Music Complete, first impressions.

I'll tell you what fettlers, it's really rather good! Very very good indeed!

......... didn't see that one coming! lol

The extended version of "Restless" has a sweet acoustic intro. A nice touch!

I haven't downloaded…

Could someone check the length of the Restless Extended on the Japanese release and see if it's the same as that announced for the Extended on the single release that's coming? Thanks.

Spittingcat wrote: I haven't downloaded…

Could someone check the length of the Restless Extended on the Japanese release and see if it's the same as that announced for the Extended on the single release that's coming? Thanks.

Currently waiting in a queue on Soulseek but i've seen the Restless Japanese edition extended bonus mix listed somewhere today but can't recall where as 7.09

It's pretty good. First half is the best stuff they've done in ages. Second half is really MOR stuff. Hoping that some of those will grow on me.

The extended version lasts for 7:09, as mentioned above

Obviously if any of us had heard it then we would have downloaded it illegally, but if we have paid for it from the store and downloaded it early is that illegal?

If I had heard it i might think its the best allround record they have ever done, current without feeling bland,fantastic tune and great instramentalisation. a lot of the older albums have there fair few duds on.

How will they play this live, 2 syneths id have thought

So what i really want to know know is when is the next album coming out?

pmep100 wrote: Obviously if any of us had heard it then we would have downloaded it illegally, but if we have paid for it from the store and downloaded it early is that illegal?

If I had heard it i might think its the best allround record they have ever done, current without feeling bland,fantastic tune and great instramentalisation. a lot of the older albums have there fair few duds on.

How will they play this live, 2 syneths id have thought

So what i really want to know know is when is the next album coming out?

apart from nothing but a fool, which is a bit drab

I had planned to avoid the album til Friday but that was with the tracks being played all week on 6Music because i didn't want to hear a drip by drip one track a day til Friday. I downloaded the album whole from Soulseek today so i could and can listen to it all together .It's not like i haven't paid (twice over and more - the cd and i've ordered the deluxe box set).Ok, that's me desperately trying to justify myself over with.

You know, it always puzzles me how music reviewers find an opinion on an album on one listen.Well, maybe they have more than one listen but i imagine they have so many albums to review on a day to day basis week after week they can't spend too much time on one album before submitting their review before a deadline can they, surely? I guess you have to put it down to as reviewing albums is their job they are well experienced in forming an opinion after just one listen.So this album , like every New Order album after Technique (actually add Brotherhood which took me a lot of time) i can't decide if i like it or not on first listen.I can't come to an opinion after just one listen on the album as a whole, only bits here and there.

I won't talk about Restless and Plastic as i've stated my feelings on them elsewhere.Singularity - yeah pretty solid stuff can't find much not to like about it except that weird noise like a cat being strangled.The Italian lothario spoken thing on Tutti Frutti is fun and that bass synthesiser/sequencer thing is fun and funky but i didn't really get into the song til the last couple of minutes when it really starts to get loose and carefree.People On The High Line i found a bit so so - needs more listens.The first few seconds intro of Stray Dog sounds like a direct rip of the first few seconds intro to NightCall by Kavinsky off the Drive movie soundtrack - those crickets and the sound of an animal ( a distant wolf?) howling in the night. It really is.Look up the song.Iggy didn't sound as menacing as i thought he would though- needs more listens.Academic has that great guitar riff that we all know from the trailer snippet and i was dying to find out where the song went after that.It's pretty good but needs more listens for me.Nothing But A Fool is promising , an optimistic and poignant lyric and feel to the chorus.A pretty strong track.Unlearn This Hatred - needs more listens as does The Game.Superheated doesn't really sound like New Order or The Killers to me despite Flowers guesting.I could hardly even tell it was Brandon or Bernard.Despite that i got a good vibe from the song- optimistic despite the apparent regret in the lyrics. A definite grower i think.

So really, some good moments but like the last few New Order albums for me i need a lot more listens to get my round it all.

Monsieur Round & Round wrote: The extended version lasts for 7:09, as mentioned above

And the Extended 12" Mix is listed as being 8:14 So that's two different extended mixes… and perhaps a third in the boxset.

Mick thanks for the links, love it

The Tutti Frutti extended mix is 7:08 mins long, - love it

Thanks again

Ah it's that orchestra (what are they called again? Manchester Camerata?) coming in for the last few minutes on Tutti Frutti ?- utterly delightful and joyous.Like nothing New Order has ever tried before and it works brilliantly.

R0CKET M1CK wrote:

The Tutti Frutti extended mix is 7:08 mins long, - love it

Ooo… where did you find that? I was hoping the extended mixes would be more than a minute longer than the normal album version.

Nothing But A Fool is a big one.Wow, i was getting all emotional and overwhelmed just now listening to that one.The backing vocals are essential in that song, really necessary.The complete opposite to the backing vocals in Plastic, which are totally unnecessary .

Really not liking Unlearn This Hatred though

Fotzepolitic wrote: Nothing But A Fool is a big one.Wow, i was getting all emotional and overwhelmed just now listening to that one.The backing vocals are essential in that song, really necessary.The complete opposite to the backing vocals in Plastic, which are totally unnecessary .

Really not liking Unlearn This Hatred though

I thought nothing but a fool was the most drab, maybe itll grow. im liking the more electronic ones. tutti fruiti, singularity, plastic, people on the high line so far my faviorites

cant hear much of brandon flowers, ellie Jackson sounds good.

stray dog could do with a bernard chorus

lots of different vocal styles, tutti fruiti and people on the high line, he sounds like hes got a dry throat

Fotzepolitic wrote:

Really not liking Unlearn This Hatred though

One of my favorites so far, so it's a good thing that the album has tracks for every taste

The Iceman wrote:

Fotzepolitic wrote:

Really not liking Unlearn This Hatred though

One of my favorites so far, so it's a good thing that the album has tracks for every taste

yes, different strokes for different folks.

really liking the undated noises on the electronic stuff and also the drums

has anyone heard the b side for plastic yet, "my hat is on back to front"?

like the extended mix of restless

singularity sounds like something of closer at the start

unlearn this hatred has a bit from the raise the pressure album

Powwwwwww

two steps forward and one step back

Powww ! bleep bang whooo

could somebody pm me a safe download site please?

i have pre ordered the album but can't wait untill friday and i have no idea where to look for downloads

or even download come to think of it!

lee wrote: could somebody pm me a safe download site please?

i have pre ordered the album but can't wait untill friday and i have no idea where to look for downloads

or even download come to think of it!

wha ti dont know is how to get it to my iphone as im in vlc player and apple music has bugged up transferring files

my hat is on the wrong way is another stomping dance tune.

so who is on baking vcals on plastic, dawn zee and Dennese Johnston and/or ellie sound like all of theme at different bits

As expected, wonderful , again. Thanks to Bernard and New Order for striving to create songs that I enjoy, and succeeding. If the dozens of my old 60's favorites had the same attitude , New Order would be among a peer group of greats, instead , they have soared far above and beyond everyone, and what is most amazing , they are not done-- the guitars will return .

very upbeat album. lots of diversity on it.

don't have a favorite yet. will be giving it a lot of plays this weekend.

later -1

negative1 wrote: very upbeat album. lots of diversity on it.

don't have a favorite yet. will be giving it a lot of plays this weekend.

later -1

I have to say that id love to hear tuttu frutti in the clubs.

im now liking nothing but a fool a fair bit more, defiantly a grower. think this is the one with DJ adn DZ backign vocals

the first half is more instant, but had it on revolve most of day and i have danced a hole in my floor and lost a few pounds

pow bleeep two steps forward and one step back. whoooooo

I wonder if any of neworder or there team are readying this blog, whould they be unhappy that it leaked or please at the response and the fact everyone hear will be buying it anyway

On my third listen and I've got to say I'm struggling to find much wrong with it, extremely poppy in places, but not in a bad way. It's gonna sell by the fecking shed load, number one LP in a week's time?

pmep100 wrote:

I wonder if any of neworder or there team are readying this blog, whould they be unhappy that it leaked or please at the response and the fact everyone hear will be buying it anyway

They would have known it would inevitably leak once it had been released early in Japan.It's an achievement in this day and age that it didn't leak before today. Actually no, scrub that.It would have been achievement a few years ago if it hadn't leaked when i guess reviewers were sent cd copies of albums which resulted in it being easier to leak.From what i can work out from what i've read reviewers are more likely these days to receive a stream of an album or even a watermarked stream that expires after a certain length of time.So it's much harder to leak an album these days i think is what i'm saying.And really it hasn't leaked.It's been shared by the Japanese on the day it was released.So technically it hasn't leaked at all it's simply been shared on release day (if you're Japanese). A totally successful operation by Mute.

Lost Sirens was leaked aswell before the official release but only by a few days as I recall. I intend buying the new album in my local record store at the weekend but of course I wouldn't mind hearing it before then, not one bit.

Loving Superheated.You can imagine it being loved by anyone even if they're not a New Order fan.Would make a great single.Though New Order will probably do something completely mind boggling again and not release it but release Stray Dog as a single instead.

lee wrote: could somebody pm me a safe download site please?

i have pre ordered the album but can't wait untill friday and i have no idea where to look for downloads

or even download come to think of it!

It would be very much appreciated

I'd love a link to it. I can't be bothered to hunt for it. Too busy with work, but if someone can throw me a bone. It would be appreciated. Cheers all! Love to hear your reviews!

The synth sound at about 6 or 7 seconds in on Superheated sound for a moment or two almost like the synths on The Killers' Human.Then later on at around the 2 minute mark there's a synth sound that kind of reminds me of some of the synth sounds towards the end of JD's Decades - a kind of quite raw synth sound.Anyway, enough now, i need to get some sleep!

Fotzepolitic wrote: Nothing But A Fool is a big one.Wow, i was getting all emotional and overwhelmed just now listening to that one

The album is undoubtedly a revitalised sound, but with it (particularly the 'disco'/electronic type stuff) comes an abrasiveness. But then NBAF comes along... It gives me a similar feeling to WFTSC (the song). It has some much needed warmth which I think may be missing elsewhere on the album.

pmep100 wrote: my hat is on the wrong way is another stomping dance tune.

Wait, what? Where are we listening to this, pray tell? [:eek]

Fotzepolitic wrote: Loving Superheated.You can imagine it being loved by anyone even if they're not a New Order fan.

I suspect that it may appeal more to non-NO fans than to fans. It sounds very 'drive-time' on Absolute radio, or some other light rock radio station. I just wish it was a bit darker sounding.

My overall first impression is that it's an exciting, well produced album. It's great that the band have tried a few different things. However considering the return to synths, it might have been nice to have some of those old brooding deep hum type sounds a la Low Life. As an unabashed Chemical Brothers fan I may be contradicting myself here, but the electronics feel quite in-yer-face at times, with little room for subtlety. Perhaps I expect something different from NO than I do from the Chems. Or I'm being an arse. It's great that NO have had some fun on this album but I wouldn't mind a bit more moody menace about it. Well, perhaps I'm starting to sound overly critical; overall I'm pleased that this thing exists.

As for Hooky. Well despite the current mood towards PH around here (mostly justified), I have to admit there are times when I wish he was on this record. Whether Music Complete would have ever been made with Hooky is of course highly debatable (ok, it wouldn't have been), but despite everything I miss him a little bit.

ps The Game is crap!

It's hard to imagine the first 6 tracks being any more perfect (as a sequence). The proverbial second disc needs more attention. All in all: More Republic 21st Century than Technique 2.0

Three Perfect Songs: Tutti FruttiPeople on the HighlineNothing but a Fool

The only thing I don't like about this LP is the mastering has been a bit overcooked, brickwall limited to holy feckery, as is most music these days to be fair. Gets a bit tiring on the ears I think, especially when it's electronic and pounding, does nothing for the dynamic range of songs though, it's all upfront and there's no light and shade.

Tutti Frutti really reminds me of something from the first Eleccy LP, especially the start, then there's a lovely little drum break towards the end that I think sounds like TPK. Why Mute didn't earmark this for an early summer 2015 release as the lead single is beyond me, it would have destroyed in Ibiza with some decent remixes.

Just noticed the cowbell towards the end of PotHL, very, very TPK as well.

Stray Dog: The only song in existence to mention the Grimpen Mire? I know Roger Lyons was a big Sherlock Holmes fan [anyone know if he's still working with them to get songs into a workable live situation?] didn't know Bernard was a fan as well though?

Academic is very Eleccy sounding as well, the chord progressions are anyway, sure there's a song on Twisted Tenderness that's similar? Loving the 'yoooooooooou' at the end of the verse though, that's catchy.

Nothing but a Fool. This is the big surprise on the album for me, can't think of another song in their canon that it can be compared to? It's an absolutely brilliantly crafted song, the kind of song that I didn't think they could write any longer. Yes there's elements of JD in the guitars and the intro gives a nod towards BS's love of Morricone, but its string arrangements and the chorus has really surprised me, as a mid 40's NO fan that's been listening since he was 10. It's the type of song that wins Ivor Novello awards, it should be pushed like feck to every Radio 2 DJ to be play-listed on their daytime shows, 'cos it would certainly help sell the LP if Joe and Joanna Public heard it.

I'm really, really surprised just how high the quality of the tracks on the LP overall are. Honestly thought they would just be going through the motions and it would be a shrug of the shoulders type LP, but it really isn't, it's a very, very good pop/rock/dance record for the 21st century.

Just like they could surprise me at gigs in the 80's, when we'd schlepped for hours on a motorway somewhere and thought 'bet they can't really be arsed tonight' and they then proceeded to come out on to the stage and blow our brains out with a performance that left our chins on the floor, they're still leaving me speechless in shock after 35 years of listening to the swines. It's reminded me why I still am and have been an ardent NO fan for as long as I can remember. My only regret is the person who got me into listening to them is no longer on this planet to hear this, 'cos he'd have fecking loved the fact they can still produce stuff like this in 2015, he always 'kept the faith' despite all the fall outs, massive gaps between LP's etc when many [me included] had written them off as a thing of the past.

Now where are those gig dates? May have to examine my schedule and 'suddenly fall very ill' for a couple of days off work. Warehouse Project looks do-able if only for geographical reasons, don't know if my constitution can handle a rave these days though, don't suppose I'd be the only mid 40 year old [and older, I'm young for a proper, original NO fan] there when it's NO.

Debaser wrote:

Fotzepolitic wrote: Nothing But A Fool is a big one.Wow, i was getting all emotional and overwhelmed just now listening to that one

The album is undoubtedly a revitalised sound, but with it (particularly the 'disco'/electronic type stuff) comes an abrasiveness. But then NBAF comes along... It gives me a similar feeling to WFTSC (the song). It has some much needed warmth which I think may be missing elsewhere on the album.

pmep100 wrote: my hat is on the wrong way is another stomping dance tune.

Wait, what? Where are we listening to this, pray tell? [:eek]

Fotzepolitic wrote: Loving Superheated.You can imagine it being loved by anyone even if they're not a New Order fan.

I suspect that it may appeal more to non-NO fans than to fans. It sounds very 'drive-time' on Absolute radio, or some other light rock radio station. I just wish it was a bit darker sounding.

My overall first impression is that it's an exciting, well produced album. It's great that the band have tried a few different things. However considering the return to synths, it might have been nice to have some of those old brooding deep hum type sounds a la Low Life. As an unabashed Chemical Brothers fan I may be contradicting myself here, but the electronics feel quite in-yer-face at times, with little room for subtlety. Perhaps I expect something different from NO than I do from the Chems. Or I'm being an arse. It's great that NO have had some fun on this album but I wouldn't mind a bit more moody menace about it. Well, perhaps I'm starting to sound overly critical; overall I'm pleased that this thing exists.

As for Hooky. Well despite the current mood towards PH around here (mostly justified), I have to admit there are times when I wish he was on this record. Whether Music Complete would have ever been made with Hooky is of course highly debatable (ok, it wouldn't have been), but despite everything I miss him a little bit.

ps The Game is crap!

Yep agree on many points here.Nothing But A Fool gives me that massive, warm, overwhelming, leaves you speechless feeling that WFTSC (the song) did back in 2005.Always thought that song was very underrated.Nothing But A Fool is a worth the album for that song alone kind of song.The kind of song that reminds you after a long long time in the wilderness between albums why i got obsessed with New Order such a long long time ago.It reminds you why you kept the faith (though it's been severely tested many times over the years!) with the band.

I get what you're saying about some of the sounds on the album are a bit in your face despite the Chemical Brothers doing that on a regular basis.For example the way music goes about 40 seconds in to Unlearn This Hatred (after a great intro) i'm really struggling with- just grates on my ears that bit .

Superheated - yeah it's a very drivetime song.The kind of song your average Radio 2 listener would enjoy in a finally on the way home on a Friday tea time kind of way, the "now it's over" refrain they could relate to in a relieved now the working week's over kind of way.Can imagine this one being a big hit on American radio as well.But having said all that i do just love it, it's just sweet and irresistible as fuck.

Tutti Frutti - i defy anyone slightly tipsy not to start wiggling their booty and move to the dancefloor if this came on in a bar, club or office party.That fun and funky bassline and the beat would get anyone leaving their inhibitions at the door.Also some truly lovely guitar on this that i haven't notice anyone mention, really lovely and then the orchestra comes in just to confirm the song's happy, life is good vibe even more.It's just nothing like New Order have ever tried before.It's brilliant.

Fotzepolitic wrote:

pmep100 wrote:

I wonder if any of neworder or there team are readying this blog, whould they be unhappy that it leaked or please at the response and the fact everyone hear will be buying it anyway

They would have known it would inevitably leak once it had been released early in Japan.It's an achievement in this day and age that it didn't leak before today. Actually no, scrub that.It would have been achievement a few years ago if it hadn't leaked when i guess reviewers were sent cd copies of albums which resulted in it being easier to leak.From what i can work out from what i've read reviewers are more likely these days to receive a stream of an album or even a watermarked stream that expires after a certain length of time.So it's much harder to leak an album these days i think is what i'm saying.And really it hasn't leaked.It's been shared by the Japanese on the day it was released.So technically it hasn't leaked at all it's simply been shared on release day (if you're Japanese). A totally successful operation by Mute.

Secure stream from Mute servers there were no physical Cd Promos or copies available.

Tutti Frutti - this is it. Best Barney dance song since "Getting away with it"? Nothing but a fool is also surprisingly great, the only song it slighty reminds me of is "All Day Long". And the cheap sounding "Plastic" is the worst track by far.

So Barney and Steve deliver the new classics now. If Hooky just were not such a dickhead and the original line up reunited... But I guess Barney needed the pressure of proofing that New Order is not Peter Hook to come up with something like this after the lukewarm last records .

I've realised who Iggy Pop on Stray Dog reminds me of, it's Mr Smith from The Matrix! A much growlier Mr Smith mind, but the tone is similar at times.

I like the song Superheated, but did anyone else mishear "bird caught on a wire" as "burka on a wire"? hahah

On first few listens i'm really impressed. I do think it would have been a killer nine track album though. Definitely could lose The Game and Superheated, possibly even Stray Dog. It would still be about 48mins with just 8 tracks. Best stuff since Republic easily.

In summary, it's very good.

I didn't like Restless on first listen, but it's very much a grower. Really nice to hear some 1985 style wacca wacca guitar playing from Bernard. I've wanted him to bring that back ever since they reformed in 98.

Whilst both Singularity and Plastic are good, they suffer from the 2001 onwards trend of having an intro that sets up an entirely different track before a weird transition to the main body of the song. I really like Plastic, but the sounds in that intro could have been expanded into something really epic and interesting, whereas the actual track is a bit of an anticlimax in comparison. Interesting reprise of the Prodigal Son vocal effect on the end coda.

Tutti Frutti sounds like Some Distant Memory crossed with the bassline of 586 and the guitar outro from GAWI and has the best, catchiest chorus I've heard in years. I've played it more than anything else on the album so far.

POTHL is funky but fairly generic. I couldn't tell you how it goes without listening to it as a reminder, although it does feature a piano hook straight off Raise the Pressure.

Stray Dog is basically Ninth Configuration updated for 2015. I'd be amazed if this didn't start as an O2 soundtrack piece. It's interesting, even if it reminds me of Shatner.

Academic is great, but has that annoying guitar hook in the verse that can only come from Phil. Those layered guitars that were in the preview clip are lovely, though.

I don't get NBAF. It's got a really interesting Doors style opening and verse and then a sickly sweet chorus that sounds like it's come from a different track.

Unlearn This Hatred is the Mac Quayle remix of GIAUE. Again, terrible verse and great chorus.

The majority of The Game is very similar to Dracula's Castle and has the weird verse / chorus mismatch again. It's a bit pointless overall.

Superheated is complete cheese, but actually quite enjoyable.

Overall it's really enjoyable, but it's as if they've had lots of different musical ideas and not known how to stick them together properly. It's fantastic that they're trying new stuff out, though, and I'd rather have them try and fail if that gives the highs that are on some of these tracks. It's got a lot of references to past albums, whether deliberate or accidental, and reminds me most of RTP, with quite a bit of WFTSC thrown in. It's got nothing on Technique, but it does have a hell of a lot of confidence, which felt lacking in the last 3 albums. It had become very noticeable that Hooky insisted on having an intricate bass solo on most of their output, thinking that was the thing that made them New Order (see Hellbent for a particularly egregious example of unnecessary complexity thrown in for the sake of it), whereas it always worked best when it was a lead rhythm piece (Sunrise, AoC, Transmission, TPK etc.). Removing that need for him to be a star turn in every song frees the whole band up to do something more interesting, bringing in that style of bass when it suits the track.

In old terms, Side 1 is one of the best first halves of an album they've ever produced. Side 2 may grow on me, but isn't there yet.

blunt laser wrote: On first few listens i'm really impressed. I do think it would have been a killer nine track album though. Definitely could lose The Game and Superheated, possibly even Stray Dog. It would still be about 48mins with just 8 tracks. Best stuff since Republic easily.

I agree, "Stray Dog" would be a good one-off single like "Murder" or The Saville Soundtrack, and "superheated" is nice but also more bonus track material. "The Game" is a grower, so it's also the perfect nine tracker for me.

dss wrote: It had become very noticeable that Hooky insisted on having an intricate bass solo on most of their output, thinking that was the thing that made them New Order (see Hellbent for a particularly egregious example of unnecessary complexity thrown in for the sake of it), whereas it always worked best when it was a lead rhythm piece (Sunrise, AoC, Transmission, TPK etc.). Removing that need for him to be a star turn in every song frees the whole band up to do something more interesting, bringing in that style of bass when it suits the track.

probably true, good observation

I haven't heard any of it other than when the new single was played on Radio 2 recently and I felt all deflated because it sounded like the bastard offspring of Bad Loo and Twisted Tenderness-era Electronic*

Quick question, though, is it right that That Lad On Bass sounds a bit Hooky-esque?

*I have no big problem with either, I just don't need any more of it in my life.

Listening to it again on my way home and just remembered what Stray Dog reminds me of: that Richard Burton narrated War of the Worlds from the 70's.

There's bits of bass playing throughout that could probably be described as being Hooky-esque, but they aren't massively obvious and probably more of a result of the fact that with electronic music any 'normal' bass frequencies are covered by the kick and sequenced bass parts, it's got to be higher up the neck and fairly melodic for it to work in a mix.

Loving the last few bars of 'Nothing but a Fool', that's a classic sounding NO refrain.

Think it holds together really well as a piece and pisses all over anything they've released since Technique as a whole LP, there's been the odd tune here and there like Regret and Crystal, but there's not a really terrible tune on this whole LP for me, no Rock the Shack and I'm not skipping tunes to get to a better one.

Still completely gobsmacked that they can produce something like this, really thought the days of a NO LP being on heavy rotation were over.

Now wondering which night at the Warehouse Project to go to? Will they have warmed up by the second night or will the adrenalin buzz of the first night make for a better gig? Always been a gamble with this lot, like a football team pulling out a performance you didn't think they were capable of, just when you least expected it as well.

Are badges being produced to commemorate their return?

I'd love to hear this. Can anyone point me in the right place please :)

gerboy wrote: I'd love to hear this. Can anyone point me in the right place please :)

Soulseek peer to peer sharing programme is where i got it from.It's all over that.Download the programme, set up your account and search.I've been using the fecker for years, it's safe

Or walk into a record store the day after tomorrow… that's my plan.

Album is available in Australia. Picked up a copy of the CD from JB Hi-Fi in Prahran this afternoon.

Salford Corner wrote: Listening to it again on my way home and just remembered what Stray Dog reminds me of: that Richard Burton narrated War of the Worlds from the 70's.

First time I heard it I did a double-take to check that Lee Hazlewood hadn't returned from the grave...

I'm a few listens in now and am cautiously optimistic though I agree with many that shaving off a bit of bloat would do this album wonders. The edit of Restless for instance was a bit of a shock after growing to actually enjoy the single edit and to these ears it's a bit overcooked. No shame in a 3 minute pop song sometimes.

Struggling with Superheated most of all. Cheese overload..sometimes I can forgive Barney's less refined lyrics but not on this one.

I don't expect there are many Duran sympathizers here but I'm wondering if this isn't a bit of an indie Paper Gods - the beats are solid, the sound is certainly contemporary but ultimately too many producers / guests have arguably diluted the original, defining sound to something fairly generic. I hope there are more nuances to reveal themselves over repeated listens.

Havent been on this site for a long time, but hey.

Loving some of the new tracks: "Plastic", "Academic", "The game" seem to be my stand out tracks.

After a couple of days with the album i'm happy with 9 out of the 11 songs so yeah it's overall a great album for me.

The only 2 songs that i don't like, well maybe don't entirely dislike but have problems with and don't get are Unlearn This Hatred and The Game.

The intro to Unlearn i like but then at 40 seconds in they way it goes at that point i just don't like it , sorry.I just expected much better from Tom Rowland on this.It's quite uninteresting musically, it's in your face and irritating. I do like the song's chorus but frustratingly i don't like the verses- same same uncompelling melody and lyrics.This song seems to be a favourite with some folks which just goes to show how crazy it is one song can be loved by some and yet hated by others.

The Game - just find this generally uninspiring though it has its brief moments and redeems itself a bit in the last few minutes with some guitar parts that i quite like even though they are a close cousin of something like Hey Now What You Doing off WFTSC.

But anyway, an overall big positive for the album from me.Singularity, Plastic,Tutti Frutti, and Nothing But A Fool are some of the best songs they've done in a long time or ever.Academic has one of the best intros they've ever done (those first 30 seconds or more) then sags slightly in the middle but the song overall pulls it around.Superheated is cheesy shcmaltz yeah, but i love it.

I think i'll remember the summer of 2015 as the summer of seemingly waiting forever for September to come and for Music Complete to be released.Thank bloody fuck the long wait is finally over

I'll whisper it, and I know some people will think I've been on the ale far too early, but overall, as an LP, I think it's superior to Brotherhood.

Salford Corner wrote: I'll whisper it, and I know some people will think I've been on the ale far too early, but overall, as an LP, I think it's superior to Brotherhood.

I'm not a huge fan of brotherhood personally, so your statement has the same effect as saying the new album is better than a Menswear album.

Is it better than GR or lowlife?

Salford Corner wrote: I'll whisper it, and I know some people will think I've been on the ale far too early, but overall, as an LP, I think it's superior to Brotherhood.

Quick - someone grab his keys before he attempts to drive.

is it bro wrote:

Salford Corner wrote: I'll whisper it, and I know some people will think I've been on the ale far too early, but overall, as an LP, I think it's superior to Brotherhood.

I'm not a huge fan of brotherhood personally, so your statement has the same effect as saying the new album is better than a Menswear album.

Is it better than GR or lowlife?

Loved Brotherhood when it came out, but these things always have a lot to do with your age at the time etc I think as well.

Listening to Bro'hood these days and I'm shocked at how weak the production is and I don't think it works as an LP overall either.

Expectations are involved as well, I was disappointed with GR because after such a long gap between LP's I was expecting far more, especially after hearing Crystal

as the first single.

Whilst with this one, my expectations were very low, I don't think it's as good as Lowlife, but it's not that far behind and it's a far superior LP to Republic and Siren's.

I think there are songs on this new LP that really are up there with their very best work and I think it's an LP that I'll be listening to in the coming years, six months

after Siren's came out and I wasn't listening to it at all and I've rarely heard it in it's entirety since.

So no, it can't really compete with PC&L or Technique, they remain my favourite LP's, with Low Life third and quite probably this new one just ahead of Brotherhood and Movement at the moment. I think some of these songs will work really well live too, Siren's songs really didn't translate very well in a live situation I don't think, they hardly put any in their sets when they were gigging after it was released either. The atmosphere around the band at the time of Siren's was truly terrible, wasn't surprised when they 'split' not long after. They couldn't have gone on like that, it was patently obvious two of them really weren't getting on, so I suppose this had a negative influence on the recording of the LP and the gigs. You can hear that it sounds like they enjoyed making this record, it's joyous and upbeat where WftSC was bland and downbeat.

is it bro wrote: Is it better than GR or lowlife?

Every other New Order album is better than Get Ready.

For me, this is most satisfying front-to-back NO album since Technique. It hits all the right classic NO notes without sounding retro. I'm so proud of the band for really pushing to do something creative and fun, and really proud of Barney for giving the lyrics more than five minutes consideration. I mean, they're still bad, but "good" bad, if you know what I mean.

listened to it a few times now....

it's like electronic meets technique 2.0..

can't really comment on the songs that have already been discussed by many people here.

it seems its a recent trend to have multiple producers, guests, etc on albums now..

underworld (barking), duran duran (paper gods), and now new order....

the albums are very 'produced', and have quite a lot of variety...but seem to lack the core of the group.

the individual songs seem to be ok, but dont all seem to have a context or theme, like they used to.. they seem like a mishmash of songs put together.

all of them sound good, but there's nothing distinctively 'new order' about them...i guess i haven't heard the trademark sound that i used to like..

but out with the old, and in with the new...

two steps forward, one step backward..

later -1

negative1 wrote: listened to it a few times now....

it's like electronic meets technique 2.0..

can't really comment on the songs that have already been discussed by many people here.

---

it seems its a recent trend to have multiple producers, guests, etc on albums now..

underworld (barking), duran duran (paper gods), and now new order....

the albums are very 'produced', and have quite a lot of variety...but seem to lack the core of the group.

the individual songs seem to be ok, but dont all seem to have a context or theme, like they used to.. they seem like a mishmash of songs put together.

all of them sound good, but there's nothing distinctively 'new order' about them...i guess i haven't heard the trademark sound that i used to like..

but out with the old, and in with the new...

two steps forward, one step backward..

later -1

I respectfully disagree. This new LP is distinctively NO from the strings in the intro to Restless on track one. I've always loved it that every new LP has brought something different to their sonic pallet and they've never once settled for a 'sound' as being their own and churned it out relentlessly. I know John Peel described The Fall as being: 'always different, always the same' but I think that could as easily be applied to NO as well. There's something in the chord progressions they tend to gravitate towards that makes them exclusively NO, but the sounds they use, the arrangements etc change with every LP.

Not long to go. I can't wait to hear the whole album. I think I've heard about 8 tracks (or part tracks so far) and it sounds epic and very synths.

I'm very excited and optimist about this comeback album. Could it even be New Orders best ever? (There I've put cat amongst the pigeons). I doubt Technique can be topped but I stand by he fact that IMO any other of their albums is up for losing their place from the pedestal.

Now the decision is whether to buy the CD or just get the album off iTunes. I don't even have a CD player anymore so would have to play through DVD player and TV. Think I'll go with iTunes as it's easier and I doubt the album Sleeve will be all that (or is it?).

When do you think they will email the download for those who purchased the album through the online store??? Hopefully soon!

NewOrderFan1990 wrote: When do you think they will email the download for those who purchased the album through the online store??? Hopefully soon!

you can get it on apple music and also radio x playback john kennedy goes though every song, if you havent downloaded it from earlier sources

the john kennedy interview is really detailed discusion. seems a bit drunk

Fotzepolitic wrote: Nothing But A Fool is a big one.Wow, i was getting all emotional and overwhelmed just now listening to that one.The backing vocals are essential in that song, really necessary.The complete opposite to the backing vocals in Plastic, which are totally unnecessary .

Really not liking Unlearn This Hatred though

Really like Nothing But a Fool but its a bit long. I definitely like Unlearn the Hatred.

Related note: I love that we all have tracks we really like or just sort of already. Today is awesome!

is it bro wrote: Not long to go. I can't wait to hear the whole album. I think I've heard about 8 tracks (or part tracks so far) and it sounds epic and very synths.

I'm very excited and optimist about this comeback album. Could it even be New Orders best ever? (There I've put cat amongst the pigeons). I doubt Technique can be topped but I stand by he fact that IMO any other of their albums is up for losing their place from the pedestal.

Now the decision is whether to buy the CD or just get the album off iTunes. I don't even have a CD player anymore so would have to play through DVD player and TV. Think I'll go with iTunes as it's easier and I doubt the album Sleeve will be all that (or is it?).

Assuming your computer has a CD drive, which most do, you can rip the music from the disc and keep it as a memento. Plus the CD rip will be higher quality than iTunes.

I've detailed the album sleeve on the Sleeve Complete thread.

NewOrderFan1990 wrote: When do you think they will email the download for those who purchased the album through the online store??? Hopefully soon!

At least two of us have received another copy of Restless instead of Music Complete - Beware!

Their email department does not open until 8am and they might well be overwhelmed with similar complaints. On the link they sent me in the small hours, it is obvious what has gone wrong - they have attached the wrong music file. This is a ridiculous error to make after the slickness of the entire campaign to promote this album and tour. Whoever is responsible will be getting a roasting by execs.

I have received a download of restless 5 times since 7 o clock last night and nothing else

I'm so glad I download the leak on Wednesday

Can anybody tell me what track the Danny La Rue sample is on please. I seem to be missing it.

Thank

Well I got up early this morning to buy and download the album and I have to say I like it.

Every time the bass kicks in, though, I can't help but imagine them laughing in the studio "Go on, a bit more, he'll fucking hate it!"

Coops wrote: Well I got up early this morning to buy and download the album and I have to say I like it.

Every time the bass kicks in, though, I can't help but imagine them laughing in the studio "Go on, a bit more, he'll fucking hate it!"

Lol brill

Digital Mike Binoche wrote: Can anybody tell me what track the Danny La Rue sample is on please. I seem to be missing it.

Thank

Who said there's a Danny La Rue sample? There's the italian samples on Tutti Fruiti by Giacomo Cavagna and that's about it.

First impressions?

I think I already have a new favourite New Order album.

I hadn't realised how much I had emotionally invested in this album not sucking, until I found myself on the verge of tears (of relief) about 5 seconds into Singularity.

It's great to have them back isn't it?

Holy shit.

I didn't dare dream it would be this good.

Already rocketing up my all time Neworder list, it's too soon to say how high this can go; even the imperious Technique is looking over its shoulder & raising an eyebrow at its new stablemate.

I've actually re-fired up the old ipod so I can listen to this on the way to the match tomorrow.

What an experience to listen to new New Order music, track after track. This is very special.

I am thrilled with the album.

Stray Dog to me is just an interlude, but other than that there aren't any songs that I dread.

I love the variety. Bernard sings in a few different styles, and there's a nice mix of guitar and electronic songs.

My 3 favourite tracks would be: Unlearn This Hatred Nothing But A Fool Tutti Fruiti

I thought Unlearn was the clear highlight of the album, I love the high-energy vibe. My initial problem with the song is I was doubting whether it was really a New Order song since it was originally a Digitalism song and then Tom Rowlands produced it. Apparently Digitalism was supposed to rework and recreate the song with their own vocals and everything. (but they obviously didn't go through with it) It is true like other people said that it's a bit of a remix than a regular song, but I still love it. (Basically Tom Rowlands did everything other than the vocals AFAIK and even the vocals were rearranged.) The instrumentals and the vocals sort of go their own way in my view. Both follow their own melody rather than taking the sidelines and relying on the other. I find this very interesting. It's a collaboration in the most pure form. Very glad Tom Rowlands worked on this album.

Plastic is also a very solid track in my opinion.

I like the way they revealed the songs, first Restless which is a grower. Then Plastic which is a good one but it doesn't give too much away.

Overall I am pleased with the production. Who would think they did most of it themselves? It sounds very polished.

I love the mix of 80's, 90's, and modern sounds. It's an excellent fusion. and I love that they're returning to the electronic style of music for the most part, as I have always favoured it.

They've made a few hints at doing another album. I think there's still a few styles and flavours they haven't done, they could do another album without struggling to make new sounding songs in my opinion.

I'm looking forward to whatever songs they will choose for the live setlist. and the extended mixes should be good too.

i won't bother with an in depth review

all i'll say is its had me dancing about like i was a teenager again

I am amazed, this album is sensational!! Easily their best album since Technique, and the best album to come out this decade!!!

Downloaded album from iTunes. it says its "mastered for iTunes" whatever that means. I couldn't find the CD as the record shops have all gone and didn't get arse in gear to order from Amazon or New Order store.

I love the variety and sounds. The Game sounds fantastic. I love the combination of fast verse and slow chorus (have NO done that before?). Just listening to Nothing but a Fool for first time. Wow!

I don't think theres a weak song so far and all tracks could be singles. except the weird Stray Dog. but I cant judge that until ive heard the whole album from start to end in full context.

I can hear bits of low life, technique and raise the pressure as I listen.

well done New Order. still my favourite band of all time.

Downloaded album from iTunes. it says its "mastered for iTunes" whatever that means. I couldn't find the CD as the record shops have all gone and didn't get arse in gear to order from Amazon or New Order store.

I love the variety and sounds. The Game sounds fantastic. I love the combination of fast verse and slow chorus (have NO done that before?). Just listening to Nothing but a Fool for first time. Wow!

I don't think theres a weak song so far and all tracks could be singles. except the weird Stray Dog. but I cant judge that until ive heard the whole album from start to end in full context.

I can hear bits of low life, technique and raise the pressure as I listen.

well done New Order. still my favourite band of all time.

Coops wrote: Well I got up early this morning to buy and download the album and I have to say I like it.

Every time the bass kicks in, though, I can't help but imagine them laughing in the studio "Go on, a bit more, he'll fucking hate it!"

Going to take a few listens as it's well over an hour long. Hard to believe that's double the length of Movement!

Also only 1 out of 11 songs that is shorter than 5 minutes...going to be interesting to see how long the extended versions are when the box set drops..

FACT OF THE DAY Only one New Order studio album has zero songs longer than 5 mins - and that's Republic

dss wrote:

Overall it's really enjoyable, but it's as if they've had lots of different musical ideas and not known howf confidence, which felt lacking in the last 3 albums. It had become very noticeable that Hooky insisted on having an intricate bass solo on most of their output, thinking that was the thing that made them New Order (see Hellbent for a particularly egregious example of unnecessary complexity thrown in for the sake of it), whereas it always worked best when it was a lead rhythm piece (Sunrise, AoC, Transmission, TPK etc.). Removing that need for him to be a star turn in every song frees the whole band up to do something more interesting, bringing in that style of bass when it suits the track. .

Yeah, its done perfectly in the first transition early in Plastic.

GotBlueEyes wrote: Going to take a few listens as it's well over an hour long. Hard to believe that's double the length of Movement!

Also only 1 out of 11 songs that is shorter than 5 minutes...going to be interesting to see how long the extended versions are when the box set drops..

FACT OF THE DAY Only one New Order studio album has zero songs longer than 5 mins - and that's Republic

Super long. I love long mixes but sometimes (done right) I do like a nice edit. Not if its hacked up but if Richard X were to make some shorter edits i'd be very happy.

First listen: an absolute corker of an album.

New Order back on form

Sometimes I feel blessed to have a job that involves a lot of walking around, a lot of manual work and no need to interact with anybody. So since the early morning I've listened to the record 6 times. And the Guardian's football podcast once. Podcast was below average. As for the record:

Restless 8 Singularity 9 Plastic 6/7 Tutti Frutti 7 People on the High Line 4 Stray Dog 7 Academic 7 Nothing but a fool 8/9 Unlearn this hatred 8 The Game 5 Superheated 7

Well played, lass and lads.

Thirty plus years ago I discovered this band named New Order and my life has not been the same since. To call them my favorite band does not begin to capture the influence this band has had on my life. I have seen them in concert fifteen times in places as varied as Toronto, Chicago, NYC, East Rutherford, and, of course, Washington D.C. I owned every album, single, and extended mix on vinyl, repurchased most (if not all) on CD, and now have repurchased most on iTunes. I have brought all their books both penned by them and about them. I have met every member of the band including the estranged Peter Hook (dj’ing in Denver), and the rest of the band (including new members) a couple of years ago. I was rendered speechless at meeting my idols as a history of thoughts of what I would say if I ever met them disintegrated in the moment.

I have gone through years of thinking the band was finished including five and four years gaps only to be reinvigorated upon their surprise returns. I had thought I would never hear songs like “The Perfect Kiss,” “Bizarre Love Triangle,” “Age of Consent,” “Ceremony,” and “Temptation” again. Now I hear them in every show in which I see them. I had feared there would be no new music after “Waiting for the Sirens Call” and now I anxiously await my deluxe boxed set of “Music Complete” as I just listened to the full album for the first time on my iTunes download.

And what can I say – it is more than what I dared ever dream. The rumors of a new “Technique” had soared my hopes as that is my favorite album. But this album is more than a new Technique. It is a daring, uninhibited statement of continuing relevance and evolution, striding forward with momentum from past brilliance. It is more than worth the wait (and New Order fans know the full meaning of patience).

These are my thoughts – solely based on a first listen and I still have to listen to the last track. But first impressions are often telling, and my first impressions tell me I will love this album, and it will guide me through the years as other items of New Order’s grand catalog have. “Restless” is this album's “Regret.” Some disparaged it – finding it too complacent. But “Regret” was a grower as well – and it continues to grow and grow. “Restless” will do the same and the fact that it is such a brilliant indictment of the hollowness of our lives today only imbues it with more presence and potency. “Singularity” combines Technique's beats with Low-Life's edge. It opens with Tom Chapman’s sinister bass which hopefully puts an end once and for all with the comparisons to Hooky. Chapman is not Hooky’s replacement. He is an artist in his own right. And Tom Rowland’s production shows why the Chemicals still remain the vital force they are today. “Plastic” displays the band's continued command of the dance floor. “Tutti Frutti” is classic pop tinged with the band's wicked sense of humor. “Nothing But a Fool” is Bernard at his melancholy best. None of the songs are duds or throw aways and many are simply brilliant. This album will resonate for a while.

There should never have been a doubt when “Singularity” and “Plastic” were previewed that this album would deliver. But there are always the doubters, and these doubts were exacerbated when they opened the album with pop-infused reflection instead of storming the dance floor. But they do storm the dance floor, and rock out, and contemplate as well. Perhaps the best line I heard to ever describe New Order was from a Sue Townsend review in the Baltimore City Paper many moons ago – “New Order grabs you by the brain, heart, feet, and crotch” and they do that and more on this album. Until the next masterpiece, I will savor this one.

Jozek wrote: First listen: an absolute corker of an album.

New Order back on form

At least two of these will be on God's latest playlist

Nothing But A Fool and Academic brought tears to my eyes as I was out walking - my two year old loved this track on the YouTube snippet and recognised it as soon as I put it on in the house, coming up the stairs all excited as if he knew a friend was with me.

I think its absolutely fantastic, singularity made the hairs on my arms stick up and its the first time for years a song has caused that to happen!

My top 3 at the moment are The Game, Superheated, and Nothing but a Fool. But really it's only Stray Dog and Academic I'm skipping as find them less energetic. I'm sure they're grow upon further listens.

Some songs have more hooks than the whole of WFTSC.

Been reading in the background now for years (haven't posted on here since back on the old server).

Just listened to the album and I honestly haven't felt like this since listening to Technique for the first time in 89.

Initally, track after track, I was thinking they were being brave as sounded totally different and yet still New Order. Then I started thinking they must have known this is going to be a classic because is sounds so good. Totally paid off to me post Hook.

Got to feel for him as his is going to be the only person alive connected to New Order that thinks the album is shit!

Wow, just wow. I really didn't think it was possible for New Order, in 2015, to release this album.

I'll let you in on a little secret: I'd completely lost faith in them. I kept on going to gigs and supporting my favourite band, but deep down, I thought post factory, they were pretty much creatively dead. Apart from a couple of wistful reminders of their former glory (Regret, Crystal), their main staple post '92 had been disappointment. But I take it all back, because Music Complete is absolutely fantastic. I'm literally over the moon. It's like having old friends back who you haven't seen in years. Who would have thought they could still surprise us after all these years eh? God bless New Order!

Skullcrushed wrote: Wow, just wow. I really didn't think it was possible for New Order, in 2015, to release this album.

I'll let you in on a little secret: I'd completely lost faith in them. I kept on going to gigs and supporting my favourite band, but deep down, I thought post factory, they were pretty much creatively dead. Apart from a couple of wistful reminders of their former glory (Regret, Crystal), their main staple post '92 had been disappointment. But I take it all back, because Music Complete is absolutely fantastic. I'm literally over the moon. It's like having old friends back who you haven't seen in years. Who would have thought they could still surprise us after all these years eh? God bless New Order!

Having Gillian back and losing Hook has reinvigorated them. I reckon that Barney has broken free into a fresh level of creativity now that he isn't having to pander to Hook's delusions of 'being the best'.

Really interesting comments! Restless was starting to grow on me (gave it loads of listens) but as an album opener it suddenly clicked, weird I know. On second listen and album is sounding amazing! With Get Ready I was just pleased they were still making music and rated Sirens more. In that time I would have listened to Bernard reading the news with a Casio keyboard backing tape and enjoyed it. Loved all Electronic albums but Bad LT.... not listened to it more than twice. I get Skullcrushed's comments although Republic was the first New Order album that was 'new' to me as a fan. Gig wise Wireless at Hyde Park was the last gig I was really excited about (and it was shit). Think there was a Brixton gig later that year (?) which was amazing. After that I was going more out of habit e.g. Bournemouth and Wembley in 2006. 2012 was alright at Brixton but really stoked for the new tour! Sorry rambling..... anyway loving the album and rejuvenated New Order Online :)

Oh yes! Never looked forward to an album so much since Republic and that turned out to be disappointing ( quite like it now especially the A side). Not disappointed this time, no siree an absolute triumph! You cannot tell how good an album really is until after a few years. But I reckon I will be listening to this in 20 years when I will be in my sixties, scary thought. Early favourites, Nothing But A Fool, Singularity, tutti fruity, which I thought would be shit, how wrong I was. Like everyone else I cannot believe what a good album this is. I think the reviews from the music press under sold it, more like a 9/10 rather than the 7'ish it's been getting. These upcoming gigs will be electric. As Gillian says she is always on the best albums.

Sauce wrote: Really interesting comments! Restless was starting to grow on me (gave it loads of listens) but as an album opener it suddenly clicked, weird I know. On second listen and album is sounding amazing! With Get Ready I was just pleased they were still making music and rated Sirens more. In that time I would have listened to Bernard reading the news with a Casio keyboard backing tape and enjoyed it. Loved all Electronic albums but Bad LT.... not listened to it more than twice. I get Skullcrushed's comments although Republic was the first New Order album that was 'new' to me as a fan. Gig wise Wireless at Hyde Park was the last gig I was really excited about (and it was shit). Think there was a Brixton gig later that year (?) which was amazing. After that I was going more out of habit e.g. Bournemouth and Wembley in 2006. 2012 was alright at Brixton but really stoked for the new tour! Sorry rambling..... anyway loving the album and rejuvenated New Order Online :)

The Hyde Park 2005 gig was a scream, i really enjoyed it but if you listen to the boot yeah it's a bit of a mess.Brixton Nov 2005 was one of the best NO gigs i've ever attended, a brilliant night. I've never forgotten Bernard's parting quip right at the end :-

"Joy Division New Order forever! Get that tattooed on yer arse!"

I love the album too, I'm hearing some good disco basslines in there by Tom Chapman, the only mis-step for me is Stray Dog, as Pitchforks review pointed out, it kills the momentum that had builds up with the first 5 songs, tbh I have zero interest in hearing Iggy Pop growling on a New Order album. the only other negative comment I would make is on the quality of the lyrics, at times they grate slightly but I'll get over it, overall it's a triumph I feel.

I bought it today in a local music store, judging from some of the comments I am glad I didn't purchase it from the online store.

Fotzepolitic wrote:

Sauce wrote: Really interesting comments! Restless was starting to grow on me (gave it loads of listens) but as an album opener it suddenly clicked, weird I know. On second listen and album is sounding amazing! With Get Ready I was just pleased they were still making music and rated Sirens more. In that time I would have listened to Bernard reading the news with a Casio keyboard backing tape and enjoyed it. Loved all Electronic albums but Bad LT.... not listened to it more than twice. I get Skullcrushed's comments although Republic was the first New Order album that was 'new' to me as a fan. Gig wise Wireless at Hyde Park was the last gig I was really excited about (and it was shit). Think there was a Brixton gig later that year (?) which was amazing. After that I was going more out of habit e.g. Bournemouth and Wembley in 2006. 2012 was alright at Brixton but really stoked for the new tour! Sorry rambling..... anyway loving the album and rejuvenated New Order Online :)

The Hyde Park 2005 gig was a scream, i really enjoyed it but if you listen to the boot yeah it's a bit of a mess.Brixton Nov 2005 was one of the best NO gigs i've ever attended, a brilliant night. I've never forgotten Bernard's parting quip right at the end :-

"Joy Division New Order forever! Get that tattooed on yer arse!"

Yeah I enjoyed that gig it was the year magic mushrooms were available legally a great session was had that night

Holy Mother of God the MFiT WAVs sound FANTASTIC cranked up over some quality monitors or headphones ------ really nice production with the mixing and mastering ---

WOW! What a varied, emotional, energetic, sonic masterpiece.

On most of these tracks I'm feeling the melancholy and emotion of tracks such as 'Leave Me Alone', 'Turn' & 'Dream Attack'. And then there is Singularity; the greatest nod to their JD roots since Ceremony & Sunrise.

If I had to be critical only 'People On The High Line' and to a lesser degree 'Tutti Frutti' do not completely float my boat and go through the motions but even so the production is top notch and work as part of the album.

Ok, the trademark bass is glaringly missing in some places where you just know it would have made sense but Tom gives tracks a fresh feel & sound. The crazy thing is I think Hooky and Tom would even complement each other if both were in the band.

An accomplished album that they should be proud of and that can be regarded as something close to their finest Long Player...IMO only Technique & PCL work better as something you would consider as a well rounded LP start to finish.

Exocet wrote: Restless: 9 Singularity: 10 Plastic: 6 Tutti Frutti: 9 People on the High Line: 7 Stray Dog: 7 Academic: 8 Nothing But a Fool: 8 Unlearn This Hatred: 9 The Game: 8 Superheated: 7

Sleeve design: 7

Total: 9

Fixed that for you.

Exocet wrote: Restless: 3 Singularity: 0 Plastic: 0 Tutti Frutti: 0 People on the High Line: 0 Stray Dog: -10 Academic: 1 Nothing But a Fool: 4 Unlearn This Hatred: 0 The Game: 0 Superheated: 2

Sleeve design: 0

Total: 0

You signed up just to add that 'comedy masterpiece' of a review? I really wouldn't have wasted my energy in filling out the registration just for that.

I've yet to find a negative review that I've been able to take seriously, a couple of people on Facebook that were complaining because the LP was 'too electronic' and 'I've never liked Bernard's voice' made me laugh though, like they were desperately looking for anything to criticise it with. There's obviously been the Hooky fans decrying it because he's not on it. But if Hooky = WftSC and no Hooky = MC then I'm afraid there's really no contest. I'm a massive New Order fan, always have been, but I'm not one who's not been critical of their output in the past. This LP is an unadulterated classic NO record from start to finish, I've had it on constantly, I'm not bored with it and my favourite tunes change every time I hear it. There hasn't been a NO record like that since Technique. If anyone's a fan of the band, then there isn't a single valid reason why they won't like this record that I can think of.

Salford Corner wrote: I'm not bored with it and my favourite tunes change every time I hear it.

^^^THIS

I'm the first to admit that I thought NO were dead in the water. Get Ready and WFTSC were sporadically worthwhile, some GREAT tunes but at least half of each was dreadful, to me. This latest effort has surpassed all my expectations and has totally delighted me with it's upbeat exuberance. In these times, in todays drab music scene, Music Complete is a GREAT record and I am overjoyed and unashamed to say that I absolutely love it!

I thought I'd add my 2¢ here with (30+ year fan like most on here). I've read this board for as long as I can remember, but just not much of a talker.

Anyway, this album is indeed a journey. We go from a Technique-type song to a borderline Joy Division song, then off to a 90s-style EDM, some sort of weird Italian thing to a random disco song, a weird spoken word track with a rock icon, then another mild guitar-driven track, a Run2-style song with an Ennio Morricone intro, a more modern take on the dance side of things, a bit of a Get Ready type song, then a merge of New Order and a band they inspired. Not many bands these days could pull something like this off and do it so well.

It's like nothing they've ever done, but so much like where they've been.

Absolutely amazing and refreshing.

Only listened to it a few times, but have to say it is better than I was expecting after getting Restless and Plastic up front (both of which have grown on me since the first times I heard them) - certainly not the disaster I was expecting/dreading. Could do without Stray Dog, which seems more of a B-side than an album track, and Unlearn This Hatred sounds a little bit too cheesy/dated, but otherwise enjoying everything else, Nothing but a Fool is my favourite of the rest of the songs.

First I love how there is music on here for every type of fan.

Wow what a great cd. Unlearn this hatred is so far my favourite. But I love academic just as much. Tutti frutti is very good, but I don't think it's the best. It will most likely be the second single. Since Gillian told us what new songs they will be playing, this was one of them. Singularity was great, but the drop the guitar part was a little weak, compared to the live version. A little over produced near the end, but I still like it. I was surprised how much I liked Superheated. As much as I would love to see unlearn this hatred as the second single, I truly think Superheated would be a very radio friendly song. Restless is of course great. Plastic is great cd filler, but the above songs are so much better. People on the high line (which they are going to play live) is good, but not great. Hopefully that will change with more listens. I have not made up my mind on nothing but a fool, so far not so good, but has moments. Stray dog I really shouldn't like. I was so against Iggy doing all the vocals. But I do find myself enjoying it. And The Game, or should I say off their game. This was the stinker for me. I will give it a lot more time and listens, but I don't know. Over all great cd.

I just got finished recording the vinyl - the sound is so much better than the digital files released so far. Obviously the lack of brick walling helps. I got the US vinyl and though the sound is good, there are loads of imperfections in the pressing. I’ll take it though. Much better to hear this way for sure. Every song has a new discovery that didn’t come out in the digital realm.

So many great sounds, so many wry lyrical and musical nods to times and ideas past, so much euphoria and confidence! Top record -- top album in an era where people don't really bother anymore. I never feel an instance of trying to like the songs; some moments surprise me, and there are occasional quirks that are still growing on me, but never a moment where I think they blew 6 mins on a dud song or ruined a good tune with dumb production. The record keeps me amused; in a way it's their most playful ever, and I recall the textural fun had on "The Village", "586", "The Perfect Kiss", and many others. "Stray Dog" has a musical vibe like "Murder", but is much better than that oddball b-side. I think side A is definitely superior, but in a 97% vs 91% kind of way. "Tutti Frutti" is a major highlight. I've spent the last few years listening to so much early 80s R&B and freestyle music, and this is a loving nod to a moment in music that they were once concurrent with; genres they were always awkwardly drawing inspiration from in their characteristically Mancunian way. "People On The High Line" is also fabulous, and it's like they've bested some of the NYC bands (e.g. LCD Soundsystem, Holy Ghost!) that have won kudos and fame updating "Confusion"-era beats. "Unlearn This Hatred" has a verse synth hook that's the most concise floor-stomper in their catalogue. I said in an earlier post New Order actually was best when Steve and Bernard were able to edit the rhythms and electronics together, and with Gillian back in the fold I think she's got almost what I'd call a fan's ear in the band; she knows what an exciting New Order record should sound like, and her contributions help push New Order to create a cinematic, grand pop atmosphere. In some respects it seems like Phil workmanlike qualities have been played down, but just because he doesn't like playing keyboards doesn't mean he hasn't added some bright moments of his own. Having just watched the Electronic Beats Q&A with Arthur Baker, Bernard was actually pretty gracious in highlighting how Phil and Tom came up the basis for "Restless" and "Academic", so even if they are auxiliary by some measure I think their relative youth and excellent musicianship provide a lot of substance underneath the dazzling electronics. Finally, I am enjoying Bernard's chest voice and his ability to massage the lower register that comes with age. Disappointed that some reviews take such pot shots at Bernard's lyrics -- apparently different standards apply to him compared to so many other singer-songwriters just because he's had a couple notoriously bland moments. Really, there are some clever lines on this album that haven't felt this focused since the debut Electronic LP.

I could go on, but these are my immediate impressions. It may have a few imperfect moments but this is a fun record that also has a lot of character and depth. "Singularity" is the New Order / Joy Division / Factory Records story in more ways than one. It's taken multiple films and documentaries to tell that story, and this moody yet ultimately cathartic track gives you that whirlwind cinematic history in 5 and a half minutes. That's proof New Order is a band that loves making music again.

I'm having my second listen. I think music complete is just the sound of a group that likes working together and want to make something that's enjoyable first and foremost. Its the album I hoped Sirens' was going to be. I remember the press for that LP said it was the electronic follow-up to the rockier Get Ready, but it seems that the band has admitted it was really a guitar album. I happen to like Get Ready (except for slow jam and rock the shack) and like this record the band sounds tight. Sirens' and Lost Sirens sound like the band trying to make it work but lacking inspiration, reliant on producers to make them function properly.

As much as I like Hooky's basslines I don't think they're missed on this album at all. I certainly felt his absence on the BL LP which was sonically a bit samey. This album is so full of ideas and different approaches that I think Hooky's bass is be unnecessary. So I wish Hooky good luck, based on this album in spite of how messily he left and the legal issues, if the band works well together they're a band, if they don't they shouldn't be working together. Its that simple.

Also, I don't get the dislike of Stray Dog, its fine, not earth-shattering but i'll take a spoken monologue from Iggy over Barney anyday.

First, an introduction...

I've been a long time lurker of these forums for many years and a devout New Order fan since Blue Monday and PCL changed my life. Although I'm a long time fan, I don't subscribe to the usual "everything after Technique is crap (except maybe Music Complete)" sentiments. In my top 10 New Order tracks (of this moment in time... may change tomorrow) are Regret, Crystal and World. Ok, I'll further admit it now and take my lumps... #1 PCL, #2 Republic, #3 Music Complete, #4 Technique, #5 Low Life... and the rest, I enjoy (very much) but don't scream out as being much better than the others. Too my ears, Music Complete is the perfect follow-up to Republic, not Technique, and WFTSC and Get Ready have enough special moments that I continue to find great joy while listening to them.

So let me continue with my unpopular view on the tracks on Music Complete...

Restless 10/10 - it's an absolutely perfect New Order track. It's a grower, not a shower. 3rd or 4th listening was the sweet spot for me. Now it's a classic, right up there with Regret, Crystal, Your Silent Face, Vanishing Point, Perfect Kiss, etc.

Singularity 10/10 - Wow! This may be the best moody/dark New Order track ever! And yet it has great energy. It references Joy Division just enough to pay homage without being derivative in the least. Tom's bass is absolutely perfect without being intrusive. And it's modern and timeless in a way that only New Order can do.

Plastic 9/10 - 2 days ago this would have been a 10. It blew me away! But now it's just an excellent album track... until I hear some really great remixes. When it was a single release, I loved playing it next to the PSB track Axis and Donna's I Feel Love followed by Giorgio's The Chase, lol. Kudos to NO for giving me such great joy! The only reason it's not a 10 anymore is because they've raised my standards by releasing such an excellent album.

Tutti Frutti 7/10 - A great summer-y tune in the same way Fine Time and R&R was in their day. It makes me wish I was young again. But then, I'd probably be listening to totally crap. But it also feels a tiny bit gimmicky. And thank you Bernard for telling Elly to sing in her "chest voice" and not in her "head voice" as he said in the Berlin interview with Arthur Baker. I really like La Roux but honestly, I was very scared when I heard she was a guest vocalist on several tracks. Her La Roux voice would have been really intrusive. This song also suffers from New Order's innate desire to sabotage songs with terrible names!

People on the HighLine 8/10 - Apparently Stephen did the sequencing on the album (Arthur Baker interview) and Tutti Frutti and PotH absolutely belong together. Putting these two songs together makes each song better somehow. Peter Hook who? Tom again stakes his claim on the new New Order sound. Funky as fuck! And I'm loving Bernard's sexy growl and the Chic bassline. Again, it sunny and summery like Tutti. I wish they could have rushed the release of MC without sacrificing the quality. But then again, Technique was the soundtrack of the summer of '90 for me even though it came out at the end of '89. But now I'm old and tired. Bleah!

Stray Dog 5/10 - love the backing track that Stephen and Gillian developed. Yes, Iggy is rock royalty but this is just an awkward fit. The only duff track on the album? No, Suprerheated is far worse. But Stray Dog makes Academic better in comparison.

Academic 7/10 - This is a very nice rock song as New Order do very well. Album filler, maybe? This is the only track that I miss Peter Hook on although I actually appreciate Tom's bottom-heavy contribution. It still might have been nice to have a nice high bass line melody in this one. It kinda screams for it, no?

Nothing But a Fool 8/10 - The chorus and lyrics raise this song above Academic. Another Joy Division-y song for me. I appreciate the moodiness and rockiness of this track because it's a nice counterpoint to earlier upbeat, dance-oriented tracks. Bernard's voice has really impressed me throughout. He doesn't strain and sounds very confident.

Unlearn This Hatred 10/10 - Tom Rowlands elevates another track to perfection. This and Singularity are perfect. I want the next NO album to be entirely produced by Mr. Rowlands! He has the key to producing New Order while keeping the NO charm and making it current and relevant.

The Game 6/10 - Apparently this is another Stephen/Gillian composition (Arthur Baker interview). A bit of a rocker with a somewhat lame chorus. The chorus really kills the momentum of the song. And the Lindsay Buckingham-esque solo at the end doesn't do the song justice. The verses I quite like, though.

Superheated 3/10 - I really like this song until Mr. Flowers comes in and shits all over it. This song might be an 8 without him. Nah, just a 7. But I'd still much rather hear it sung by Bernard. Don't get me wrong. I actually like The Killers. But this is just WRONG in so many ways. This song makes me sad. But not in good/sad way like PCL does.

Overall, I'm highly impressed with this effort from New Order. I very much appreciated the return to the synthy-style NO. They sound absolutely fearless and confident throughout. I rarely missed Hooky's typical contribution. And that says a lot! I had to go back and remind myself just how important he was to New Order after listening to Music Complete 6 or 8 times. He carried the melody in soooo many beloved songs. But somehow (sorcery?), New Order made a great album without his presence. And Bernard has never sounded better vocally.

And the lyrics didn't make me cringe... except for once or twice. Which is astounding for a NO album. Um, "to deserts full of sand". Bernard will never be Neil Tennant or Morrissey. I've come to accept that. :)

Cheers, Jim

Digital Mike Binoche wrote:

Bernard will never be Neil Tennant or Morrissey??? thank GOD . I'd hate to see him stuffing flowers up his arse like Morrissey , and he aint a GAYER like the Pet Shop Twat !!

SampledFrog wrote:

And the lyrics didn't make me cringe... except for once or twice. Which is astounding for a NO album. Um, "to deserts full of sand". Bernard will never be Neil Tennant or Morrissey. I've come to accept that. :)

Cheers, Jim

Fuck you for being a homophobic twat! Really?

I'm homophobic cause i don't like PSB? ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

SampledFrog wrote:

Digital Mike Binoche wrote:

Bernard will never be Neil Tennant or Morrissey??? thank GOD . I'd hate to see him stuffing flowers up his arse like Morrissey , and he aint a GAYER like the Pet Shop Twat !!

SampledFrog wrote:

And the lyrics didn't make me cringe... except for once or twice. Which is astounding for a NO album. Um, "to deserts full of sand". Bernard will never be Neil Tennant or Morrissey. I've come to accept that. :)

Cheers, Jim

Fuck you for being a homophobic twat! Really?

SampledFrog wrote:

Digital Mike Binoche wrote:

Bernard will never be Neil Tennant or Morrissey??? thank GOD . I'd hate to see him stuffing flowers up his arse like Morrissey , and he aint a GAYER like the Pet Shop Twat !!

SampledFrog wrote:

And the lyrics didn't make me cringe... except for once or twice. Which is astounding for a NO album. Um, "to deserts full of sand". Bernard will never be Neil Tennant or Morrissey. I've come to accept that. :)

Cheers, Jim

Fuck you for being a homophobic twat! Really?

This is the welcome I get for posting here? I wanted to share my experience and joy with the release of Music Complete. And I get some dick (who doesn't even know how to quote someone properly on a message board) shaming my opinion in a an extremely homophobic way.

Btw, gay men do NOT get pleasure from stuffing flowers up their ass. And Neil Tennant is a very literate lyricist. I'm very sorry that you can't appreciate that because he happens to be a gay man. I think Bernard would be the first person to admit that his lyrics can sometimes be a bit "tossed off". Honestly, I usually love his lyrics even though they may sometimes be a bit elemental.

SampledFrog wrote:

SampledFrog wrote:

Digital Mike Binoche wrote:

Bernard will never be Neil Tennant or Morrissey??? thank GOD . I'd hate to see him stuffing flowers up his arse like Morrissey , and he aint a GAYER like the Pet Shop Twat !!

SampledFrog wrote:

And the lyrics didn't make me cringe... except for once or twice. Which is astounding for a NO album. Um, "to deserts full of sand". Bernard will never be Neil Tennant or Morrissey. I've come to accept that. :)

Cheers, Jim

Fuck you for being a homophobic twat! Really?

This is the welcome I get for posting here? I wanted to share my experience and joy with the release of Music Complete. And I get some dick (who doesn't even know how to quote someone properly on a message board) shaming my opinion in a an extremely homophobic way.

Btw, gay men do NOT get pleasure from stuffing flowers up their ass. And Neil Tennant is a very literate lyricist. I'm very sorry that you can't appreciate that because he happens to be a gay man. I think Bernard would be the first person to admit that his lyrics can sometimes be a bit "tossed off". Honestly, I usually love his lyrics even though they may sometimes be a bit elemental.

YAWN !!!

Digital Mike Binoche wrote: I'm homophobic cause i don't like PSB? ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

SampledFrog wrote:

Digital Mike Binoche wrote:

Bernard will never be Neil Tennant or Morrissey??? thank GOD . I'd hate to see him stuffing flowers up his arse like Morrissey , and he aint a GAYER like the Pet Shop Twat !!

SampledFrog wrote:

And the lyrics didn't make me cringe... except for once or twice. Which is astounding for a NO album. Um, "to deserts full of sand". Bernard will never be Neil Tennant or Morrissey. I've come to accept that. :)

Cheers, Jim

Fuck you for being a homophobic twat! Really?

Learn how to quote on a message board! I don't even know how to respond to your posts when you continue to put the most recent post on the top. Hint... You read a message board from top to bottom.

No, you're not homophobic because you don't like the Pet Shop Boys. You're homophobic because you used phrases like "shoved flowers up his arse" and "GAYER than a Pet Shop twat"l

You can't hide homophobia just by denial.

Are there moderators here?

Digital Mike Binoche wrote:

Bernard will never be Neil Tennant or Morrissey??? thank GOD . I'd hate to see him stuffing flowers up his arse like Morrissey , and he aint a GAYER like the Pet Shop Twat !!

How to offend Morrisey fans, PSB and half of new order fans in one go. Well done.

SampledFrog wrote: First, an introduction...

I've been a long time lurker of these forums for many years and a devout New Order fan since Blue Monday and PCL changed my life. Although I'm a long time fan, I don't subscribe to the usual "everything after Technique is crap (except maybe Music Complete)" sentiments. In my top 10 New Order tracks (of this moment in time... may change tomorrow) are Regret, Crystal and World. Ok, I'll further admit it now and take my lumps... #1 PCL, #2 Republic, #3 Music Complete, #4 Technique, #5 Low Life... and the rest, I enjoy (very much) but don't scream out as being much better than the others. Too my ears, Music Complete is the perfect follow-up to Republic, not Technique, and WFTSC and Get Ready have enough special moments that I continue to find great joy while listening to them.

So let me continue with my unpopular view on the tracks on Music Complete...

Restless 10/10 - it's an absolutely perfect New Order track. It's a grower, not a shower. 3rd or 4th listening was the sweet spot for me. Now it's a classic, right up there with Regret, Crystal, Your Silent Face, Vanishing Point, Perfect Kiss, etc.

Singularity 10/10 - Wow! This may be the best moody/dark New Order track ever! And yet it has great energy. It references Joy Division just enough to pay homage without being derivative in the least. Tom's bass is absolutely perfect without being intrusive. And it's modern and timeless in a way that only New Order can do.

Plastic 9/10 - 2 days ago this would have been a 10. It blew me away! But now it's just an excellent album track... until I hear some really great remixes. When it was a single release, I loved playing it next to the PSB track Axis and Donna's I Feel Love followed by Giorgio's The Chase, lol. Kudos to NO for giving me such great joy! The only reason it's not a 10 anymore is because they've raised my standards by releasing such an excellent album.

Tutti Frutti 7/10 - A great summer-y tune in the same way Fine Time and R&R was in their day. It makes me wish I was young again. But then, I'd probably be listening to totally crap. But it also feels a tiny bit gimmicky. And thank you Bernard for telling Elly to sing in her "chest voice" and not in her "head voice" as he said in the Berlin interview with Arthur Baker. I really like La Roux but honestly, I was very scared when I heard she was a guest vocalist on several tracks. Her La Roux voice would have been really intrusive. This song also suffers from New Order's innate desire to sabotage songs with terrible names!

People on the HighLine 8/10 - Apparently Stephen did the sequencing on the album (Arthur Baker interview) and Tutti Frutti and PotH absolutely belong together. Putting these two songs together makes each song better somehow. Peter Hook who? Tom again stakes his claim on the new New Order sound. Funky as fuck! And I'm loving Bernard's sexy growl and the Chic bassline. Again, it sunny and summery like Tutti. I wish they could have rushed the release of MC without sacrificing the quality. But then again, Technique was the soundtrack of the summer of '90 for me even though it came out at the end of '89. But now I'm old and tired. Bleah!

Stray Dog 5/10 - love the backing track that Stephen and Gillian developed. Yes, Iggy is rock royalty but this is just an awkward fit. The only duff track on the album? No, Suprerheated is far worse. But Stray Dog makes Academic better in comparison.

Academic 7/10 - This is a very nice rock song as New Order do very well. Album filler, maybe? This is the only track that I miss Peter Hook on although I actually appreciate Tom's bottom-heavy contribution. It still might have been nice to have a nice high bass line melody in this one. It kinda screams for it, no?

Nothing But a Fool 8/10 - The chorus and lyrics raise this song above Academic. Another Joy Division-y song for me. I appreciate the moodiness and rockiness of this track because it's a nice counterpoint to earlier upbeat, dance-oriented tracks. Bernard's voice has really impressed me throughout. He doesn't strain and sounds very confident.

Unlearn This Hatred 10/10 - Tom Rowlands elevates another track to perfection. This and Singularity are perfect. I want the next NO album to be entirely produced by Mr. Rowlands! He has the key to producing New Order while keeping the NO charm and making it current and relevant.

The Game 6/10 - Apparently this is another Stephen/Gillian composition (Arthur Baker interview). A bit of a rocker with a somewhat lame chorus. The chorus really kills the momentum of the song. And the Lindsay Buckingham-esque solo at the end doesn't do the song justice. The verses I quite like, though.

Superheated 3/10 - I really like this song until Mr. Flowers comes in and shits all over it. This song might be an 8 without him. Nah, just a 7. But I'd still much rather hear it sung by Bernard. Don't get me wrong. I actually like The Killers. But this is just WRONG in so many ways. This song makes me sad. But not in good/sad way like PCL does.

Overall, I'm highly impressed with this effort from New Order. I very much appreciated the return to the synthy-style NO. They sound absolutely fearless and confident throughout. I rarely missed Hooky's typical contribution. And that says a lot! I had to go back and remind myself just how important he was to New Order after listening to Music Complete 6 or 8 times. He carried the melody in soooo many beloved songs. But somehow (sorcery?), New Order made a great album without his presence. And Bernard has never sounded better vocally.

And the lyrics didn't make me cringe... except for once or twice. Which is astounding for a NO album. Um, "to deserts full of sand". Bernard will never be Neil Tennant or Morrissey. I've come to accept that. :)

Cheers, Jim

is it bro wrote:

Digital Mike Binoche wrote:

Bernard will never be Neil Tennant or Morrissey??? thank GOD . I'd hate to see him stuffing flowers up his arse like Morrissey , and he aint a GAYER like the Pet Shop Twat !!

How to offend Morrisey fans, PSB and half of new order fans in one go. Well done.

SampledFrog wrote: First, an introduction...

I've been a long time lurker of these forums for many years and a devout New Order fan since Blue Monday and PCL changed my life. Although I'm a long time fan, I don't subscribe to the usual "everything after Technique is crap (except maybe Music Complete)" sentiments. In my top 10 New Order tracks (of this moment in time... may change tomorrow) are Regret, Crystal and World. Ok, I'll further admit it now and take my lumps... #1 PCL, #2 Republic, #3 Music Complete, #4 Technique, #5 Low Life... and the rest, I enjoy (very much) but don't scream out as being much better than the others. Too my ears, Music Complete is the perfect follow-up to Republic, not Technique, and WFTSC and Get Ready have enough special moments that I continue to find great joy while listening to them.

So let me continue with my unpopular view on the tracks on Music Complete...

Restless 10/10 - it's an absolutely perfect New Order track. It's a grower, not a shower. 3rd or 4th listening was the sweet spot for me. Now it's a classic, right up there with Regret, Crystal, Your Silent Face, Vanishing Point, Perfect Kiss, etc.

Singularity 10/10 - Wow! This may be the best moody/dark New Order track ever! And yet it has great energy. It references Joy Division just enough to pay homage without being derivative in the least. Tom's bass is absolutely perfect without being intrusive. And it's modern and timeless in a way that only New Order can do.

Plastic 9/10 - 2 days ago this would have been a 10. It blew me away! But now it's just an excellent album track... until I hear some really great remixes. When it was a single release, I loved playing it next to the PSB track Axis and Donna's I Feel Love followed by Giorgio's The Chase, lol. Kudos to NO for giving me such great joy! The only reason it's not a 10 anymore is because they've raised my standards by releasing such an excellent album.

Tutti Frutti 7/10 - A great summer-y tune in the same way Fine Time and R&R was in their day. It makes me wish I was young again. But then, I'd probably be listening to totally crap. But it also feels a tiny bit gimmicky. And thank you Bernard for telling Elly to sing in her "chest voice" and not in her "head voice" as he said in the Berlin interview with Arthur Baker. I really like La Roux but honestly, I was very scared when I heard she was a guest vocalist on several tracks. Her La Roux voice would have been really intrusive. This song also suffers from New Order's innate desire to sabotage songs with terrible names!

People on the HighLine 8/10 - Apparently Stephen did the sequencing on the album (Arthur Baker interview) and Tutti Frutti and PotH absolutely belong together. Putting these two songs together makes each song better somehow. Peter Hook who? Tom again stakes his claim on the new New Order sound. Funky as fuck! And I'm loving Bernard's sexy growl and the Chic bassline. Again, it sunny and summery like Tutti. I wish they could have rushed the release of MC without sacrificing the quality. But then again, Technique was the soundtrack of the summer of '90 for me even though it came out at the end of '89. But now I'm old and tired. Bleah!

Stray Dog 5/10 - love the backing track that Stephen and Gillian developed. Yes, Iggy is rock royalty but this is just an awkward fit. The only duff track on the album? No, Suprerheated is far worse. But Stray Dog makes Academic better in comparison.

Academic 7/10 - This is a very nice rock song as New Order do very well. Album filler, maybe? This is the only track that I miss Peter Hook on although I actually appreciate Tom's bottom-heavy contribution. It still might have been nice to have a nice high bass line melody in this one. It kinda screams for it, no?

Nothing But a Fool 8/10 - The chorus and lyrics raise this song above Academic. Another Joy Division-y song for me. I appreciate the moodiness and rockiness of this track because it's a nice counterpoint to earlier upbeat, dance-oriented tracks. Bernard's voice has really impressed me throughout. He doesn't strain and sounds very confident.

Unlearn This Hatred 10/10 - Tom Rowlands elevates another track to perfection. This and Singularity are perfect. I want the next NO album to be entirely produced by Mr. Rowlands! He has the key to producing New Order while keeping the NO charm and making it current and relevant.

The Game 6/10 - Apparently this is another Stephen/Gillian composition (Arthur Baker interview). A bit of a rocker with a somewhat lame chorus. The chorus really kills the momentum of the song. And the Lindsay Buckingham-esque solo at the end doesn't do the song justice. The verses I quite like, though.

Superheated 3/10 - I really like this song until Mr. Flowers comes in and shits all over it. This song might be an 8 without him. Nah, just a 7. But I'd still much rather hear it sung by Bernard. Don't get me wrong. I actually like The Killers. But this is just WRONG in so many ways. This song makes me sad. But not in good/sad way like PCL does.

Overall, I'm highly impressed with this effort from New Order. I very much appreciated the return to the synthy-style NO. They sound absolutely fearless and confident throughout. I rarely missed Hooky's typical contribution. And that says a lot! I had to go back and remind myself just how important he was to New Order after listening to Music Complete 6 or 8 times. He carried the melody in soooo many beloved songs. But somehow (sorcery?), New Order made a great album without his presence. And Bernard has never sounded better vocally.

And the lyrics didn't make me cringe... except for once or twice. Which is astounding for a NO album. Um, "to deserts full of sand". Bernard will never be Neil Tennant or Morrissey. I've come to accept that. :)

Cheers, Jim

Well Barney is a thousand times more talented than both of em put together !

A fan mentioned Steven and Gillian's " the grave", which sounds Jon Hammond/ Brian eno inspired but it is a decade ahead of them, so possibly Hammond or eno had heard the track. Regardless, stray dog is the most interesting track, and as I often attribute credit to Bernard for the 250 songs or so on my ever increasing playlists for these guys, I remind myself that they are collaborations. I like the darker style of stray dog and the synths seem to have an urgency . Bernard's poem is fine and well told by mr pop.

The Dance songs are jaunty and happy and probably well done all around compared to the myriad dance pop electronica bands out there, but I can't remember ever caring to listen to any but new order. I suspect Beyoncé or her peers don't do it as well. I do expect more manic , more cutting edge , more futuristic guitar/ synth combo songs next time. Also Bernard sings the first verses , I believe , of superheated, and the other guy sounds fine , but he is a bit too slick or mainstream,like a Bruno Mars, much too polished, too trained, as is the girl with the French band. I like the get ready and sirens girl singers more for some reason, perhaps as those are albums with very memorable stellar songs , like , lo and behold, technique, brotherhood , and republic. MC is Refreshing vibrant, beautiful , and wonderful and it is an achievement of a lifetime for anyone else, just standard operating procedure for our stalwart heroes

Being naturally and occasionally blabby I , while risking excommunicationby posting twice in a row, say that I miss the magic melodica that was Ian's, and now Bernard's . Hooky should get one.

keepitcoming wrote: A fan mentioned Steven and Gillian's " the grave", which sounds Jon Hammond/ Brian eno inspired but it is a decade ahead of them, so possibly Hammond or eno had heard the track. Regardless, stray dog is the most interesting track, and as I often attribute credit to Bernard for the 250 songs or so on my ever increasing playlists for these guys, I remind myself that they are collaborations. I like the darker style of stray dog and the synths seem to have an urgency . Bernard's poem is fine and well told by mr pop.

The Dance songs are jaunty and happy and probably well done all around compared to the myriad dance pop electronica bands out there, but I can't remember ever caring to listen to any but new order. I suspect Beyoncé or her peers don't do it as well. I do expect more manic , more cutting edge , more futuristic guitar/ synth combo songs next time. Also Bernard sings the first verses , I believe , of superheated, and the other guy sounds fine , but he is a bit too slick or mainstream,like a Bruno Mars, much too polished, too trained, as is the girl with the French band. I like the get ready and sirens girl singers more for some reason, perhaps as those are albums with very memorable stellar songs , like , lo and behold, technique, brotherhood , and republic. MC is Refreshing vibrant, beautiful , and wonderful and it is an achievement of a lifetime for anyone else, just standard operating procedure for our stalwart heroes

Just a little background for you...

La Roux is not a French band. It is a British band that is essentially one person... Elly Jackson (with Ben Langmaid for the first album). She is best known for the awesome song Bulletproof from 2009.

The guy who sings the majority of Superheated is Brandon Flowers from The Killers. They are massively popular. They also happened to have taken their name from NO's Crystal video's fictional band.

I love it. http://www.thefinalword.co.uk/content/view/1329/

If I'm honest, I can 'hear' where the former bassplayers work would slot right in and sound glorious ; but I felt like that on every track I've ever heard Barney sing and all teh Electronic records. "Music Complete" is the best album they've made since 1993. Gawd, I've missed those electronic bleepybloops.

SampledFrog wrote: La Roux ... She is best known for the awesome song Bulletproof from 2009.

I always thought their best known song was In For The Kill. It was certainly her/their breakthrough hit. Anyway, I love the Skream remix, so this is as good an excuse as any to post it here. Love the big beats that come in around 4.09.

Debaser wrote:

SampledFrog wrote: La Roux ... She is best known for the awesome song Bulletproof from 2009.

I always thought their best known song was In For The Kill. It was certainly her/their breakthrough hit. Anyway, I love the Skream remix, so this is as good an excuse as any to post it here. Love the big beats that come in around 4.09.

I loved La Roux's Trouble In Paradise album from last year but one of the best things she ever did was her guesting on Chromeo's fantastically funky Hot Mess .Incredible vocal on this that i have to admit she doesn't quite match on the stuff she sings on Music Complete.

Debaser wrote:

SampledFrog wrote: La Roux ... She is best known for the awesome song Bulletproof from 2009.

I always thought their best known song was In For The Kill. It was certainly her/their breakthrough hit. Anyway, I love the Skream remix, so this is as good an excuse as any to post it here. Love the big beats that come in around 4.09.

Yes, In for the Kill was a big hit in the UK. But Bulletproof was a bigger hit internationally.

I just listened to Dracula's Castle. Then to some other random bits off WFTSC. MC is such an improvement. I do wish Barney would spend more than a day and a half writing his vocals though. Also getting into The Game and even strangely addicted to the quite horrible (on first listen) SuperHeated. Its sounds so familiar, where is that verse nicked from? I do kind of like it though in some strange way.

I only had a chance to get my first listen to the album this evening. It will take a few more listens to get a real feel for the whole album but so far, it sounds quirky, brilliant and slightly imperfect but then it wouldn't be New Order if it was any other way.

Restless is a grower, not the best track by any means but a good intro.

Singularity and Plastic are both good and build things up nicely for what is to come.

Tutti Fruiti is absolutely gorgeous. A brilliant piece of electronic pop. La Roux sounds great on this track. The highlight of the album and it could have been a summer classic if they released this as a single last June!

The next highlight for me is Stray Dog. It is Mr. Disco in wolf's clothing. A strange tune but still amazing. The brilliance of Gillian really shines through, no doubt aided and abetted by Stephen and Barney. The dark, repetitive keyboard notes playing under Iggy's vocals is amazing. A really unexpected gem on the album. The remixes could be amazing if they come.

On first listen, the rest of the album falls off a little after that but maybe with a few more listens, those later songs will sound as good as the first half.

I doubted New Order would be able to make an album of this quality without Hooky but they have pulled it off. Has there been another act regarded as an "80's group" that have produced a more relevant album in the last 10 year's? It's current position in the UK album charts seems to indicate that New Order are a band viewed as current and relevant, not just a bunch of old timers cashing in on nostalgia. Maybe the kids new to New Order will be shocked when they see the faces behind the music.