Friday mp3: New Order

'Ceremony' was New Order's first release following their reformation after the death of Ian Curtis and Joy Division. Written by Curtis, the original only survives by way of a live recording from Birmingham on Still, and a demo, included as part of the Heart and Soul box-set.

The 'original' New Order version, before the re-recording following Gillian Gilbert joining the band months later, is a cracking tune, i'd say their best, even ahead of 'Temptation' or the obvious choice, the huge-selling and, as the story goes, loss-making 'Blue Monday'.

In a way the track title is perfect. It's always felt as much of a Joy Division song as a New Order one to me, the sharp guitars are still there, the renowned Hooky basslines, and Sumner sounding sort of unsure about himself as a lead. A definite case of respect to the old, in with the new.

MP3: New Order - Ceremony
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