Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures

A new entry is a series about famous LPs. Welcome is Ott’s appreciation of Unknown Pleasures, Joy Division’s debut album (a work of “unparalleled drama and scope,” Ott raves). The short-lived English band’s career was short-circuited by lead singer Ian Curtis’ suicide not long after recording Unknown Pleasures. Ott describes Joy Division’s musical approach and re-creates its frenetic and distinctive stage shows in a manner that should satisfy those who remember the band, and possibly bring it new fans.