Shellshock the original version — Forum Archive

1 Apr 2006, 07:03

I was reading The Music collector october 1991 number and it said that:" At the beginning of 1986 New Order recorded a new song titled Shellshock for the film Pretty In The Pink. The original version was disliked by the film makers, and they brought John Robie in. Within twenty four hours the new Shellshock had been created. This version got released in march 1986, and some described it as the perfect pop song." I was wondering if the original NO version does exist(as a live version or something). If you know better, please share some information. Thank's.

1 Apr 2006, 07:28

hmmm .. never heard of that myself but others may be able to throw some light on the matter:)

1 Apr 2006, 08:32

Shellshock+Robie=wankvision

1 Apr 2006, 09:21

I never listen to either New Order songs John Robie produced, they are to ears what a nasty smell is to yer nose. On the upside he was only in charge of two tracks (Shell-shock & Sub-culture 12") but on the downside they were high profile(ish) singles :nonono: Plus you can tell his influence rubbed off on State of the Nation which is an equally ropey effort IMO.

I really can't abide Robie's mixing and that "stuttering" effect which got really fucking irritating after a while. Plus the in-your-face female backing vox completely ruined Sub-culture, removed any charm the original Low-life version had. If I were Saville I wouldn't have designed a sleeve for it either!

If the New Order version was worse than Robie's then bloody hell it must've been bad :eek3:

1 Apr 2006, 09:47

In one of the autobiographies (or something that I remember reading), I seem to remember that they had spent a long time creating a track which fitted in with the film (a proper 'soundtrack' song), but John Hughes didn't want that - he wanted a pop track. So (with time running out), New Order brought in John Robie to write the track that turned out to "Shellshock".

I'll try and find the source... :)

1 Apr 2006, 10:23

When someone here posted the link to Substance live, it was the first time I earnestly enjoyed Shellshock and Subculture. Fans here from the 80s speak of Subculture being a great track live.

2 Apr 2006, 00:53

Nick King wrote: In one of the autobiographies (or something that I remember reading), I seem to remember that they had spent a long time creating a track which fitted in with the film (a proper 'soundtrack' song), but John Hughes didn't want that - he wanted a pop track. So (with time running out), New Order brought in John Robie to write the track that turned out to "Shellshock".

I'll try and find the source... :)

That's the version of the story I've also heard.

Hughes wanted a pop tune for the soundtrack album. He'd had a lot of success with the films and soundtracks feeding off each other. Shellshock is only used very briefly in a couple of spots in the film. Ironically, two more "moody, ambient" New Order tracks (Elegia & Thieves Like Us Instrumental) are heard at much greater length.

2 Apr 2006, 01:29

I *think* that it was mentioned in the Radio One "Substance" documentary (in two parts "When I Was a Very Small Boy" and "Now That We've Grown Up Together"), which I used to have on cassette?

And (if memory serves me correctly), it was Steve who talked about it?

Anyone remember this (or have a copy of the Substance documentary)? :shrug:

2 Apr 2006, 01:46

Nick King wrote: I *think* that it was mentioned in the Radio One "Substance" documentary (in two parts "When I Was a Very Small Boy" and "Now That We've Grown Up Together"), which I used to have on cassette?

And (if memory serves me correctly), it was Steve who talked about it?

Anyone remember this (or have a copy of the Substance documentary)?

i believe i have that, but i don't recall that being mentioned. i'll have to give it another listen.

2 Apr 2006, 03:27

is that The Radio 1 documentary from about March 1988? i remember it but dont have it anymore. I dont think there was any alternate version of Shellshock in it

2 Apr 2006, 06:27

I have both the Joy Divison & New Order Docs from 88 on CD.

Joy Division's was titled "Here Are The Young Men" and New Order's "Now That We've Grown Up Together"

Nick & Johnny if you's want to email me I will gladly send you copies. Names & Address' to shugsludden@hotmail.com

Then if anyone else is after copies - you's can send them on ;)

2 Apr 2006, 12:43

thanks for the offer ,Shug but i'm not too fussed about having a copy. i did listen to it and tape it at the time but lost the cassettes years ago.the story was told again on Mark Radcliffes Radio 2 show in 2003 anyway

cheers