A New Look at New Order

When New Order's latest album, Waiting for the Siren's Call, came out last spring, I thought it was OK. I listened to it; it was typical New Order and pleasant enough. Then I picked up New Order Item, the two-DVD collection that's a retrospective of their work, released late in 2005 (thanks for the birthday gift certificate, Bill!).

I realized while watching it that New Order is, and has been, damned good. So I listened to Siren's Call again---and again. It's a terrific, solid album that deserves a serious listen. I picked up a copy of the double-album on vinyl (after having downloaded it initially), and I think it sounds great any way you listen to it. Standout tracks: "Dracula's Castle," "Hey Now What You Doing" (the first song that really grabbed me on the album), and "Krafty." I like it loads more than 2002's Get Ready.

My all-time favorite New Order songs:

1. Bizarre Love Triangle
2. Fine Time
3. Subculture
4. Perfect Kiss
5. Temptation
6. Shell Shock