Originally Posted by: markreed The band never went in for this kind of shit when Factory was running, probably because they couldn't afford it... and couldn't be bothered.
Yes they did. Factory did weird and wonderful one-off releases all the time:
- Those useless but very cool DAT tapes (JD Substance, NO Substance & Technique),
- Gatefold Substance limited to 1000 copies,
- Statue of "Little Lewie",
- Twelve Inches of New Order plastic ruler,
- Blue Monday '88 flicker book etc. etc.
Factory didn't last long enough to get into the 'reissue business' as we know it today but they almost certainly would have if they survived. All labels do it and Joy Division/New Order have the sort of back catalogue many majors would kill for; as we know Warners won that particular prize. It's just a shame they've not always treated it with the respect it deserves or the potential it has to be handled correctly.
I reckon the odd vinyl reissue is harmless enough so long as a) the item is well made and b) the label produces enough to enable fans to grab a copy at a reasonable price. The more recent reissues and there have only been two in the past year I.e. Movement and the JD Ideal For Living EP seemed to have been produced in high enough numbers so everyone interested could grab one. The previous problem with RSD as every fan well knows was they didn't manufacture enough so Ebay touts would end up fleecing people.
The 1981-1982 EP was a genuine milestone release for New Order's career and has not been re-released in its original form since the first time over 30 years ago.
This item's welcome enough for me...