Description

Joy Division – Substance – Double 180 Gram Vinyl Record

Substance is a compilation album by the English post-punk band Joy Division, released on July 11, 1988, by Factory Records. This album compiles singles, B-sides, and various tracks not included in the band’s two studio albums, ‘Unknown Pleasures’ (1979) and ‘Closer’ (1980). Substance serves as a comprehensive collection of Joy Division’s non-album material and highlights their influence on the post-punk and alternative music scenes.

The album features Joy Division’s distinctive post-punk sound, characterized by Peter Hook’s melodic basslines, Bernard Sumner’s angular guitar work, Stephen Morris’s precise drumming, and Ian Curtis’s baritone vocals. The production by Martin Hannett adds a haunting and atmospheric quality to the tracks, emphasizing the band’s innovative use of space and sound.

The lyrics explore themes of alienation, existential angst, and emotional turmoil. Songs like ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ and ‘Atmosphere’ delve into personal and introspective topics, often reflecting Ian Curtis’s own struggles. The music and lyrics together create a dark, introspective mood that became a defining characteristic of Joy Division’s style.

Substance received widespread critical acclaim for its comprehensive collection of Joy Division’s work outside their studio albums. Critics praised the album for showcasing the depth and range of the band’s music. The compilation is often cited as an essential release for understanding Joy Division’s impact on post-punk and alternative music.

Fans have embraced Substance as a crucial part of Joy Division’s discography, appreciating the inclusion of rare and non-album tracks. The compilation has helped introduce new listeners to the band, serving as a gateway to their studio albums and other recordings.

Substance has played a significant role in cementing Joy Division’s legacy as one of the most influential bands in the post-punk genre. The album’s release brought renewed attention to the band’s music and its lasting impact on subsequent generations of musicians. Songs like ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ and ‘Transmission’ have become iconic anthems, frequently covered and referenced in popular culture.

Joy Division’s innovative sound and dark, introspective themes have influenced countless artists in the post-punk, goth, and alternative rock genres. The tracks on ‘Substance’ showcase the band’s pioneering approach to music, emphasizing atmosphere and emotional depth.

1977-1980

Includes download code for MP3 version of the album

Replicating original album artwork, cut from the 2010 ‘+-‘ audio remasters

Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic

Track Listing
Warsaw
Leaders Of Men
Digital
Autosuggestion
Transmission
She’s Lost Control
Incubation
Dead Souls
Atmosphere
Love Will Tear Us Apart
No Love Lost
Failures
Glass
From Safety To Where
Novelty
Komakino
As You Said
These Days
Love Will Tear Us Apart (Pennine Version)