Episode 31: New Order - Technique (1989) Part 1

After three weeks of discussing an album by what most would consider to be a "classic rock" band, Brian and Sarah shift back to the synthpop spectrum to look at the fifth album by the band New Order. But wait-- New Order isn't strictly a synthpop band, is it? Not at all, as our hosts are quick to point out in their discussion of this classic album. The 1989 release "Technique" has two distinct styles of music on it: one very electronically oriented, and one much more guitar oriented. How well do these two styles work together on a single album? Brian and Sarah discuss that, and much more, in this episode.

Part 1: Background

New Order was a well-established band by this point in time, with several big hits to their name. However, they hadn't had a number one album yet. Brian and Sarah discuss the chart success of this album. They also go into the making of the album itself, which was a rather unfocused and costly affair. Although this is often known as New Order's "Ibiza" album, Brian and Sarah explain why that's a bit of a misnomer, considering how much work was actually done in the Ibiza studio. The band's penchant for partying wasn't the only obstacle to completing Technique. Growing tensions with the record label, as well as within the band itself, had an effect on how this album was recorded and the music and lyrics contained on it.

Part 2: Personal History

Sarah explains that Technique was not the first New Order album she owned, but it was the first album she enjoyed and played all the way through more than once. She describes how a certain song on side two became very important to her at a particular point in time, and that song is ultimately how Brian got introduced to Technique. Brian then reveals that Technique became one of his essential "summer albums," sharing that title with Erasure's "Wonderland" as well as another, highly surprising choice.

Part 3: Track by Track

Technique isn't a long album, having five songs on side one and four songs on side two. But since this episode covers the album's background and the hosts' personal history with it, to even things out a bit, Brian and Sarah decide in this installment to discuss just the first four tracks on side one.

Fine Time All The Way Love Less Round And Round

See the videos we discuss here:

Fine Time

Round and Round

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