ATMOSPHERE is probably both the saddest and most beautiful JOY DIVISION track ever, released just before and after IAN CURTIS‘s tragic death (18 May 1980). A drama loaded and truly gripping electronic symphony with spine-tingling Curtis vocals. At first, in 1979, the Manchester band recorded a demo of the song, then called ‘Chance‘, for a London radio session. In March of 1980, the pearl was released, quite strangely, as a France-only single – by small record label Sordide Sentimental – with ‘Dead Souls’ as the B-side. Following the unfortunate passing of the troubled young frontman Atmosphere was re-released as a 12″ single by Joy Division‘s familiar label Factory with ‘She’s Lost Control‘ as the B-side. Here’s a version by original bass player PETER HOOK and his band THE LIGHT (still touring the world successfully with tremendous performances of New Order and Joy Divison classics) featuring the fabulous Rowetta (who recorded and toured a lot with Happy Mondays) on vocals, dating from a few years back. Enjoy the epic rendition here. Really magnificent!…

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Artwork of the legendary 12″ edition released two months after Ian Curtis tragic death…