My favourite LPs project [see entry for 27th Oct]

No. 8 - Closer - Joy Division released July 1980

For someone of my age who was active in the music scene in the late 70s and early 80s, the inclusion of a favourite Joy Division album is almost inevitable. I was late in coming to appreciate Joy Division and Closer was the first Joy Division album that I bought. By then, of course, Ian Curtis had hanged himself and I don't think I ever saw the band live. I had a friend who reviewed their first London show (I think at the Hope and Anchor) who said they were rubbish. I used to hang out at Rough Trade (it was in Kensington Park Road in those days) on many Saturday afternoons - sometimes I'd buy specific things, but I'd also listen to the recommendations from the staff; I remember them saying 'we've got Closer in, do you want that' .. so they played it and I bought it. I bought 'Unknown Pleasures' soon afterwards, but still think that Closer is the better LP.