This is the album that New Order fans pretend not to like. As in: "I prefer their early, formative stuff like Movement or Power Corruption Lies." With its Versace-style cover, slick production, and the super-aggro opener "Fine Time," it's easy to dismiss this as where the crew lost it post-Substance. BUT, what I've come to learn is that this might be the true New Order fan's favorite album. Cause once you get passed the presentation (although the Saville artwork is proving to be timeless), this might be New Order at their modern best: cooled out and mature, super-emotive, and technically capable. Once you get past "Fine Time," the triplet of "All The Way", "Love Less", and club hit "Round and Round" might be their strongest ever. Who can make broken love sounds so fucking cool? The other aspect that makes this such a great album is that it's such a smooth listen. After the heights of "Round," you'll barely notice that you've gone through "Guilty Partner," "Run," "Mr. Disco," "Vanishing Point," "Dream Attack"... repeat. Highest quality import pressing, recommended.

• black vinyl pressing
• UK import
• printed inner sleeve
• original release year: 1989
• music label: London Records 2015

reviewed by the mgmnt 10/2009