New Order — Shellshock 12 inch

• Artist: New Order
• Title: Shellshock
• Year: 1986
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 7
• Owner: Mary
• Acquired: 1987? – Plan 9

We seem to have an endless supply of 12 inches. Almost all of them are Mary’s; she’s quite the completist collector. Here is another piece of pop art from New Order. This version of “Shellshock” is almost 10 minutes long. “Original version appears on the original picture soundtrack Pretty in Pink” is printed on the typically minimalist back cover. The flip side has an instrumental version of “Thieves Like Us.” Why do we keep these things? Is my wife leading a secret second life as a DJ for ’80s dance parties?

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New Order — Confusion

• Artist: New Order
• Title: Confusion
• Year: 1983
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 9
• Owner: Mary
• Acquired: ?
• Keeper: Yes

“Confusion” has always been my favorite New Order song. I first it heard it when my friend Jeff Arthur played it for me. Anyhow, the truth is out: I’m a natural-born metallist that likes to dance. And this is a great dance song. There are a number of “Confusion” 12 inches out there. This version has four tracks:

“Confusion”
“Confusion Beats”
“Confusion (Instr.)”
“Confusion (Rough Mix)”

It was published by Streetwise and according to the very thorough New Order Discography site it’s pretty rare:

Q: What’s the deal with the Streetwise testpressing from the New Music Seminar?
A: The Streetwise testpressing (SWRL 2213) with blank, handwritten and/or stamped labels was made for the “New Music Seminar” in New York. As a part of the new Music Seminar New Order played at the Garage on July 7, 1983. Approximately 400 of these 12 inchers were made.