Rocktrospectiva: The Stronger, Eclectic And Influential "Low-Life" Turns 40

Released on 13 May 1985, "Low-Life" was the third studio album by New Order, it is considered to be among the band's strongest work, displaying the moment they completed their transformation from post-punk hold-overs to dance-rockers. The album shows New Order's increased incorporation of synthesisers and samplers, while still preserving the rock elements of their earlier work. The album spawned two singles "The Perfect Kiss" & "Sub-Culture" and the video for its first single was directed by Jonathan Demme. 

The album's artwork is the only New Order release to feature photographs of the band members on its cover; according to designer Peter Saville, the decision to do this was due to him growing tired of his previous "concept covers." To photograph the band, Saville took portraits of them with instant film, which he saw as more versatile than conventional 135 film, stating that "you could push it and do funny things with it. It was very graphic and very dynamic. The grain and the texture made everything look like a movie film." Saville further stated that the band were initially reluctant to depict themselves in the artwork; however, thanks in part to the rapid turnaround of instant film, they grew to enjoy the photoshoot after seeing the results. The CD version of the album comes packaged with drummer/keyboardist Stephen Morris on the front cover, while inside the case are four photographs and a semi-transparent piece of paper with the band's name, allowing consumers to choose which band member is seen through the sleeve.

The album was preceded by the release of the full-length version of "The Perfect Kiss" as a single (only an edited version appears on the album). John Robie's remix of "Sub-culture" was also released as a 12″ single. Both of these extended versions eventually were included on 1987's Substance, but the album has other great cuts as "Love Vigilantes" a naive self-parody but interesting tune, "Elegia" is danceable and it was included on "Pretty In Pink" soundtrack and "Shellshock" which was later included in the re-edited version of the album, "Sooner As You Think" is quite interesting as well. 

The album is a legendary piece of eclectic sound due its varied menu of soul-pop, techno-rock, delicate instrumental moods, and driving, clattering percussion offers adventure in texture at every turn, its confidence, edgy and imagination suggest that the possibility is still there. The album is found it to be New Order's best work: "the songs are much stronger than usual - not just doomy electronic workouts but memorable melodies with a sense of humour lurking in the words. In every way the band's fusion of rock and electronics became seamless.

 

Low-Life Track List: 

 

1. Love Vigilantes

2. The Perfect Kiss

3. This Time Of Night

4. Sunrise

5. Elegia

6. Sooner Than You Think

7. Sub-culture

8. Face Up