Joy Division – Closer

I had a 1983 UK pressing of this. I did an A/B comparison and was shocked how much better this sounded. I also have the Unknown Pleasures 1st German which inspired me to try this. They both sound fantastic.

This 1st German pressing may not have the ”authenticity” factor of its UK counterpart but sound wise this is exceptionally good. The soundstage is airy and big. However, even more this is about the vast space between the instruments (as intended by Martin Hannet), a feature which lends this Edward Hopperian feel of urban isolation and angst. All this consistent with the music and maybe also the story of the band. But, alas, there was and is hope. We have New Order as a proof of that. In any case, what we've got here is painfully beautiful music and a great pressing.

Really exceptional. I had an early UK pressing back in the day (long gone). In the last few years I just ad CD copies & sometimes wondered why I considered this to be my fav album of all time. But now I have this 1st German pressing, the whole experience has come to life again. So glad I got it - it's a bit like a magical reconnection with my soul!

Absolutely blown away here. Instantly one of the jewels of my collection when it comes to pure dynamics. The old cliche really holds true with this one: it sounds like they’re in the room.

I was lucky enough to buy a copy in near mint condition! Was terrified by the sound! Record sounds just brilliant and so detailed! I assume Germans did different mastering.
An absolute 'must have' in collection.

Here is why one should accept nothing less than an OG pressing sometimes.

The sense of space is not overhyped. It sounds exactly like it should: a great band and its studio collaborator at the summit of their power putting everything they had into getting their vision to tape. Ian’s delivery subtleties are clear, the noisy, industrial cacophony is detailed, Rich and enveloping and it slaps like a mfer.

Debut III / OM 10 / Mani

I am astonished at this pressing’s quality. I have the 2007 reissue (https://discogs.cinepelis.org/release/1754498-Joy-Division-Closer) which is supposedly remastered from the original tapes, and this simply crushes it. Didn't Hook say the tapes had been lost long time ago??
Anyway, the music breathes way more, the details are much more pronounced, Martin Hannet’s production really breathes, and so does the whole band: they are way punchier, you feel the depth(s).

With a good pair of headphones, it feels as if you were there in the studio. No exageration.

yes my copy sounds amazing as well i own the 2007 rhino/london reissue but this AAA pressing is a lot more dynamic

This sounds really nice, with a lot of space. Haven’t heard a UK original but can’t imagine it sounding much better.