Albums by this artist

Heart And Soul (2001)

Joy Division

Heart And Soul

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» A.K. GOLD | STAFF WRITER

Joy Division Heart And Soul Rhino, 2001 RiYL: Wire, Swell Maps, New Order

When every record store employee you encounter feels the need to comment on how much they want what you are about to buy, you can pretty well be sure that you've stumbled upon something great. At least this sentiment proved to be true for me with regard to the re-issued Joy Division box set Heart And Soul. For the collectors out there, the set itself is beautifully designed and contains a booklet filled with reflections, photos, lyrics, a complete discography and much more. The four discs include both full-length studio LPs, all the singles, rare tracks and previously unreleased live recordings.

In addition to being the definitive collection of recordings of Joy Division's music, what is so astonishing about this box set is the pure quality of the band's songs. While indie films and alternative pop culture in general have sometimes been known to relegate Joy Division to the role of suicide-related punch line, they've unfairly conflated Ian Curtis's real-life suicide at the age of 24 with the band's musical production. Joy Division's music, though certainly possessing a dark element, is not solely music for the depressed teenager. The slower songs are well-crafted and fiercely emotional, while the up-tempo ones are wonderfully catchy and marvelously danceworthy.

Don't believe me about Joy Division being more than mope rock? Listen to "Digital," "Wilderness" and "Ice Age" in succession and tell me that you don't find yourself at least tapping your toe and bopping to the infectious beats.

A.K. GOLD | A.K. Gold lives in Washington, D.C., where she slaves away for a non-profit organization and constantly compares everything to New York City or Chicago. She's earned her "cred" as a college radio and pre-1960 country music DJ, committed indie label street teamer, sporadic zinemaker/contributor, retired mail-order filler and occasional freelance writer. From time to time, she publishes Anecdotal Evidence, a per zine that will some day be considered for the National Book Award, or possibly not. If you want to buy a copy, or desire to write to her for some other reason, email criticgirl@hotmail.com.