it was interesting to see all of his different relationships with people and how it effected him i would have liked to see a bit more about the music but i still really enjoyed it.
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Did anyone see Control at E Street over the weekend?
I would give it a B-. I thought it covered the parts that 24 Hour Party people left out. For example, less Tony Wilson and more of the manager. The manager was the comedic relief.
I liked the Peter Hook/Bernard Summmer stories. I thought they would show more Ian & Band interaction but they focused on Ian/Debbie. I was never quite sure what the deal with Anika was. They just seemed to be together but didn't show her appeal (other than physical). I could have done with more "young" Ian time but that's a minor quibble.
I loved the sound of the bands rehearsing/recording/live since they didn't use the studio tracks.
In all it's probably a film for the Joy Division enthusist more than those with limited knowledge of JD or fans of New Order.
The Joe Strummer documentary is at E Steet next week and it looks good.
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I saw CONTROL last Thursday at AFI. EXCELLENT movie. A.
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So is it filmed in manc?
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Originally posted by Roadbike Mankie:
So is it filmed in manc?
yes it is. including the exterior shots of his (former) home in macclesfield.