Do you know the song “Love Will Tear Us Apart” by Joy Division? Sure you do. Starts like this, right?
Joy Division – “Love Will Tear Us Apart,” Single Mix, Intro (10s)
Definitely one of the great classic song intros of the new wave movement. From the instant you hear that clarion guitar chord, you know what song you’re listening to. For whatever reason, the hardwiring in my brain is more familiar with the b-side mix of that single:
Joy Division – “Love Will Tear Us Apart,” B-Side Mix, Intro (6s)
Hear how it’s slightly different? The intro rhythm of the regular mix is just played on a guitar (or two), while on the b-side the bass guitar comes right in at the start. There’s also a slight pause between that little starting beat and the driving rhythm on single mix, while they’re more elided on the b-side, and more importantly, on the b-side that intro beat is actually a little trill composed of three strums. A tiny difference, but vital here. Have you heard of Lissy Trullie? This is the intro to her recent single, “Boy Boy”: Continue reading →
