I Don't Belong To No One, But I Want To Be With You.

Technique - January 1989

I'll just start out by saying that Techique is favorite albums of all-time, as well as being my favorite New Order album. Every song is perfectly played and the album balances every aspect of the band's various sounds. The dance tracks are energetic and the pop songs are elegant and catchy.

"Fine Time" - This is a strange number that couldn't really be anywhere on the record except as the opener. It's primarily a dance thumper with repetitive lyrics and a distorted, imitation Barry White voiceover. For the most part, this is an "everything and the kitchen sink" type of song where New Order layer on every insturment and programming trick in their arsenal. In other words, prepare for anything.

"All the Way" - Gears quickly change with this driving pop number. The bass line and acoustic guitar recall the Cure's "Just Like Heaven" which came out two years prior. Still, "All the Way" stands on it's own as fast-paced, sweet, "live" instruments number. This is one of Bernard Sumner's most lyrically positive songs, too.

"Love Less" - This is another "live" insturment pop song, but a little more low key than the last track. The subject is about a disintegrating relationship, which is more in keeping with Sumner's forte. Sad, but very pleasant on the ear. I love the four snare hits at the beginning to kick off the song.

"Round & Round" - The dance club side of New Order returns with this track. This is influenced by Mediterranean rhythms that were popular at the time of recording. Lyrically it's about a souring relationship. It has been said that Sumner wrote it about the tension between New Order and Factory Records founder Tony Wilson.

"Guilty Partner" - This is another more "live" arrangement. Peter Hook's buzzy, high bass dominates the song with a fluid melody. The subject is about after the end of a relationship, but the narrator is quite convinced that the other party will come crawling back.

"Run" - Another wonderful jangly pop number with a killer electric guitar lick for the chorus. Also, it contains with a wonderfully extended, instrumental outro This is the song that John Denver sued New Order over due to similarities to "Leaving on a Jet Plane".

Mr. Disco" - This is one of my favorite songs on the album. Somber lyrics about lost love is coupled with a killer dance beat. This is one of Sumner's best songs vocally and lyrically. The instrumental bridge is awesome and I love the ray gun sounds.

"Vanishing Point" - The lyrics turn more global with "Vanishing Point". This is another dance track, but the theme makes it a little more somber. Very trance-like at times.

"Dream Attack" - The album ends with one final "live" track. This is another break up song, but this time the narrator admits the need and desire to be with the other person. This is an interesting counter to "Guilty Partner".

Technique is about as perfect of an album as you could ever want. It is played and sang perfectly and the themes are engaging. It's nine songs in under forty-three satisfying minutes and well worth the listen.

10 out of 10

World in Motion - May 1990

And now for something completely different.

This is a sports anthem for the British World Cup football team and it's pretty damn silly. I can see how it would be a big hit for the locals, but other than that novelty, it's a pretty weak song. The chorus is sung by the team and there's an awful bit of rapping by one of the players. For completists only.

3 out of 10