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New Order — Your Silent Face
Album: Power, Corruption & Lies
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 988









Released: 1983
Length: 5:55
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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A thought that never changes
Remains a stupid lie
It's never been quite the same
No hearing or breathing
No movement, no colour
Just silence
Rise and fall of shame
A search that shall remain
We asked you what you'd seen
You said you didn't care

Sound formed in a vacuum
May seem a waste of time
It's always been just the same
No hearing or breathing
No movement, no lyrics
Just nothing
A sign that leads the way
The path we cannot take
You've caught me at a bad time
So, why don't you piss off?
Comments (107)add comment
 cambuddyf wrote:

I saw them 3-4 years ago and they played this song. Magnificent.  Great band and should be in the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame. 




You lucky duck.  I wish that I had been there too!!
Posted 11 months ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Excellent!!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
I saw them 3-4 years ago and they played this song. Magnificent.  Great band and should be in the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame. 
Posted 2 years ago by cambuddyf    [ Reply ]
 Soopertimes wrote:

When I hear this I'm back at Carleton University spinning it for the first time on my morning show at CKCU The MIGHTY 93.1

RIP - Nadine Gelinau



This is one of the things I love about music (the universal language) - its ability to pull us into places, time and memories.  Thank you for mentioning Nadine Gelinau.  I did not know of her but went to wiki.  It must have been fun and an honor to work with her.  She left this life too early.  Hopefully she has the energy of music streaming through and from her in the cosmos....
Posted 2 years ago by AhhtheMusic    [ Reply ]
Sends me back to then, going from party to party On The Hill, hearing this churchy thing on hi-fi sets as we drained keg after keg...
Posted 2 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
 thewiseking wrote:

This soars way above anything they did as Joy Division. This was My 80s



They're not comparable
Posted 2 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
What a track - outstanding, as most of their output during this period.

Leave Me Alone - another cracker from this album
Posted 2 years ago by CCSandman    [ Reply ]
Say what you will about them Live but oh what glorious things came out of the studio
Posted 3 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
Oh my heart! This brings me back to the glorious days of my youth in the '80s.
Posted 3 years ago by myelich    [ Reply ]
When I hear this I'm back at Carleton University spinning it for the first time on my morning show at CKCU The MIGHTY 93.1

RIP - Nadine Gelinau
Posted 3 years ago by Soopertimes    [ Reply ]
...
Posted 4 years ago by cassanjp    [ Reply ]
Masterpiece. 
Posted 4 years ago by Edm23Rocha    [ Reply ]
My favourite New Order album by some distance. Sublime.
Posted 4 years ago by be4con    [ Reply ]
Seen them at the Amsterdam show October 2019 : very good show !
Posted 5 years ago by walter_sintenie    [ Reply ]
This soars way above anything they did as Joy Division. This was My 80s
Posted 5 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
One of my favorite N.O. tunes. 
Posted 6 years ago by annds    [ Reply ]
Another first for me at RP. {#Notworthy}
Lots of drums, too much, but that synthesizer melody and bass line is classic.
Reminds me a bit of OMD, their UK musical cousins of the time.   
Posted 6 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
CLASSIC!
Posted 7 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
This from All Music:

Originally titled "KW1" (for "that Kraftwerk one," and the German synth explorers' influence is certainly highly felt), "Your Silent Face" is one of the key tracks on New Order's Power, Corruption and Lies. Musically, it's austere and gloriously chilly, a wash of synthesizers over electronic drums (Peter Hook's bassline doesn't even show up until the song is half over, and even then, it bows out after about 24 bars) with a melodica-like instrument wheezing out a hooky arpeggiated riff every so often. Lyrically, the song sounds like a deadpan parody of some of the late Ian Curtis' work, full of portentous imagery that just sort of tapers off without going anywhere in particular, capped off with the punchline "You've caught me at a bad time/So why don't you piss off?," proof that New Order's reputation as po-faced miserablists is largely unwarranted.
Posted 13 years ago by socalhol    [ Reply ]
child-like recorder meshes with swirling synth meshes with dulcet voice meshes with angry lead bass: it shouldn't work but it does work, so so well
Posted 13 years ago by drews    [ Reply ]

There are certain "80s" songs that really appeal to me ... this is one of them.
{#Cool}


Posted 13 years ago by hallogallo    [ Reply ]
rdo wrote:
...I just died and went to heaven when RP played this song. There are so many rewards to listening to this station.
Dude! I always knew you were a big softie. Me, too.

Posted 13 years ago by Businessgypsy    [ Reply ]
 rdo wrote:
I tried several internet Rock radio stations before I settled on RP and made a permanent home.  This was the song that sealed that decision.   I was always a big New Order fan before RP, but this was one song I had never heard (New Order must have the most fragmentary body of work of any post 1980 band). I just died and went to heaven when RP played this song.  There are so many rewards to listening to this station.
 
I absolutely agree with the first and last sentence of your post. RP is the best!

Posted 13 years ago by meloman    [ Reply ]
This song rubs me the right way!{#Meditate} 8!
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
cmon Bill
How did you get into New Order it doesnt fit with the rest
Posted 13 years ago by MannAudioltd    [ Reply ]

I tried.  I did.

Just not for me.


Posted 14 years ago by SuzG    [ Reply ]
Thrilled to hear this here.  One of my favorite New Order songs, and why RP is so great.
Posted 14 years ago by BalesBub    [ Reply ]
Synth music rarely got this good, this track ranks alongside the best that depeche mode, erasure or eurythmics ever released

Posted 14 years ago by drews    [ Reply ]
I'd like this a lot better if is sounded a lot less like the theme from "Knight Rider".
Posted 14 years ago by Art_Carnage    [ Reply ]
certainly the most powerful thing these guys ever did. this succeeds as art.
Posted 14 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
Classic time frozen tune {#Mrgreen}
Posted 14 years ago by contractor07    [ Reply ]
1983 owes us an apology for synths
Posted 14 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
I tried several internet Rock radio stations before I settled on RP and made a permanent home.  This was the song that sealed that decision.   I was always a big New Order fan before RP, but this was one song I had never heard (New Order must have the most fragmentary body of work of any post 1980 band). I just died and went to heaven when RP played this song.  There are so many rewards to listening to this station.
Posted 14 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
This is the most inane thing I think I've heard in a long while.  Did their five year old son write that synth part?

Posted 14 years ago by Hippostar    [ Reply ]
Was this song in a movie? And if so, does anyone know which one? It seems like it's just on the edge of my recalling, but I can never seem to get it...
Posted 14 years ago by tapatia1072    [ Reply ]
Definitely better than the usual New Oder stuff...
Posted 14 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
 burdell wrote:
Nearly perfection. The goal of great music is to generate an emotional response in the listener. And for me, this does it everytime. Takes me to a wonderful place. Thank you.
 
Beautiful ... {#Meditate}
Posted 15 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
 rdo wrote:
Had to stop what I was doing and just listen....
 
Amen...

Posted 15 years ago by df1489    [ Reply ]
Had to stop what I was doing and just listen....
Posted 15 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
Nearly perfection. The goal of great music is to generate an emotional response in the listener. And for me, this does it everytime. Takes me to a wonderful place. Thank you.
 
Posted 15 years ago by burdell    [ Reply ]
Nice..
Posted 15 years ago by rcwsound    [ Reply ]
 Gednabb wrote:
has anyone else noticed that when the main tune "clarinet" sound comes in in the intro, it's ever-so-slightly flat?

And folks, yes it's dated, but so are Shakespeare and bellbottoms.
You have to appreciate things in their original context; not every tune is written to be a classic.
Nice song.
 
Yea, every time that "clarinet" comes in it irks me a little, pleasant tune otherwise. I was going to ask the same question, but wanted to see if anyone else noticed it too.

Posted 15 years ago by mybaldbird    [ Reply ]
Didn't really like 80's music in the 80's (of course, only generally speaking)... Can't say I changed my opinion...
Posted 15 years ago by marcel    [ Reply ]
One of my favourite New Order songs. And another vinyl I left in Sweden...Aghhhhhhhhhhhhh
Posted 15 years ago by SweTex    [ Reply ]

Calling this Godlike still does not do it justice. 10 X 10


Posted 15 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
goood shit
Posted 15 years ago by fuh2    [ Reply ]
 narc wrote:
Sumner is signing way off key.   That's what kept me from enjoying New Order and Electronic (the band) although the synth and sequences are really good.   {#Snooty}
 
If you'd listen to the first New Order album (Movement), Bernard's singing is even worse off key than here. But when the music is as good as it gets, I can live with that. Besides, I consider it part of the charm with early New Order personally.


Posted 15 years ago by Darkmatter    [ Reply ]
Takes me back... keep going RP....

Posted 15 years ago by esweazey73    [ Reply ]
classic new order...
i have the cassette! from back in the day..

Posted 15 years ago by arsenault    [ Reply ]
I consider myself a New Order fan, but this one has just a bit too much Kraftwerk influence.

If I wanted to listen to Computer World, that's what I'd do. And as a matter of fact, I think I'll do just that. 
Posted 15 years ago by rcurrier    [ Reply ]
The ULTIMATE New Order & 80's Song !
Posted 15 years ago by walter_sintenie    [ Reply ]
 foothillfreak wrote:
hearing this song is the closest i've come to feeling like a teenager in 20 years... Sounds As good now as then.
 

Their early catalogue has just been reissued by Rhino with a bonus disc for each one. Supposed to be really good...
Posted 16 years ago by Darlington    [ Reply ]
I missed this song in the 80's too - maybe I'll get to miss it again sometime....{#Moon}
Posted 16 years ago by George_Tirebiter    [ Reply ]
hearing this song is the closest i've come to feeling like a teenager in 20 years... Sounds As good now as then.
Posted 16 years ago by foothillfreak    [ Reply ]
Sumner is signing way off key.   That's what kept me from enjoying New Order and Electronic (the band) although the synth and sequences are really good.   {#Snooty}
Posted 16 years ago by narc    [ Reply ]
Somehow, I missed this band in the '80's. I like it !!
Posted 16 years ago by HarrO    [ Reply ]
 Art_Carnage wrote:
This is like everything that's bad about '80s music, wrapped up in one song.
 

I'd love to know what you were listening to in the 80s. Stryper? Winger? The Judds? Please let me know.
I for one am quite happy to hear this lovely flashback.
Posted 16 years ago by siandbeth    [ Reply ]
Art_Carnage wrote:
This is like everything that's bad about '80s music, wrapped up in one song.





This is like everything GOOD about 80's music..... etc... Depending on your viewpoint. But since it's possible to draw a direct line from New Order to many other bands and styles in the 80's, 90's and beyond, in fact their influence far outweighs anything else around them at the time. And back then, we were (and I continue to be) blown away by their originality and vision. Despite any possible dodgy synth or production values, remembering that what they had at their disposal back then was at the very peak of technology. In its defence... Which is probably why they are still so fondly remembered, compared to so many other "bad" 80's bands.


Posted 16 years ago by garthwb    [ Reply ]
 Art_Carnage wrote:
This is like everything that's bad about '80s music, wrapped up in one song.
 
Well said. 

Posted 16 years ago by stewliscious    [ Reply ]
 Art_Carnage wrote:
This is like everything that's bad about '80s music, wrapped up in one song.
 
C'mon, I'd be willing to bet you liked it back then!

Posted 16 years ago by Droidac    [ Reply ]
has anyone else noticed that when the main tune "clarinet" sound comes in in the intro, it's ever-so-slightly flat?

And folks, yes it's dated, but so are Shakespeare and bellbottoms.
You have to appreciate things in their original context; not every tune is written to be a classic.
Nice song.
Posted 16 years ago by Gednabb    [ Reply ]
Touch my monkey...

....and now, we will dance....


Posted 16 years ago by JesseDewey    [ Reply ]
Art_Carnage wrote:
This is like everything that's bad about '80s music, wrapped up in one song.
the synthesizer is way too cheesy.
Posted 16 years ago by dunno    [ Reply ]
Their song, "tempation" on the Trainspotting soundtrack got me into them. I recently got all their music on my computer. I still haven't given all of it a whirl.
Posted 16 years ago by Jack_Straw    [ Reply ]
veegez wrote:
I totally agree, except with one minor change. Replace 'bad' with 'great'.
Here! Here!
Posted 16 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
Impresionant , New Order , dels millors dels 80
Posted 16 years ago by albertgf    [ Reply ]
Gambrinus wrote:
Nothing boosts a song's ratings like memories... 9!
Definiteley correct. I used to love New Order in the 80s.
Posted 16 years ago by prickelpit96    [ Reply ]
Art_Carnage wrote:
This is like everything that's bad about '80s music, wrapped up in one song.
I totally agree, except with one minor change. Replace 'bad' with 'great'.
Posted 16 years ago by veegez    [ Reply ]
This is like everything that's bad about '80s music, wrapped up in one song.
Posted 16 years ago by Art_Carnage    [ Reply ]
Best New Order song ever.
Posted 16 years ago by miahfost    [ Reply ]
I never imagined I would hear this song on "the radio". It stopped me in my tracks, as I used to love this song!!! Thanks, Bill, for the memories and the wonderfully diverse playlist.
Posted 16 years ago by koltrain    [ Reply ]
handyrae wrote:
I think it's fair to say that this song has stood the test of time.
I'm surprised to find that I agree!
Posted 17 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
Nothing boosts a song's ratings like memories... 9!
Posted 17 years ago by Gambrinus    [ Reply ]
Tony Wilson music promoter behind Mondays, Madchester, Joy Division, New Order and others, died August 10th 2007. If you are into postpunk check 24 Hour Party People, semi autobiographical film about Factory Records and Hacienda Club Manchester. These guys came through for their friend despite their rank reputation https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/health/s/1011/1011079_stars_buy_cancer_drug_for_tony.html Tony Wilson. RIP.">(click here)
Posted 17 years ago by patreezia    [ Reply ]
I have to thank John Scoggins for this one. He told of a time in Austin in the early 80's when New Order came through and after the show they were looking for a little something to drink, but all the bars were closed. He found them a bottle of something and partied with them that night. The story ran that he also acquired for them a certain (then legal) substance that inspired the instrumental on this album called "Ecstasy." Thanks John, where ever you are.
Posted 17 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
I think it's fair to say that this song has stood the test of time.
Posted 17 years ago by handyrae    [ Reply ]
still takes me there
Posted 17 years ago by jpm9678    [ Reply ]
King_Balt wrote:
here here - say hello to 'cool' club music henceforth, the non-cheesy type is born on this album.
Indeed. I'll never forget the summer I literally wore out this tape. Around the same time CDs first cam on the scene. 5-8-6 !!!
Posted 17 years ago by aronson    [ Reply ]
ladyk wrote:
Classic!
here here - say hello to 'cool' club music henceforth, the non-cheesy type is born on this album.
Posted 17 years ago by King_Balt    [ Reply ]
Classic!
Posted 17 years ago by ladyk    [ Reply ]
mgoldman wrote:
Oh Damn, I thought I left my platform shoes around here somewhere. Have you seen them?
no platform shoes in the 80s. sorry.
Posted 17 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
Oh Damn, I thought I left my platform shoes around here somewhere. Have you seen them?
Posted 17 years ago by mgoldman    [ Reply ]
Amazing ! haven't heard this for 20 years, sent a shiver down my spine
Posted 17 years ago by lord_love_rocket    [ Reply ]
Always loved New Order, always will. Thanks for this CLASSIC, Bill!
Posted 17 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
god, i used to love this band. i would listen to these albums over and over and over again. it was not unlike a sickness or like being in love
Posted 17 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
This was the album where New Order once and for all proved they were something else entirely than Joy Division. A monumental effort!
Posted 17 years ago by Darkmatter    [ Reply ]
At the time, it seemed to be another one of those songs on the radio, though slightly better than the others that were out there... Now, it sounds INCREDIBLE! Thanks for putting this in there, Bill!
Posted 17 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
tiggers wrote:
Just sublime. One of Manchester's finest bands and well ahead of their time. Love it .. 9
Posted 17 years ago by Alexandra    [ Reply ]
Just sublime. One of Manchester's finest bands and well ahead of their time. Love it .. 9
Posted 17 years ago by tiggers    [ Reply ]
I'm a minor fan of NO with a couple of their later albums, but some of the earlier stuff from the 'Blue Monday' period really was tedious, and this is in that category, IMO. A 2.
Posted 17 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
Why does this remind me of Chariots of Fire (music by Vangelis)?
Posted 17 years ago by mattc296    [ Reply ]
Smashing to hear a lesser played song than "Blue Monday" from this outstanding classic!
Posted 17 years ago by marlenacb    [ Reply ]
Grant-Lee Phillips has an excellant cover of the New Order classic Age of Consent on his new CD, ninteeneighties.
Posted 18 years ago by wally42    [ Reply ]
whoa......hazy memories of the very hazy 80s....
Posted 18 years ago by Buzzardcheater    [ Reply ]
Best line..."so why don't you piss off," as the voice trails off.
Posted 18 years ago by Captain_D0D00    [ Reply ]
I looooove early new order..... elktro-cool!!!!!
Posted 18 years ago by exciter76    [ Reply ]
Aaaaaaaahhhh.... This feels goooooood...
Posted 18 years ago by aquadonia    [ Reply ]
... Love this track! ... ...
Posted 18 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
lester wrote:
Like it.
what's to like about this soulless dreck?
Posted 18 years ago by moshevelvul    [ Reply ]
Like it.
Posted 18 years ago by lester    [ Reply ]
hoooray! New Order other than "Blue Monday"!
Posted 18 years ago by Angloray    [ Reply ]
What a great addition to the RP playlist. I can't believe it took so long to get into the mix....briliant song from a great album...
Posted 18 years ago by jdorn1    [ Reply ]
nick_valensi wrote:
this is one of the best albums ever. It wouldn't exist without Kraftwerk, though. Man, those Kraftwerk geniuses!!!
Certainly you meant one of their best albums ever.
Posted 18 years ago by spigolli    [ Reply ]
this is one of the best albums ever. It wouldn't exist without Kraftwerk, though. Man, those Kraftwerk geniuses!!!
Posted 18 years ago by nick_valensi    [ Reply ]
love it. Nice to see something by them on the playlist
Posted 18 years ago by willb    [ Reply ]
Very nice.
Posted 18 years ago by camworld    [ Reply ]
I've been wondering where this track was on RP- I'd have uploaded it some time ago if my rip wasn't one of the worst in my collection. I'm glad it finally surfaced, thanks to the uploader and Bill for playing it.
Posted 18 years ago by Schmackdown    [ Reply ]