Joy Division v The Smiths

Joy Division for me mainly because they created something brilliant from nothing.

I think it's fair to say Hook, Sumner and Morris had zero musical ability at the beginning. What they did have was a desire to be a part of the DIY punk scene. Of course they soon found their feet and sound.

Johnny Marr obviously had bags full of musical ability.

Morrisey v Curtis - both brilliant and innovative but Curtis edges it for me.
 
As far as lyrics go The Smiths had a few novelty lines which were punchy but JDs are carefully crafted pieces of art. They did 50 songs in a period of 2 or 3 years all of which except one I love to bits. Maybe it was done to make all the others stand out.
Who knows what we might have witnessed if Curtis had not decided to check out early.
Never like comparisons eg Ronaldo George best. Best be grateful we have lived in times with these special talents.
 
HundredRoom said:
As far as lyrics go The Smiths had a few novelty lines which were punchy but JDs are carefully crafted pieces of art. They did 50 songs in a period of 2 or 3 years all of which except one I love to bits. Maybe it was done to make all the others stand out.
Who knows what we might have witnessed if Curtis had not decided to check out early.
Never like comparisons eg Ronaldo George best. Best be grateful we have lived in times with these special talents.
Click to expand...
Which one??🤔
 
Like comparing apples & gravy, the only thing they really had in common was they were both from the Manchester / Cheshire area, and had 4 blokes in them.

Joy Division were bleak, especially the lyrics, and almost industrial sounding especially on stuff like Leaders of Men; whereas The Smiths were one of the greatest pop bands ever to live with an almost comedic / music hall tinge to many of their lyrics.
 
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Both - no need to choose between them.

Different era, different styles etc. Comparing the two is like comparing football with cricket. I love both and room for both in my life but both totally different things.

My one regret is I never saw joy Division at the Rock Garden, I would have if IC hadn't did what he did but I did see New Order there and The Smiths at the Town hall shows and other places.
 
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