Customer Reviews

Technique

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

There's an awful lot of people out there who share my opinion that this is New Order's finest album, and with good reason. Technique is consistently superb from the first notes of Fine Time through the final fade out of Dream Attack. Its the soundtrack to that summer you've always dreamed of - basking on a sun soaked beach while the warm wind washes over you.

Fine Time starts things out - a slightly strange housy song that is none the less very catchy. "You're much too young - to be a part of me / You're much too young - to mess around with me" Mix in Barry White style deep vocals, Peter Hook's awe inspiring melodic bass, and even sheep sounds, and you've got a winning track that could only have come from New Order. 7.5 / 10

Next up is All The Way - New Order at their most upbeat and a tour de force of song writing prowess. Primarily an acoustic guitar driven number, with a touch of synths, Hook's bass and a very upbeat chorus - "It takes years to find the nerve to be apart from what you've done - to find the truth inside yourself and not depend on anyone". 9/10

The third track, Love Less, kicks things into a slightly lower gear following the high of All The Way. Again, guitar and bass driven, but more downtempo in a way that conveys melancholy without sounding sad as only New Order can. "Can't you see, why don't you look at me? Its not your right to be, so much my enemy..." 8.5 / 10

The most recognizable track on the album is the single Round & Round - simply a terrific track but probably the one track that might not fit in with the others on the album. Pop bliss, with bouncing, bubbly synth work meshing perfectly with Hooky's basslines and some of Bernard's most inspired lyrics. "I don't care about what you do, because if you mess with me I'll get rid of you." and "The picture you see is no portrait of me. Its to real to be shown to someone I don't know." Probably New Order's most overlooked single and one that should have had more chart success than it did. Simply sublime. 9.5 / 10

Guilty Partner takes us past the half way point of the album. Another slightly down tempo track, helping us to catch our breath after the high of Round & Round, subtly driven by Hooky's rather mellow bass playing, building to a gorgeous synth-line crescendo. "I'm not some kind of foolish lover, I couldn't take this from no other! You're not being cruel to me, cause I always know that you'll come back to me..." 8.5 / 10

Run - Starts to ratchet the tempo back up ever so slightly. New Order with an edge. "What the *hell* is happening?" Bernard asks. "I can't think of everything. I don't know what day it is, or who I'm talking to..." 8.5 / 10

Mr. Disco takes us into Technique's fantastic home stretch. "How can I ever forget you? You don't know, just what I've been through..." it starts, as the synths swirl in, out, and around Hooky's bass. "I can't find my piece of mind because I need you with me all of the time..." Orchestra hits and gorgeous synth work round things out. 9/10

Vanishing Point - One of New Order's true masterpieces, and personally one of my top 10 songs of all time. Heavily synth based with a touch of Hooky's bass, the lyrics are once again powerful and raw: "Grow up children, don't you suffer - at the hands of one another" - "My life ain't no holiday, I've been through the point of no return". A truely lush track that could never receive enough accolades. 10 / 10

Dream Attack - Technique closes out with a track that just oozes massive quantities of pure bliss. Guitar and drum based, Hooky's bass in a more traditional role, with electric pianos and synths thrown in for good measure. Things start out with a perfect opening verse "Nothing in this world could touch the music that I heard when I woke up this morning". But the song contains a completely perfect moment shortly thereafter as it hits a piano break with a simply gorgeously stunning melody. Again, one of my personal top 10 tracks of all time. 10 / 10

New Order had some great albums in the beginning with Power,Corruption and Lies - Lowlife - and Brotherhood, etc, but they were always forging their own way with the childlike guitar playing of Bernard Sumner (per Johnny Marr) and the meandering bass lines of Peter Hook, were always kept in line with the original drums (not drum machines in the beginning) and catchy synth loops - I still love the synthesized croaking frogs on "Thieves Like Us".

1989 was a great year in music. The eighties saw the most different types of new music one could ever dream of, and what better way to finish off the decade than with a masterpiece; Technique - says it all. This is not an album to skip around from track to track looking for a single - the entire album is brilliant from start to finish - which is how it should be listened to. I remember seeing the Technique concert in San Diego, and New Order headlined for the following bands: De La Soul, Sugarcubes, and Public Image Limited. What a show!

Other great albums from that very same year of 1989:

PIL - 9
10000 Maniacs - Blind Man's Zoo
Jimmy Cliff - Cliff Hanger
Pixies - Doolittle
The Cure - Disintegration
The Stone Roses - The Stone Roses
XTC - Oranges & Lemons
Peter Murphy - Deep
The Cult - Sonic Temple
They Might Be Giants - Lincoln
The The - Mind Bomb
Nine Inch Nails - Pretty Hate Machine
Love and Rockets - Love & Rockets
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Mother's Milk
Depeche Mode - 101 Live
De La Soul - 3 Feet High and Rising
Sugarcubes - Here Today, Tomorrow Next Week!
Soul II Soul - Club Classics Vol. 1/Keep On Movin'

I'd be lucky to be able to think of this many good albums from all of the 90's combined.

`Technique' is a phenomenal record by a phenomenal band. Eight years and four albums after rising from the ashes of the doom-laden Joy Division, New Order had evolved to create the best electronic rock crossover album that I can think of. Recorded in Ibiza, but charting the disintegration of a relationship, the album is a curious contradiction of infectious beats and wistful lyrics that nevertheless works brilliantly. From the bass-heavy dancefloor sleaze - with a nod to Barry White - of 'Fine Time' through to the euphoric menace of 'Dream Attack', `Technique' is an immaculately cohesive whole with very few weak points - only `Guilty Partner' seems surplus to requirements. All the trademark New Order idiosyncracies are here, Peter Hook's inimitable bass, Bernard Sumner's winsome vocals and a glorious collage of beats, synths and guitars. The highpoint of the album comes with `Run', a gorgeous, acoustic-driven jangle shot through with ragged bursts of electric guitar and ethereal synth. From then on in, `Technique's attack is relentless, the excellent `Mr Disco' and `Vanishing Point' paving the way for the epic closer `Dream Attack'. `Substance' may have all the hits on it, but for 45 minutes of sustained New Order brilliance, no other album can live with `Technique'. Get the message.

In its day, this record was a contender. Although it had its Acid House detractors and New Order critics, the album was unique in what it tried to accomplish. At the tail-end of the Acid House craze (1989--the UK's "Summer of Love"), New Order tried to pump up the volume with "Fine Time" (the lead track) and "Round and Round". Both were massive 12"s at a time when remixes were scarce and 'techno' club tunes were just emerging.

The record's title, alluding to the emerging mastery of the turntable whilst maintaining a treasury of guitar + keyboard melodies and technofied electronic drums (Stephan Morris style) combined with the bass highs of Peter Hook's signature rhythm component, conveys an evolution of pop rock into club dance without getting too commercial or cheesey. Granted, the post Joy Division lyrics of New Order were always a bit unbearable, and this album's no exception; nonetheless, the overall melodic flow of the compositions and the hard-hitting dance rhythms generate an unforgettable assortment of classic tunes, especially for the '80s retro dancefloor afficionado.

In my opinion, this is the last great New Order album; further in my opinion, it should have been their last--it signifies what I believe to be the most genuine departure from earlier stylistic choices, and yet retains an honest wholeness. "Republic" and "Get Ready" to me seem to merely capitalize on where the band has already been and can't return to. Perhaps I'm simply nostalgic; there was a day when I would've claimed New Order could do no wrong. That day has passed, and "Technique" to me is the last great refuge of a warm, welcoming legacy of pop dance melody.

At this point, New Order are a mainstream band whose songs alternate between acid-house and post-punk guitar pop. The album starts with "Fine time", coming up with some hammering beat attacks and funny samples. This is probably the craziest track New Order ever have made. "Mr disco" and "Vanishing point" are two further dance hymns. "All the way" and "Loveless" are charming guitar pop songs, while "Dream attack" is a very melodic and emotional ballad. The whole album goes for a better structured, clearer and more accessible sound than their previous releases. My only complaint is that it doesn't feature a catchy hit single like "True faith" or "Regret". But I think that nine equally fine tracks are better than two hit singles and a fair amount of filler. "Technique" remains New Order's last great album, because they've only released the lackluster "Republic" and a couple of compilations in the '90s.

Here's my personal New Order album rating:

5 stars: Power, corruption & lies-Substance-Technique

4 stars: Peel Sessions-Movement-Lowlife-The best of New Order

3 stars: Brotherhood-Republic-The rest of New Order-BBC Radio 1:Live in concert

About 14 years ago, I picked up this cassette and stuck it in my walkman. I constantly listened to it for the next five years. It was the most amazing piece of dance music I had heard, the most coherent and the slickest. Then I bought a CD player, and the first CD I had ever bought was this. Imagine my delight at listening to this without any hisses or pops! I danced throughout 1989 and the early nineties wondering if anyone would ever make a dance album that was so wonderful. I'm still waiting.

Although TECHNIQUE may be the title of this newOrder album, its more so a vowel in action - pertaining to the skills and methods used to custom craft this superfluous musical odyssey. Luck, timing, and intuition all play equal parts as newOrder recorded a major portion of this album rollicking until dawn on the Isle of Ibiza. If any homework was done, with premeditated intent, they waited until more sober moments closer to home at Real Word Studios. The result is nine tracks of the most sublime, splendiferous dance-rock this side of Constantinopal. Born out of the ecstasy, acid-house scene at the end of the decade, generous nods are given to the heat of the moment, but never caught up in trend or fashion. Hip beyond it's time - classic tunes that based on substance, style, and technique. "Run", "All The Way", "Mr Disco", "Vanishing Point", and "Dream Attack" are songs of deep emotion and unrelenting melancholy, beautiful in an aching way. newOrder's "Fine(st) Time" as you will. Their summer (1988) of frolicking gave way to our winter of their ultimate content. As if the planets had aligned and all celestial elements come together, no other album of this or any other decade better captures a moment of musical harmony scoring those at play - an ultimate artist statement. What more could you ask? What more could you demand? Nothing sir, nothing at all.

Along with 'Power, Corruption and Lies' this is one of the two indispensable classic non-compilation New Order albums. It's their take on Balearic house music, combining the jangly, bass-led New Order sound with Bernard Sumner's increasingly-coherent lyrics. He still sounds as if he's terrified of the microphone, though. Coming out at the height of indie this was both a critical and commercial peak - the group had plenty of kudos for latching onto a then-novel new musical movement, whilst at the same time they didn't stop being 'rock', something which eluded and still eludes other groups.

This is also the album where New Order finally admitted to having a sense of humour, although it's only really evident in the sheep-sampling, Barry-White-lampooning 'Fine Time', as the rest of the songs are extremely moody. New Order were good with moods - most of their best music sounds both happy and sad at the same time. Amongst a bunch of solidly great songs, 'Round and Round' and 'Vanishing Point' stand out more than most, and 'Mr Disco' is the token stab at badness.

It's interesting to compare this with the Pet Shop Boys' own take on similar subject material - whilst 'Technique' really only borrows some housey drum beats and the 'orchestra stab', the Pet Shop Boys embraced the 'sound' wholeheartedly. On the other hand, New Order aren't distanced or ironic at all, and their music seems more obviously emotional.

As a trivia note, John Denver claimed that 'Run' borrowed heavily from 'Leaving on a Jet Plane', leading to the eventual, remixed single ('Run2') being delisted. And the cherub on the front cover, like almost everything Factory records 'released', has a catalogue number - FAC 243.

When Technique came out in 1989, I had already been a New Order fan for a couple of years. And after purchasing the "Round & Round" single that I simply fell in love with, I had to purchase the whole album. I will admit, initially I did not like the album. However, after a couple of years and some maturing, Technique really grew on me. Today, it and Substance rank as my top two New Order releases, and this is the one that tends to win out if I want to listen to some New Order. Featuring that classic New Order sound, Technique features a strong (and arguably the best) collection of songs that contain both impressive orchestration and meaningful, reflective lyrics that will have you thinking and listening for a long time to come. This release is to be enjoyed as an active listen, not only in the singing and dancing along, but also in the listening and analysis of the engaging lyrics.

The album starts off in fun New Order territory with "Fine Time," a great dance tune that will have you yelling along with the lyrics (though I must admit, the baying sheep or goats at the end always bugged me). "All the Way" is a great bounce around attitude song with fantastic lyrics; you just want to bop around your car or the office, sing along, and tell the world just where to get off. A strum and hum-along tune, "Love Less" has thoughtful lyrics and a light and upbeat feel. Another attitude song, "Round & Round" is amazing, not just as a fantastic dance tune, but also for anyone who's ever been through a break up. You can't help but smile while yelling along with the lyrics. "Guilty Partner" is my least favorite on the album since it is a bit darker and more desperate sounding. However, it is still a brilliant piece of work that is best enjoyed when you're in a more solemn mood. "Run" again melds brilliant guitar, drum and keyboard work with deep, insightful lyrics; you'll being singing along to both the lyrics and to the layered orchestrations. While the title sounds trite, "Mr. Disco" is really very thoughtful lyrically ("I can't find my peace of mind because I need you with me all of the time"), while the orchestration is definite strong New Order dance floor fare that will have you dancing in no time. "Vanishing Point" is danceable, but it is more powerful when you simply sit and let this plea to humanity hit you aurally and emotionally with the piano, orchestra hits, and deep vocals. [You can also hear some elements here that show up on the New Order side project Electronic who's first album came out in 1990.] A great closer, "Dream Attack" starts off as a great strumming guitar and drum piece that progressively grows into a lush, almost anthemic call to lovers everywhere ("I don't belong to no one but I want to be with you").

As I mentioned before, I was not thrilled with many of the songs when I first got this album - probably because I was young and hadn't experienced much of what life had to offer. But as I matured, my appreciation and understanding grew. I give Technique a strong 5 star rating, and it ranks in my top 50 releases of all time. While I might be a New Order fan, this release really stands on its own merits whether being compared to other New Order releases or to other releases in the genre, which for me is quite an impressive feat.

This is definitely a mature album; the messages contained within are best appreciated by those who have experienced and come to grips with some of life's ups and downs. I would recommend this album to two groups. On one side, we have the great dance floor appeal and fantastic layered orchestrations that will appeal to New Order fans and fans of great euro-alt-dance-pop. On the other side, you have incredible lyrics that will appeal to one's more thoughtful, reflective side that will be appreciated by anyone who has pulled themselves up, dealt with life's blows, and moved on in some way. And if you're like me and enjoy both those sides, Technique is an absolute must have and will remain toward to top of your frequent play list for years to come.

I can easily understand why so many New Order fans rate this album as their finest. Coming on the heels of the quintessential Substance, convential wisdom would have suggested that the band had nowhere to go but down. To confound the naysayers, they raised the bar again with Technique, solidifying their sound while exploring a diverse spectrum of sound.

Part of the genius is that this album has elements that would appeal to any sort of N.O. fan. You have synth, guitar, and even some goth elements. Each track is strong, and there is no filler. Yes, it whizzes by you very fast, clocking in at just under forty minutes. But, how many times have fans and critics whined about "filler" tracks bloating an album? Here, there is NO filler. In that respect, it's like The Cure's Disintegration, Depeche Mode's Violator, or PSB's Introspective. Don't bristle at the comparisons, please!

The overall theme of the album is about flawed love. Sometimes, Bernard Sumner is the victim (Mr. Disco, Vanishing Point), or the villian (Fine Time, Guilty Partner).

The first track, Fine Time, throws down the gauntlet. It comes barreling out of the gate, with Bernard's snarling delivery of the lyrics, and a dizzying mix of sounds. How they mashed so many sounds and even a Barry White sample together and produced this song is a testimony to the supremacy of New Order.

Now, from pure originality springs a discreet steal from another member of New Wave royalty, The Cure. Yes, the bassline from All the Way sounds almost identical to Just Like Heaven. Yet, I think of this as a happy experiment on how two different yet equally good bands take that bassline and produce two great songs, though Just Like Heaven, of course, takes the cake. Still, not to discredit All the Way- it's one of those new wave songs that will always make your heart smile.

The next track, Love Less, also induces positive feelings. It's one of the most beautiful New Wave ballads I have ever heard. Some will call me crazy, but in that respect it reminds me of Erasure's Dreamlike State.

Round & Round is a song that I always enjoyed listening to on the radio. In my book, it's on equal footing with Bizarre Love Triangle, Blue Monday, and True Faith. And besides, any angst-laden teenager (i.e., me in the early 90's) can identify with the lyrics- "The picture you see is no portrait of me..."

Now, a less-than-stellar album would have stalled after the first four tracks. Not Technique. Guilty Partner scores another goal. The best word to describe it is beguiling. It's like being on a remote beach, at night. There is romance, but also mystery and intrigue. This is an obvious sampling of the Ibiza sound mentioned by other reviewers. The Spanish guitar work is first-rate, and Bernard Sumner's vocal delivery is moody and restrained, at once menacing and seductive.

What follows next is Run, which employs more of the classic New Order sound. The lyrics grab you right away.

Mr. Disco is a pastiche of most of the sounds you encounter in the whole of Technique, including that quasi-tubular bell sound that surfaces briefly in Fine Time. It's another addictive track. one thing that strikes me is how Bernard sings about a holiday spent together with a lost love, and then channels that into the declaration "my life ain't no holiday" in Vanishing Point. Another example of genius. Vanishing Point is a fan favorite, one that gets under your skin.

The final tour-de-force is Dream Attack, another Ibiza tune. It overwhelms you just as much as Guilty Partner, and ends the album with a sense of urgency. Considering how Technique starts with Fine time and ends with Dream Attack, you can only conclude that only New Order could make it all come together in a compelling way.

Basta, enough said! This is a treasure trove of mood and sound.