Closer – Joy Division (Vinyl 12" LP)
Released in July 1980, Closer is the haunting and powerful second—and final—studio album from post-punk pioneers Joy Division. Issued just two months after the tragic death of frontman Ian Curtis, the album stands as a sombre yet striking farewell. Produced by Martin Hannett and released through Factory Records, Closer is widely regarded as a masterclass in atmospheric minimalism, marked by bleak lyrical introspection and icy sonic textures. It helped cement Joy Division’s legacy as one of the most influential bands of the late 20th century.
Key Highlights
- Features acclaimed tracks such as Isolation, Heart and Soul, and Twenty Four Hours
- A seminal post-punk work, known for its stark soundscapes and emotional depth
- Produced by Martin Hannett, whose studio techniques contributed to the album’s spectral ambience
- Typically reissued on 180g heavyweight vinyl with original artwork and sleeve design by Peter Saville
Tracklisting
Side A
1. Atrocity Exhibition
2. Isolation
3. Passover
4. Colony
5. A Means to an End
Side B
6. Heart and Soul
7. Twenty Four Hours
8. The Eternal
9. Decades
Fun Fact
The album cover, featuring a photograph of a tomb by Bernard Pierre Wolff, unintentionally mirrored the grief surrounding Ian Curtis’s passing—chosen long before his death but eerily appropriate upon release.
Why You Should Buy This Vinyl
- A landmark release in post-punk history and a must-have for fans of alternative music
- Vinyl format captures the analogue warmth and atmospheric depth of Hannett’s production
- Represents a profound cultural document of Joy Division’s artistic legacy
- Essential for collectors seeking definitive albums from the Factory Records era
Closer remains a chilling, beautiful testament to Joy Division’s artistry. This vinyl edition offers a deeply immersive listening experience of one of post-punk’s most enduring and emotionally resonant albums.