Well, I (finally) got my copy of 'In Session' today from Amazon, and I have to say, I'm sitting here having a few beers, and playing it a couple of times while the missus is out on the beer, and I'm loving it.
As has been mentioned, It's better having a mastered, CD copy of these tracks than the taped versions off the radio I can never be bothered to dig out. Kind of like hearing them for the first time again.
The thing these tracks have in common with the early Peel Sessions is their 'live' sound, with rough guitar playing and raw production. Don't agree with those that criticize the versions of 'True Faith' and 'Touched', as we're all familiar with these lively interpretations from the live sets and DVDs. I think these are the best versions of these two songs so far - a shame Barney regressed back the the Hague-friendly "They're affraid of what they see" line rather than the original "drugs with me" line he uses live, but it's otherwise great. Don't know which 'doo doo doo' bit of 'Touched' that Clockwork C didn't like, because I think you mean the orchestra hits which were on the original anyway! 'Touched' is great for that additional instrumental passage in the middle with swirly synth effects. 'Isolation' and 'Paradise' also rock.
This CD kind of reminds me of the 'Substance' re-recordings of 'Confusion' and 'Temptation', as this CD represents how the songs sound when played live, so I think it's an important New Order document. The closest you can get to studio recordings of the rearranged live versions - and without any of that distracting crowd noise.
As for the Lamacq session tracks, well 'Close Range' and 'Slow Jam' were never anyone's favourite New Order songs, but they're still better than the output of most bands, and - again - these versions are wonderfully spontaneous and lively. I see there's the obligatory incorrect credit on the tracklisting though - Bobby Gillespie sings Backing vocals on 'True Faith', not 'Rock The Shack' on these session versions. If I remember correctly, Bobby also mixed the Peel session tracks - in which case that's a job well done, although it doesn't say on the sleeve. No mention of if these were recorded at Maida Vale or in New Order's own studio, either. I've a feeling the tracks were "submitted" by New Order, rather than them making a special visit into Radio 1's studios, as is the norm.
And, as always, 'Atmosphere' is timeless, even when Barney sings it - which is no bad thing. A shame they put 'Transmisson' on there as just an enhanced video - surely there was space to put the CD audio version of it on there as well? I can never be arsed to watch those PC bonus videos and bits - too much hassle.
Andy
Need to travel out of town to purchase it and as yet had NO time.See even though i ain't working at the moment i lead a LOWLIFE.:DStill i shall get this soon.Been playing a few CD-Rs that i have done otr had sent me tonight and am surprised just how much stuff there is.I do have all these tracks already but it is very hard locating them so it will be nice to have them on ONE CD.
keep it for a while please!
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