New Order: The First Four

Guest columnist Kevin Alexander stops by for a deep dive on a quartet of records that chronicle the literal death of one band and the birth of a new musical outfit that changed the sound of pop music.

This essay is a piece in our continuing series exploring the first four records of important artists through the ages.

In this installment, longtime friend of WAIM and fellow Substacker Kevin Alexander stops by to share the story of the death of Ian Curtis and dissolution of Curtis’ band Joy Division. Moreover, this is the tale of what the remaining members chose to do in the wake of that tragic loss. In the process they birthed a collaboration that would spawn a string of hit records, robust critical acclaim, massive world tours and the band would be at the forefront of a brand new sound in pop music.

Here is Kevin with a detailed run through of the first four records from New Order. Enjoy.

Cheers,
Matty C