'Total: From Joy Division to New Order' Becomes First Compilation Album to Span the History of Both Bands

Some fans of New Order are surprised to learn that they lived a life known as Joy Division before the release of "Ceremony" and "Movement." Those two lifetimes are about to be covered as they have never been covered before. Head to the internet or poke around some record stores and you will have no trouble finding compilation albums for Joy Division or New Order. The one record you could not find was a compilation album that strung the history of these bands together.

Until now.

Rhino Records will release "Total: From Joy Division to New Order" on June 6, 2011. Along with seminal songs from both incarnations such as "Love Will Tear Us Apart" and "Blue Monday," fans will also be treated to a brand new unreleased song from New Order titled "Hellbent." The addition of a previously unreleased song is probably the only reason that hardcore fans would plunk down cash for this album since it contains songs they doubtlessly already own on the original singles and albums from which they have been culled and several subsequent compilations. The real question is the impact of "Total" on those coming to Joy Division and New Order with little knowledge or exposure.

The story of two bands sharing most of the same lineup focuses on May 18, 1980 when Joy Division's lead singer Ian Curtis hanged himself. Rather than continue on from that point, members Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, and Stephen Morris brought in keyboardist Gillian Gilbert and rechristened themselves New Order. Not only did the band have a new name, but they purposely chose not to ride on the coattails of their previous success. New Order concerts were not the place to hear Joy Division songs. The bifurcation between the once and present band was one aspect of the mythos that has surrounded this decision ever since.

Which is why the release of a compilation album that brings together the old and the New Order is such a big deal. Sadly, however, any fan picking up "Total" who isn't already aware of the history of these bands will be missing out on much of the meat that made both manifestations legendary. The song list excludes a surprising number of great songs from both Joy Division and New Order. Fans hoping to spread the gospel can only hope that this taste will lead newbies to the feast that is available from both bands.