New Order - Substance 1987

What is there to be said about New Order that has not been told before? Formed in 1980 in Salford, England, the band emerged from the ashes of Joy Division, after the death of their lead singer Ian Curtis. With their mixture of alternative post-punk electronic sound, New Order basically created a genre of their own.

"Substance 1987" is a compilation album featuring all the singles the band had released up to that point. Originally released in 1987 by Factory Records, "Substance 1987" became the bands most successful album, selling over one million copies. Last month, New Order released a remastered and expanded version of their iconic album.

The new edition is available in various formats:

2LP Double Vinyl

2CD Double Disc

4CD Deluxe Edition

2LP Colored Vinyl, Blue/Red (Retail Exclusive)

2 Cassettes (New Order Store exclusive)

The 4CD deluxe edition includes a wealth of bonus material, including:

CD3: "Rarities" featuring alternate versions, remixes, and B-sides.

CD4: "Live from Irvine Meadows, California, September 12, 1987", a previously unreleased live recording of the band performing "Substance 1987" in sequence.

I picked up the 2LP Colored Vinyl. The sound quality is fantastic! My only complain about this, it would have been nicer if this was made into a gatefold. I'm not pleased with having 2 LPs fitting into the jacket.

While the reissue undoubtedly caters to die-hard New Order fans, its significance extends far beyond that. With its timeless hits "Confusion", "Blue Monday", "Temptation" and "The Perfect Kiss", this release remains a perfect entry point for new listeners.

Killing Time - Brightside

Thirty-four years after its initial release, Killing Time's iconic debut album, "Brightside", has been reborn courtesy of Triple-B Records. Featuring original members from Token Entry and Breakdown, this new edition offers a chance for hardcore veterans and newcomers alike to experience this landmark album in a whole new light.

The first thing that strikes you about the reissue is the sound quality. The remastering brings out a crisp and clear sound that breathes new life into the music. The packaging looks great and the vinyl variants look excellent.

The reissue is available in a variety of limited edition variants:

Test Presses - 20

Glow in The Dark - 100 (BBB Exclusive)

Neon Violet inside Ultra Clear w/ Blue Jay & Neon Yellow Splatter - 250 (BBB Exclusive) 

Half Yellow / Half Blue w/ Black Splatter - 250 (EU Exclusive via Evil Greed)

Yellow - 250 (Revelation Exclusive)

Cloudy Blue - 250 (UK Exclusive via Devil Dog)

Ultra Clear / Neon Yellow / Ultra Clear Tri-Stripe w/ Blue Jay Splatter - 400

Blue Jay / White A Side B Side w/ Neon Yellow Splatter - 500

Black Ice w/Neon Yellow Splatter - 500

"Brightside" is a must-have for any fan of hardcore. Whether you're a longtime fan or a new listener discovering it for the first time, "Brightside" is an album that will stay with you long after the last note fades out. 

The "Brightside" reissue is available thru Triple-B Records and various retailers. This is a one time pressing, so don't sleep on it!

Fun fact: yours truly is one of the backup vocalist on this album.

Crazy Eddie - Eddie Puts Out A 7 Inch

“Eddie Puts Out a 7 Inch” is the first vinyl release from the NYHC band Crazy Eddie. The EP includes 5-songs on white wax, and comes in a hand numbered De-Lux gatefold with an exclusive sticker. Released on Rockin’ Rex, the EP is limited to 420 copies.

From the opening track, "Love Letter", Crazy Eddie kicks right into it! Delivering a healthy dose of raw energetic hardcore. Chucky Brown's vocals are spat out with a venomous intensity, while the band remains locked into a tight groove. Each song is a short, sharp burst of energy with catchy hooks. What I like most about Crazy Eddie is their ability to write classic NYHC, but still sound like a modern band. 

“Eddie Puts Out a 7 Inch” is an uncompromising record that perfectly captures the spirit of the genre. If you're looking for something to get your blood pumping, this EP might be for you.

Pick up “Eddie Puts Out a 7 Inch” directly from the source, available here.