Unknown Pleasures is the debut album from English post-punk band Joy Division. Despite not receiving any commercial success during its initial release (no singles were promoted during its release which was absolutely a rarity in the late 70’s) it has received significant critical acclaim in recent years due to its deployment of uncommon recording techniques and its influence on the post-punk genre. Although it was a punk album recorded on a budget of $18,000, the production comprised of several relatively new techniques at the time that included digital delays (including the Marshall Time Modulator) and tape echo. And of course, in full punk rock glory, it also included samples of bottles smashing, backwards guitar, a band member eating potato chips, and the sound of a toilet flushing. As a result the album developed a rather spacious and atmospheric sound, which conflicted rather jarringly with the band’s more aggressive and in your face live performances.
This sonic direction led to some frustration amongst the band– bassist Peter Hook and guitarist Bernard Sumner have both gone on record saying the ensuing dark and gloomy sound was a mistake, while drummer Stephen Morris appreciated the sound direction as it differentiated itself from their live performances. Notably absent from this post-release reflection is lead vocalist Ian Curtis, whose somber and monotone performance is a hallmark of the Joy Division sound (and certainly influenced modern rock band Interpol to a significant degree). Curtis unfortunately took his own life at the young age of 23 years old following bouts of epileptic seizures that were so severe it rendered him nearly monosyllabic in most social settings and led to significant mood swings.
Standout Songs: “Disorder”, “New Dawn Fades”, “Shadowplay”
