New Order:
Complete Music:
Mute:
2xCD:
Out Now:
This website's favourite album of 2015 finally sees the contents of its attendant limited-edition box-set laid bare on a relatively straight-forward double-CD package. Enclosed in a disappointingly sparse (yet colourful) card-sleeve (with download code for the main album), the tracks mirror the extended vinyl box with two notable exceptions - second alternate versions of Superheated and Nothing But a Fool replace the original extended mixes.
The former becomes a little more stripped back, danceable even, while the latter disappoints a little by becoming a more muddled and less widescreen re-jig, hovering around psych-rock and trippy folk a little more than is needed. However, where once Superheated was overblown hi-octane pop, here it certainly benefits from having its fussy production tempered.
With the exception of the far too indulgent Restless (7 minutes? you sure?), the rest of Complete Music is business as usual. Recalling some of New Order's most memorable and adventurous extended 12" of the '80s and '90s, tracks such as Plastic, Tutti Frutti and the euphoric and funkapolitan People On The High Line strengthen Sumner and co's grip on the art of the extended version. There are also beefy versions of Stray Dog and Singularity, plus a surprisingly commercial attempt at Unlearn This Hatred.
All-in-all, vinyl buyers shouldn't feel aggrieved at this obvious cash-in release - moreover they'll be pleased that their investment remains intact. And of course the music is completely addictive, even 9 months down the line.
★★★★★★★★☆☆
Complete Music:
Mute:
2xCD:
Out Now:
The former becomes a little more stripped back, danceable even, while the latter disappoints a little by becoming a more muddled and less widescreen re-jig, hovering around psych-rock and trippy folk a little more than is needed. However, where once Superheated was overblown hi-octane pop, here it certainly benefits from having its fussy production tempered.
With the exception of the far too indulgent Restless (7 minutes? you sure?), the rest of Complete Music is business as usual. Recalling some of New Order's most memorable and adventurous extended 12" of the '80s and '90s, tracks such as Plastic, Tutti Frutti and the euphoric and funkapolitan People On The High Line strengthen Sumner and co's grip on the art of the extended version. There are also beefy versions of Stray Dog and Singularity, plus a surprisingly commercial attempt at Unlearn This Hatred.
All-in-all, vinyl buyers shouldn't feel aggrieved at this obvious cash-in release - moreover they'll be pleased that their investment remains intact. And of course the music is completely addictive, even 9 months down the line.
★★★★★★★★☆☆