Amazing Records That Sound Incredible: Joy Division, Atmosphere 12” 45rpm single (Factory, 1980)
“Atmosphere” would be a heartbreaking song even if you weren’t reading it back through Curtis’s death, which you inevitably do. But there’s something strong, noble, even peaceful about it — it’s a bit like he’s come out on the other side, over here with us, looking back on everything with detachment and love.
Sonically, this has straight-up the best-sounding drums I’ve ever heard on a record — they are just HUGE, juicy, meaty, bouncy — they absolutely explode out of the speakers… but somehow softly. Mine is the first UK press, a definite 10/10.