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I think it's fair to state Bernard's the songwriter that has changed the most, from JD to NO. What are the highlights? What are the disappointments?
As a multi-intrumentalist I love what Steve and Hooky do, but despite the occasional duds, I think Bernard has had the most profound influence on the music. Is this dubious? Or do the fellow NOOLers share my sneaking suspicion?
I think it's all about the chemistry really. Even though they often cannot stand being together for long periods of time, they all bring something different to the table and, thankfully for all of us music fans, it meshes wonderfully together to create something truly unique and touching. As their side projects have shown, apart they are not nearly as great as they are together. So it's hard for me to say that Barney has the greatest influence...I'm not sure any of them do.
As far as Barney's lyrics go, I'd still have to vote for Temptation as a highlight and perhaps World as a lowlight (WIM is too obvious--I blame Keith Allen for that one anyway).
barney has often been instrumental in providing the melodies, and of course the lyrics. that is not to belittle the input of the others. just look at the side projects and their talents become apparent.
at times the others have indeed written the music. examples would be the wim and avalanche by gillian and steve.
also you do notice gillian's influence more by her absence. where are those wonderful synth melodies in the latest work. ok except perhaps in sirens. barney usually gets credit for the synth work, but gillian and steve also provided their fair share of those in the past.
new order at its best is a collaborative effort. they all have their input, and together they produce far better music than in their solo projects.
SISTER SHED wrote: highlights: Broken promise, Sunrise etc disappointments: Krafty (particularly in Japanese)
Ktafty isn't Bernard it's a machine, can you not HEAR it?
new order at its best is a collaborative effort. they all have their input, and together they produce far better music than in their solo projects.
I agree with that...
Bernard is very talented but New Order would not be the same without Peter Hooks` unique bass melodies...or Stephen and Gillian musical skills...everyone of them is EXTREMELY important even thought Bernard sometimes claims Peter Hook bass is TOO aloud
Steve Campbell wrote:
SISTER SHED wrote: highlights: Broken promise, Sunrise etc disappointments: Krafty (particularly in Japanese)
Ktafty isn't Bernard it's a machine, can you not HEAR it?
I thought we were talking lyrics. 
SISTER SHED wrote: highlights: Broken promise, Sunrise etc disappointments: Krafty (particularly in Japanese)
I LIKE Krafty (ok - the lyrics are pretty iffy!)... Prefer B's early lyrics (pre-Brotherhood), highpoint for me is Love Vigilantes, my fave NO track musically and lyrically...
SHEDi xxx
Rasputin wrote:
As far as Barney's lyrics go, I'd still have to vote for Temptation as a highlight and perhaps World as a lowlight (WIM is too obvious--I blame Keith Allen for that one anyway).
World as a lowlight? That song has one of the best New Order lyrics. Not if you only take into account the chorus, of course--- but combined with the verses it results in an interesting, not too obvious lyric.
NOOLigan wrote: also you do notice gillian's influence more by her absence.
I agree with you.
New Order is a step after Ian's death (changing the name of the band as someone is missing). So logically, it is time for a new one... and they are already late, it seems...
WFTSC is a more democratic effort, to these ears. Why would they change the name with Gillian gone? With Joy Division it made perfect sense: everything has fallen apart just as you're reaching your zenith. They had to prove something back then. Now they can just make enjoyable music if they're still arsed. Let 'em be.
