It really rankles and roils, riling me relentlessly, gets my goat and grinds my gears that a ghastly ghost greedily grabbed some of my greatest grooves, several superb sounds from my marvelous music menagerie, including The Cure’s Disintegration on vinyl, vanishing without a visible vestige. It’s a haunting hijacking that has me howling hauntingly, harboring hopes that horrific hoodlum returns my rightful recordings. Relievingly, I’ve retained Robert Smith’s resonant refrains on compact disc, considerably consoling my celestial lamentations.
The Cure’s Robert Smith was born on this date in 1959. Even if you don’t have the disease, we have The Cure on today’s playlist.
Although 1989 may not have been a groundbreaking year for popular music, it bestowed upon us an array of iconic hits spanning diverse genres. Take, for instance, The B-52’s infectious “Love Shack,” with its quirky lyrics and irresistible beat that whisked revelers away to a neon-lit haven of love and laughter. Meanwhile, Neneh Cherry’s “Buffalo Stance” effortlessly blended hip-hop beats and funk, showcasing Cherry’s distinct rap-singing style and exuding an aura of boldness and unapologetic confidence.
On a more introspective note, The Cure’s “Lovesong” captured the poignant ache of love’s longing through haunting melodies and Robert Smith’s plaintive vocals. In contrast, Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up” emerged as a pop gem, infusing catchy hooks with Abdul’s signature sassy charm. Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” thundered onto the scene as a resounding anthem against social injustice, urging listeners to question authority and demand change.
Meanwhile, De La Soul’s “Me, Myself And I” provided a playful yet insightful commentary on self-identity and individuality, solidifying their status as pioneers of alternative rap. Pixies’ “Debaser” shattered musical conventions with its raw energy, while N.W.A’s “Express Yourself” defiantly resonated with those embracing authenticity. Enya’s “Orinoco Flow” whisked us away on Celtic winds, and Young M.C.’s “Bust A Move” had us grooving to its playful rap verses.
Then there were the soulful strains of Guns N’ Roses’ “Patience,” revealing a softer side to the rock rebels, and Madonna’s “Like a Prayer,” a fusion of pop sensibility with gospel-infused vocals that pushed boundaries. Fine Young Cannibals’ “She Drives Me Crazy” pulsated with infectious energy, blending pop, new wave, and soul, while Prince’s “Batdance” defied genres with its blend of funk, rock, and pop flamboyance. Meanwhile, Nirvana’s “About a Girl” hinted at the seismic shift the band would bring to the music industry.
Reflecting on the music of 1989, we’re reminded of its enduring legacy and profound impact on contemporary music. Each song in this playlist serves as a time capsule, transporting us to a moment when music had the power to unite, inspire, and ignite imaginations. So let’s press play and embark on a journey through the sonic landscape of 1989, where every note resonates with the magic of music.
Joy Division and New Order are two of the most influential bands in the history of rock music. They emerged from the punk scene of the late 1970s and evolved into different styles and genres, leaving behind a legacy of timeless songs and albums.
Joy Division was formed in 1976 by four young men from Manchester, England: Ian Curtis (vocals), Bernard Sumner (guitar), Peter Hook (bass), and Stephen Morris (drums). They were inspired by the energy and attitude of the Sex Pistols, but they soon developed their own distinctive sound and vision. Their music was dark, atmospheric, and haunting, reflecting the bleakness and alienation of their industrial surroundings. Their lyrics were poetic, complex, and literary, dealing with themes such as love, death, isolation, and mental illness. Curtis, who suffered from epilepsy and depression, delivered his vocals with a deep, expressive, and sometimes erratic voice.
Joy Division released two albums in their short career: Unknown Pleasures (1979) and Closer (1980). Both are considered masterpieces of post-punk, a genre that emerged after the initial wave of punk and experimented with new sounds and influences. Joy Division’s songs, such as “Love Will Tear Us Apart,” “Atmosphere,” “Transmission,” and “She’s Lost Control,” are among the most iconic and influential of the era. They also created a distinctive visual identity, with minimalist and abstract album covers designed by Peter Saville.
Joy Division’s career was tragically cut short by the suicide of Curtis on May 18, 1980, the eve of their first American tour. His death shocked and saddened the music world, and also mythologized the band as a symbol of intensity and authenticity. Joy Division’s music has inspired countless artists across genres and generations, from U2 and Radiohead to Nine Inch Nails and The Killers.
After the death of Curtis, the remaining members of Joy Division decided to continue making music under a new name: New Order. They were joined by Gillian Gilbert, a keyboardist and guitarist who added a new dimension to their sound. New Order’s music was a radical departure from Joy Division’s. They embraced synthesizers, drum machines, and dance music influences, creating a fusion of rock and electronic music that was groundbreaking and influential. Their music was also more upbeat, colorful, and optimistic, reflecting their personal and artistic growth.
New Order released several albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, each one exploring new musical directions and possibilities. Their most famous and successful song is “Blue Monday,” a 1983 single that is the best-selling 12-inch record of all time. The song is a synth-pop masterpiece, with a catchy melody and a pulsating rhythm. Other notable songs by New Order include “True Faith,” “Regret,” “World In Motion,” and “Bizarre Love Triangle.” New Order’s music has influenced many artists in the fields of synth-pop, techno, house, and alternative rock, such as Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, The Chemical Brothers, and LCD Soundsystem.
Besides their musical achievements, Joy Division and New Order have also been involved in various philanthropic efforts. One of their most notable contributions was their participation in the Artists Against Apartheid project, a campaign that aimed to raise awareness and funds for the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. In 1986, New Order recorded a song called “State of the Nation,” which denounced the racist regime and expressed solidarity with the oppressed people. The song was released as part of an album called Conspiracy of Hope, which also featured songs by U2, Sting, Peter Gabriel, and others. The album was a benefit for Amnesty International, a human rights organization that works to end injustice and abuse around the world.
Joy Division and New Order also supported the Hacienda, a legendary nightclub in Manchester that was owned by their record label, Factory Records. The Hacienda was a cultural hub that hosted many famous bands and DJs, such as The Smiths, The Stone Roses, Madonna, and Happy Mondays. It was also a place where people of different backgrounds, races, and sexual orientations could mingle and enjoy music and dancing. The Hacienda was a pioneer of the rave culture, which promoted peace, love, and unity through electronic music. However, the club also faced financial and legal troubles, and eventually closed in 1997. Joy Division and New Order donated much of their royalties and profits to keep the club running, and also performed there several times.
Joy Division and New Order are two bands that have made a lasting impact on music and culture. If you want to listen to some of their best songs, check out this playlist.
Faith No More’s Mike Patton was born on this date in 1968. A few of the band’s songs are included on today’s playlist, including one released before Patton joined the band, something I just learned moments ago.
Along with a handful of other folks, I was invited to a friend’s home today for a celebration, which I can only assume is in honor of the birthday today of Nicolas Godin of the French duo Air. Nicolas provides vocals and plays keyboards, bass, and guitar, or should I say Air guitar. Man, I’m funny!
Lots of songs from The Smiths and their lead singer Morrissey on today playlist.
Today is Morrissey’s birthday, and I feel the need to mention that to me and many many others, he now comes across as a repugnant person who shares his abhorrent thoughts. He may have always held repellent views, but as opposed to the means during the heyday of his career, it is now easier for his offensive quotes to go viral. Before he utters his next racist pronouncement, he should heed the advice in the first line of the chorus of “How Soon Is Now?:” “You shut your mouth.”
