As my mind is addled due to recent tragic events, I'll do something unimaginative, and a trifle self-indulgent, by posting the thirty-odd Joy Division Live Bootlegs I have at my disposal. Starting, very logically with the only one I have from 1977......which was in fact a high quality soundboard recording of a 'Warsaw' gig in the incredibly grim city of Middlesborough.
I first heard Joy Division on the "Live at the Electric Circus" compilation in early 1978.They performed as 'Warsaw' on the night,but were listed as Joy Division, and despite the rudimentary 'Punk' sound I was intrigued enough to buy the re-released version of "An Ideal For Living" ep, with the scaffolding sleeve.There was definitely some hidden intelligence behind the stupid 'Punk' facade,and potentially something unique. This was confirmed by the time they appeared on Fast Products' "Earcom 2" compilation in 1979.
Listening to them as Warsaw is like looking for the missing link between hominids and Homo Erectus. Somehow they evolved from crawling on all fours ,in musical terms, to standing erect without any noticeable curve of transition. They just seemed to become Joy Division almost overnight.
Hearing Ian Curtis shouting like a Football Hooligan is laughable knowing now what an erudite and sensitive soul he was. It's hard to believe that this band would evolve during their short lifespan into something that would adorn the t-shirts of many vacuous celebrities in the 21st century,and still be a confirmed favourite of all doom laden teenagers everywhere.
Tracklist:
1. Reaction
2. Inside The Line
3. Leaders Of Men
4. Novelty
5. At A Later Date
6. Tension
7. Kill
8. Lost