Transmissions: The Definitive Story of Joy Division & New Order

I just finished the last episode of Transmissions. It is a treasure trove of unknown pleasures for us Joy Division/New Order fans. Many thanks to the producers of the show, for putting this together and to the Band for sharing their stories. And thank you to the guy in the grocery store here in Los Angeles for noticing I was wearing a New Order Fact. 50 Movement t-shirt in the produce aisle and telling me about this podcast. And yes it’s official NO merchandise. I’ve seen them in concert every time they preform in Los Angeles. Learning the Band doesn’t like to be photographed or appear on their album covers explains why the Band performs live on stage in the dark on stage. New Order’s live performances are very visual and immersive experiences with state of art technology, sound, lighting and video display. They are like the Banksy of rock bands, the audience gets to experience their art, but we don’t get to see the artists. I very much enjoyed hearing how the Band felt about their American audiences and performing stateside. And how New Order became part of the lexicon of American pop culture, such as the Pretty in Pink soundtrack. The production and story unfolding of Transmissions was excellent, each episode focusing on the Band’s next project. I personally appreciated the interviews with Peter Saville. In the 1980’s I was a young American who followed the new music coming out of the UK. New Order, OMD, Ultravox, Visage, Roxy Music. And I came to realize all these bands whose music I’m buying and following, have the most amazing album covers. Cutting edge artwork, rooted in art, design and history. Reading the credits I learned they were all designed by Peter Saville. He changed the course of my life. When I got out of high school I knew I wanted to be a graphic designer, inspired by Peter Saville. And that’s what I did. I went to design school here in Los Angeles and I have worked in entertainment industry graphic design my whole career. In the mid 1990’s Peter Saville moved to Los Angeles. Learning this I contacted him to show him my work. It was a great experience to become acquainted with him during the brief time he lived in LA. I will get ready for season 3 of Transmissions. Sending appreciation from across the pond!

The first season is short and spotty with anything of substance. Whoever was in charge of this latest one, KEEP THEM ON. The presenter is great and the story well told. Glad I gave it a second chance.

I've been a fan since the mid 80'snwhen I first stumbled upon NO/JD on my local college radio station at the time (thanks, KUOP!). They are a key part of the soundtrack of my childhood. This was such a fun listen...while I was generally familiar with some of this from articles, books, and of course 24 Hour Party People, this went into much more detail and the firsthand accounts from the band members made it extra special. Thanks to all who contributed to this gem of a series!

Cheers to the whole team that is putting together this podcast! An amazing story that I only knew parts of. Love seeing how all the pieces come together