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After New Order released their own Substance compilation in 1987, it was perhaps inevitable that a similar and long-overdue collection would apply to Joy Division, especially given the out-of-print status of many of the band's singles. The end result turned up in 1988, and as a listen easily demonstrated that the same sheer sweep and energy that applied to the band over a full-length album similarly worked, even more so, with the focus of a 7" or 12" release. Though the earliest tracks like "Warsaw" and "Leaders of Men" were a strange sort of art punk, there was already something distinct about the group, and by the time of "Digital" and "Autosuggestion," it was perfectly apparent. The former centered around Curtis' circular declarations of repetition and angst, while "Autosuggestion" builds up slowly, carefully, before an invigorating final rush. After that, "Transmission," a cold blue laser light of power, sneaking on an echo of synth and Hook's commanding bass before Morris, recorded brilliantly by Hannett, simply takes control. And from there, up and up, the whole band reaching a peak with Curtis' anguished scream "And we could dance!" As gripping as that is, by the time of its final singles, Joy Division outstripped even that -- "Atmosphere" and "Dead Souls" arguably make some of the best singles ever, the former a haunting, minimal call, the latter an ever more wired and explosive portrait of demand on a soul, from some inescapable outside force. Then, of course, "Love Will Tear Us Apart," Joy Division's eternal calling card, the inadvertent final bow, the blueprint for endless cover versions, a portrait of love and connection endlessly turning in on itself to destruction, set to a beautiful melody and one of the band's warmest performances ever. All this and, on CD, a slew of the B-sides as well -- the best adjunct to the two albums anyone could want. ~ Ned Raggett
Joy Division: Ian Curtis (vocals), Bernard Sumner (guitar, keyboards), Peter Hook (bass), Stephen Morris (drums).
Photographer: Trevor Key.
Q (9/93, p.97) - 4 Stars - Excellent
Substance 1977-1980 Music
Joy Division - Substance 1977-1980 Songs
Substance 1977-1980 Music Review
Average Rating: (4.4 out of 5 stars)    A Classic!
I just recently rediscovered Joy Division after seeing 24 Hour Party People. Favorite tracks are Warsaw and No Love Lost ontop of an excellent collection of songs. Check Out Touching From A Distance about Ian Curtis written by his wife. Debunks alot of the myth that's been built up around him over the years.
Submitted by a reviewer (Philadelphia, PA) 
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 A Collection Of Work
This one really showcases the best of joy division in their prime.I have to say it has been not even a year with me having this record and i find it to be one of the best.I have not always been a joy divison fan but this is the one that turned me into one. I discoverd the band through word of mouth from various sources so I picked up the record to see for myself if the band was great.Which everyone was right they were dark and orignal and set the tone for alternative in the 80's.But with the death of Ian Curtis it only put them in the legendary category.For anyone intrested in the band I suggest pick this one up it will leave you wanting more.
Submitted by jjgreen30285 (Thomaston, GA)
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Pounding
Good heavy dark,rock with pounding beats and catchy vocals, best played through speakers with good bass, loud.
Look out for 'novelty' and 'transmission', great songs.
Submitted by samaow (lancaster,lancs,england)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No Stands the test of time
This is a great album from a great, yet tragically short lived, band. I only wonder what would have been. Never the less, a great classic. Excellent representation of the era, with fantastic true-to-life emotion. You can't go wrong with this.
Submitted by Amanda (Savannah, GA)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No A great introduction to a great band.
This was the first Joy Division album I ever bought, and it encouraged me to get all their other work. While there are some mediocre songs, there are enough great ones, like Transmission, and Love Will Tear Us Apart, to make up for this. Also, it goes chronologically, thus making it easy to see how an average Punk outfit became, in only two years, the most influential New Wave band. All in all, this is essential both for long-standing fans of the band, and those mildly interested. You won't regret buying it.
Submitted by a reviewer (Oxford, UK)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No | Have you heard this album? |  |
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