Customer Reviews

Heart & Soul

5 star:		(58)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

What can you say about Joy Division? They aren't for everyone, that's for sure. A lot of folks cannot get past Ian Curtis' voice, and I understand that; sometimes even I throw up my hands and ask, "Why in the world didn't Martin Hannett tell Ian to do another take? Surely they could have gotten him to sing just a wee bit more in tune."

But on the other hand, sometimes the weird, flat voice is actually good for the track - sometimes, the ghostly, haunted lyrics benefit from Curtis' ghostly, haunted, slightly atonal vocal style. So overall, most of the studio recordings work very well. Live, however, there are a lot of moments that are almost excruciating to the ears. On top of that, the fact that the three musicians in the band were all amatuers themselves made for exciting but inconsistent performances.

WHY THIS BOX SET IS GOOD: Remastered versions of the two proper studio albums "Unknown Pleasures" and "Closer." Both these albums remain stunning landmarks of "post-punk" music. The musical style of this band was quite distinctive - bass often carried the melody and the guitar functioned more as the true rhythm instrument. Drum parts tended toward machine-like grooves, but played by a human being. All in all, a unique approach that could only have been developed by guys who truly didn't know better; unaffected by any sort of technical proficiency, Joy Division had to forge their songs with the most rudimentary tools. Miraculously, they managed to create an influential and sophisticated sound with few obvious antecedents.

In addition to the two albums, this also includes almost all their singles and outtakes. Plus, you get some stuff that was never officially released, including three tracks from their unreleased 1978 "Warsaw" album.

WHY IT'S NOT SO GOOD: For the most part, the alternate versions on Disc 3 are not that impressive. On some of them, the vocals are downright horrible. And as far as Disc 4 goes, this is the worst sounding offically released live material I've heard by this band. Even the Preston Warehouse CD sounds better! Even worse, the first 14 tracks suffer from a very common audio flaw in bootlegs: the original tape recorder must have been running at slow speed, and when they remastered it for this CD, the playback deck must have been playing at normal speed. The result: everything is speeded up and the pitch is more than a half-step sharp. WHY DIDN'T ANYONE OVERSEEING THIS PROJECT NOTICE THAT THE RECORDING WAS CLEARLY NOT AT PROPER SPEED???

Now I am going to have to tape this CD, and then play it back again using my variable speed tape deck. How ridiculous!
The only material on the live CD that was recorded at proper speed is the last 5 songs. Overall, this live CD is a big disappointment.

Also, the packaging of this box set is pretty shoddy. The cover is made of what feels like cheap manila paper. I'd had my copy for one day and I already noticed wear and tear on the binding.

WHAT THIS BOX SET IS MISSING:
1) 7 out of ten songs from the "Complete BBC Sessions" CD.
2) 8 of the 11 songs recorded for RCA in 1978 for the unreleased "Warsaw" album. (now available on a CD which includes the group's earliest recordings from 1977)
3) The original "Warsaw" demo - 5 songs recorded in July 1977; incredibly primitive, amatuerish punk. The songs aren't especially good, but it is startling to hear this stuff and realize this is how J.D. started.
4) The live material from "Still" - the full set from J.D.'s last show ever.
5) An excellent live version of a very early song called "At A Later Date" originally released on a Factory Records compilation called "Short Circuit - Live at the Electric Circus."
6) An alternate version of "Love Will Tear Us Apart" that was originally released on the b-side of the "Love Will Tear Us Apart" 12" single.

Given the omissions and the crappy-sounding live stuff, I can't give this 5 stars, as much as I adore this band.

Yes, there was definitely too much of a lag between the European release and the US release of this one -- so much so that I myself had to take advantage of the fact that I was living in Spain to get my hands on this one a couple of years ago. Even still, after all this time I'm still somewhat at a loss for words to describe "Heart and Soul," so that's a good sign.

One thing that I can say is that everything about this box set is just beautiful, from the packaging to the lyrics to the songs themselves. The cost may be a bit off-putting right now, but it's probably the most thorough anthology that's likely to come around, so it's well worth it. You get all the tracks from "Unknown Pleasures," "Closer" and "Substance" (though not "Still") -- plus some assorted live and demo versions that had been previously unreleased.

The albums and the compilation are standards, of course. Some of the demos are pretty much hit-or-miss, and I've heard that the sound mixes and even the playing itself at Joy Division concerts were often pretty bad. But even with the diminished sound quality, the live tracks here (particularly the ones from The Factory in Hulme -- roughly the first half of disc 4) have this rollicking, transcendental power that makes current bands like Nickelback, Staind and Fuel, not to mention the pretense behind most of the genre of "emo," seem like adolescent journal entries put to bland rock arrangements in comparison. And there are a few songs toward the end (the live "Autosuggestion" and particularly "Ceremony" and "In a Lonely Place" -- the latter two from the last recording session before Ian Curtis's suicide) where you can really hear how close he was to the final breakdown. Personally, I haven't been able to listen to these few songs since Madrid.

Then there's a booklet containing all the lyrics, listings of releases and recording sessions and even books, a couple of stream-of-consciousness articles on what Joy Division were all about and a more straightforward, strictly journalistic account from "Mojo" (courtesy of good ol' Jon Savage, one of the compilers). The photos are pretty eye-catching, too -- particularly the vidcaps.

Sure, some stuff got left on the cutting-room floor (the typo-ridden liner notes acknowledge this). Sure, you may never hear their version of "Louie Louie." And, sure, the songs and the lyrics and the packaging all whisper that eternal "What if. . . ?" When you're talking about a band like Joy Division (and especially a man like Ian Curtis), there will always necessarily be more questions than answers. At the very least, "Heart and Soul" tips the ratio a bit more in our favor.

It is a testament to the brilliance of Joy Division that so few (obviously literate) people can find sufficient words to describe them. I would argue that Joy Division cannot be described in layman's terms alone. Joy Division is an experience.

In a day when so many indie rockers pose against brick walls and train tracks, staring into space to give the impression that they are burdened by the weightiness of their own introspection, it is almost hard to view Joy Division in contemporary terms. But Joy Division WERE powerful and WERE thought provoking, yet never pretended to be more than they actually were: a quartet of lads from Manchester/Macclesfield.

A listener unfamiliar with JD might hear the music and conjure up all sorts of images in his minds eye, from spike haired punks to black eyed goths, of the band's appearance. Upon opening the excellent book included with Heart and Soul, he would be stunned to see four rather normal looking individuals. But Joy Division were anything but normal and the music exposes that starkly. Rather than display their angst through silly tattoos, ragged garments or ridiculous piercings, Joy Division channeled 100% of their emotion into their music.

Thousands have vainly attempted to follow in the footsteps of Curtis, Sumner, Hook, and Morris. There is not a single recording of Joy Division that isn't brimming with brilliance, and some songs ("Atmosphere," "Novelty," "Disorder," and several others) are true genius. ("Genius" is an overused word in relation to popular music, but Joy Division's work truly qualifies.)

This collection is a must for any Joy Division fan. For those who want something with depth and insight, yet devoid of pomp and pretension, Heart and Soul is the perfect solution.

Do not pass this collection by.

I had more than a passing knowledge of Joy Division when I decided to purchase this box set, and from the time I bought it, untill the time I put the cds into my stero, I was nervous it would be a waste of money. I was VERY quickly realizing that those fears were silly at best...This collection is astounding. With songs like Atmosphere, The Eternal, New Dawn Fades, and Atrocity Exhibition, you get a real sense of what thoughts and emotions drove Ian Curtis to be one of the most haunting vocalists on record. In Atrocity Exhibit, the lyrics paint the picture of himself, and make it quite apparent why he would eventually kill himself. Joy Division's music is Ian Curtis's Heart and Soul, he put everything he was into his lyrics, and in the end that is his legacy. This collection is a must for anyone who loves music, or who loves poetry.

I do not often term much music that way. Sure, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Springsteen, Beach Boys, Pink Floyd all made spectacular and beautiful music, but the melodies would soon become redundant and/or the music would be essential UP TO A POINT. Sorry if that makes no sense. Joy Division is really the only band I can think of whose music I would consider holy. I revere above all music the songs of Joy Division. I happen to be a nonbeliever, and this music is the closest thing to a belief I have. To immerse yourself in the songs of Joy Division is to be taken to the depths of the human soul, in a way few other modern artists have done, in any art form. I could go on for days, so I'll focus more on the set itself. This is really the only Joy Division release you need. This has pretty much everything ever recorded by the guys. My only complaint is Disc 4. Most of these live songs have already been heard and traded amongst JD fans for years, and it would have been nice to hear less played songs from rarer bootlegs than The Factory 7-13-79 show. Again this is a minor quibble and to hear any JD live is a gift. Save up and buy this album. One thing I hate about many box sets is that they just seem to be greatest hits collections with a few b-sides and rarities thrown on for loose change. A box set should include everything by a group I feel, and this set achieves that. Along with the beautiful packaging and amazing booklet included, this is nothing short of essential. Save up and get it.

This is a good back up for any fan who has everything. Discs 1-3 has everything from Unknown Pleasures, Closer, Substance, Still and every demo inbetween that could be found. Disc 4 is collection of unreleased live tracks, which are probably some of the best live version ever done IMHO.

I would never think about giving this set anything but 5 stars. I have nothing to add to the reviews of this set. It is perfect. I just want to encourage the industry to package their material better than they do. When I shell out $60 for a box set, I would love it if the book didn't fall apart, or if the cd trays would stay glued to the box.
Word of advise-don't count on the industry to fix this. Buy yourself a hot glue gun (their inexpensive) and you can fix the trays as thy fall off. I used it on this one and the echo and the bunnymen box.

'Heart And Soul' is a boxed set good enough to turn a Joy Division neophyte into a seasoned connossieur. Both of their studio albums are represented in full, their non-LP singles (complete with b-sides) are represented in full on the first two discs, their complete John Peel Sessions (later released as The Complete BBC Sessions), Picadilly Radio Sessions, and RCA Sessions, as well as the only known Joy Division recording of 'In A Lonely Place' on disc three, also included is a bit of the pre-Joy Division material, from Warsaw. Disc four is full of assorted soundboard recordings from a few live shows. Given, the live material doesn't have great sound quality, it's certainly passable.

The booklet is filled with interview segments and quotes from surviving band members, as well as rare pictures of the band in the studio. Towards the end of the booklet is a complete listing of the lyrics written by Ian Curtis (that comes in handy since they were basically unknown before), a discography of the singles, compilations and albums released, as well as a sessionography of the recording sessions with fairly specific dates. Also of note, the book is loaded with odd typographical errors, which seems pretty standard fare in the world of Joy Division and New Order, but a few misprints don't ruin a very good booklet. The overall packaging is accessible and attractive, despite being a little flimsy.

'Heart And Soul' has really almost everything a Joy Division fan wants on it, and definitely has everything someone new to the band would want. Diehards who've listened to them since 1979 and own fifty bootlegs may quibble over exclusions of a few old Warsaw demos, or the inclusion of their cover of 'Sister Ray' which can be found on 'Still'. I'd recommend their two main albums 'Unknown Pleasures' and 'Closer' as an introduction to the band, or 'Substance' for the singles, then get this boxed set after you get a good feel for the music. (Then if you absolutely have to have every Joy Division track put to a cd, there is 'Still', 'Preston Warehouse', and 'Les Baines Douches' which has live material not present on this set).

First of all, I have reviewed several items and this is only the second time I have granted one with 5 stars (the other being The Wipers box-set) so don't confuse me with the kind of people who give an album five stars if they like the way a singer phrases some of the words on the fifth track. I only give the best 5 stars. This means, obviously, that this is the best. On disc one, you have Disorder, a song which takes the listener straight to Manchester at night time with all the shining lights being viewed from a passing car. I've yet to meet someone who doesn't see those things when they hear that song. Insight, Candidate, Wilderness...it goes on & on. Interzone doesn't sound great on this disc compared to the version on disc three. The highlights, in my opinion, are New Dawn Fades, Day Of The Lords and Excercise One. One is shocked when they hear The Only Mistake or Something Must Break because you wonder how these songs were not included on any of the bands LP's. Disc two contains the most touching music I have ever heard. The Closer material is exceptionnaly astonishing. Sound Of Music is a very good rarity. Isolation is a song that nobody in this world could possibly dislike. Colony = adrenaline. A Means To An End is possibly my favourite JD song. Heart & Soul is one of Curtis' best pieces of poetry. Twenty Four Hours is another frantic slice of brilliance. Then come The Eternal and Decades - no words could describe, no actions determine. Love Will Tear Us Apart + These Days are just...unexplainable. Then comes disc three : absolute enjoyment. Lot's of intriuging stuff. The Drawback is great. These Days and Interzone sound better than ever. Transmission sounds a bit dull and flat but yet doesn't fail to arouse interest. It closes with Ceremony and In A Lonely Place, two songs that you will not care about the bad quality if you listen to the beautiful melodies. Curtis must have been aware of his fates coming, because Ceremony couldn't be more poignant. Disc four is unexplainable. Joy Division were a live band. No doubt about it. Just when Dead Souls sounds as if it's about to break, Curtis comes in and powers it straight ahead. Every song is breathtaking live. The only flaws are towards the end from the later concerts : Peter Hook has gone terribly wrong during Heart & Soul (what is he playing?) and Isolation sounds a bit lifeless although is still very listenable. This is more than just music. It's a whole way of life. There are hundreds of people out there waiting to hear this music and be taken away by it's stunning power and, whether you like it or not, as Curtis did, they will live and die for the unexplainable beauty that he sings about in the last verse of Isolation.

There's so much to say about Joy Division, its sometimes hard to know where to start. A short lived post punk outfit, they recorded just two albums upon which their entire legacy was built. Getting their start as a punk band called Warsaw in the mid-70s, vocalist Ian Curtis, guitarist Bernard Sumner, bassist Peter Hook and drummer Stephen Morris, the band eventually changed its name to Joy Division (as someone else beat them to the Warsaw name) and brought for a unique sound-- dark, meditative, patient, so unlike the punk roots they came from. Add to this the vocal of Ian Curtis-- haunted is probably the only way to describe his singing-- and the results are nothing short of earth shattering. Sadly, the band was cut short by Curtis' hanging himself in 1980, and eventually the rest of the band would carry on as New Order, but could likely never equal

Having this in context a bit better, this set is just about everything-- broken up into four CDs, the two albums ("Unknown Pleasures" and "Closer") are each given a disc, augmented by singles (a and b sides) and extra tracks (some of this material was releaed on posthumous releases "Still" and "Substance"). The third disc is the remainder of studio recordins-- an early single and some unreleased material from the same era, BBC sessions, and a number of other studio takes. The final disc is devoted to live recordings from the band. All of this is packaged into a gigantic digipack with a rather odd choice of cover photo and a book containing extensive liner notes, detailed discography and sessionography, and the lyrics to all the material. All in all, 35 of the tracks, including the entire fourth disc, have never been released and a further four tracks (as far as I know) have been been reeleased on CD prior to this.

The music though is clearly what this set is about, and it is breathtaking. Discussing only the sound quality-- the material all sounds quite good, clearly the studio material is of higher fidelity than the live sessions, but the whole thing sounds superb. As to the music, what is amazing about Joy Division is that while not every song is a masterpiece, there's precious little unlistenable material on their catalog. I suspect this is because the entire band understood the rolls each member had-- there wasn't the ego of anyone being showy, but rather everyone contributed in thier own space. The music is atmospheric, and brilliant-- categorized as post punk, gothic, new wave... probably all are correct. While this is largely a cheerless affair ("Day of the Lords"), it reflects itself in a number of fashions, from a nearly danceable, infectious rhythm ("She's Lot Control"), total despair ("I Remember Nothing"), near ecstacy ("Transmission"), haunting ("Dead Souls") and melancholy ("Love Will Tear Us Apart"). All told, its an experience to listen to, and it is music that is weirdly compulsive and brilliant. The live material is a bit looser (hey, these guys were punks) and remains its high quality.

The only complaint is the set itself-- the trays don't really grab the CDs well, and they pop out-- I'm actually on my second copy because of this as one of my first copy's discs got scratched beyond repair. Oh, and the box itself is pretty poorly made and tends to get beat up easily-- don't believe anyone who claims the UK packaging is better, I picked up a UK set first (it came out quite a bit before the US one).

But that's a moot point, packaging can be worked around. What's in the package is what matters, and there is little that equals this. Honestly, this is the place to start with the band, its a fantastic set (if you worry about the investment, get "Permanent" first then come back and get this) and is really quite essential material.