Which album should I get from these bands?

[invazn]

So what album do you guys recommend from each of these bands?
The Cure
Joy Division
New Order
Swans
also are Joy Division and New Order the same thing, or is their sound different? thanks.

 

[CAIRATH]

The Cure: Pornography, Disintegration
Joy Division: Unknown Pleasures, Closer, Les Bains Douches 18 December 1979 (amazing live album)
Swans: The Great Annihilator, Love of Life, White Light From the Mouth of Infinity

With Swans it kind of depends on what you're after. Their old material is quite different. The albums I suggested are more recent ones.

Joy Division and New Order sound different. Personally I never understood what the big deal about New Order was. I don't like any of their albums that I've listened to, as far as I can tell they're mostly a singles band (but maybe there's some good compilations).

 

[BloodSword]

What Mr. Cairath said. That's a clear format to start out with.

 

[invazn]

Thanks for the recs!

 

[Thoth-Amon]

The Cure: Pornography, Disintegration

 

[Omni]

Cairath posted the exact stuff I'd have posted, so he's cool.

 

[Alter]

Unknown Pleasures is a total must buy.

 

[Omni]

I'd say that Closer is equally good. There are a ton of amazing older or obscure rock albums that don't get enough praise.

 

[Nightmare_Heaven]

So what album do you guys recommend from each of these bands?
The Cure
Joy Division
New Order
Swans
also are Joy Division and New Order the same thing, or is their sound different? thanks.

The Cure, I'd say definitely go for "Faith", "Pornography", or "Disintegration". Those are among their darker albums, and I'm gonna guess that's the style of music you're looking for. "Pornography" in particular is very dark, bitter and intense. "Faith" on the other hand is more gloomy and introspective, while "Disintegration" mixes melancholy and beauty to great effect. If you want something a little more happy and accessible, try "Wish" or "The Head On The Door" for some of their more well known pop songs.

As for Joy Division, I think its got to be "Closer" or "Substance" for a good compilation. "Closer" remains one of the most intense albums I've ever heard.

New Order also have a "Substance" album, with a lot of their popular singles and more obscure, post-punk anthems on it. In terms of an actual studio album, I'd say "Movement" (very Joy Division-esque), "Power Corruption & Lies" or "Low Life". Then take a look at "Technique". Or, just try "Singles", a good compilation album.

Don't know very much from Swans so I can't help you there.

 

[Base Delta Zero]

Swans - The Great Annihilator
Joy Division - Unknown Pleasures (if I HAD to pick one of their lp's though 'Substance' is a good compilation/greatest hits)

New Order is Joy Division but with a different vocalist - after Joy Division's vocalist killed himself, Joy Division became New Order. New Order is more electronic and poppy whereas Joy Division retained more of their punk/post-punk sound.

Also, if you're gonna check out Joy Division and Swans, you might as well check out Killing Joke as well (if you haven't already).

 

[panzerfaust666]

I'd say that Closer is equally good. There are a ton of amazing older or obscure rock albums that don't get enough praise.

closer's my favorite, deffinately