Biography of Joy Division

This four-piece outfit from Manchester is arguably the most important of all post-punk groups. Lead vocalist Ian Curtis sang of despair and self-loathing (and world-loathing) in a dramatic and uncompromising croon that sometimes evoked the torment of vintage Sinatra. The music was similarly determined. Underpinned by throbbing, minimalist bass, thrashing drums, and skeletal, metallic guitar, Joy Division pushed the envelope of punk rock's creative barriers and set the pattern for most of the gloom-and-doom British rock of the '80s. Curtis hung himself in 1980, which underscored his desolate lyricisms. The remaining members went on to form New Order. Everything Joy Division recorded should be heard. ~ John Floyd