Joy Division was a British post-punk band from Manchester. Founded in 1976 as Warsaw, they changed their name to Joy Division in 1978 with their first release, An Ideal For Living. The Band existed until the tragic death of their charismatic singer Ian Curtis on 18 May 1980.
Joy Division were: Ian Curtis (†), (vocals), Bernard Sumner / aka Bernard Albrecht (guitar and keyboards), Peter Hook (bass) and Stephen Morris (drums).
Countless essays have been published about Joy Division and Ian Curtis in particular over the last few decades. Everything there was to illuminate has been illuminated in great detail. I cannot add anything new to this and therefore refer you to the relevant sources.
Out of the deepest respect for the musicians and out of love for their music, I would like to add that Joy Division is one of my absolute favourite bands, alongside Velvet Underground, Can and Kraftwerk. I have been following this band since the blissful days of tape swapping in the early 1980s with uninterrupted interest to this day.
Joy Division released only two studio albums during their short active period: Unknown Pleasures in 1979 and Closer in 1980, both of which are undoubtedly classics and essential and constitutive for the entire post-punk genre. Nevertheless, the online platform Discogs lists 36 different official releases and a further 345(!) unofficial releases, regardless of country of origin and year of release. How can this be? And… which release is actually so substantial or interesting that it should not be missing from any serious Joy Division collection?
Below is my (subjective) attempt to navigate safely through the ocean of releases, distil the truly essential titles and shed light on them in detail. With a few exceptions, the focus is on vinyl releases, primarily the original editions from the UK and, where applicable, other interesting releases from other sources. In this context, I would like to point out the Japanese pressings of the albums Unknown Pleasuers, Closer, Still and Substance. Not only were these equipped with the infamous obi, but they also each contain a supplement with the lyrics in Japanese and, fortunately, in English as well.
The following websites are available to us as sources and indispensable tools:
Joy Division Central
This Joy Division website seems to be stuck in the 2000s visually. But first impressions can be deceiving. Two Brits and two Norwegians list absolutely everything related to Joy Division. The gig guide, studio sessions/rehearsals and extensive bootleg overviews alone are indispensable for anyone interested in Joy Division. My special thanks go to the creators of this website for their excellent work.
Joy Division at Discogs
https://www.discogs.com/artist/3898-Joy-Division
The expert platform Discogs lists all known Joy Division releases worldwide. Discogs currently lists 193 different versions of Unknown Pleasures alone and 191 different versions of Closer.
Joy Division at Popsike
Popsike is a useful digital price guide for records, providing information from past auctions, particularly on eBay. The platform offers tens of millions of auction results for rare records from the last 18 years. Here, collectors and dealers can find the highest bids and fixed prices for JD records. There is a fee to use this website.
Studio albums
Unknown Pleasures LP-1979
A-Outside
Disorder
Day Of The Lords
Candidate
Insight
New Dawn Fades
B-Inside
She’s Lost Control
Shadowplay
Wilderness
Interzone
I Remember Nothing
Unknown Pleasures was released on 15 June 1979 in a first edition of 10,000 copies on Factory Records. This is how Peter Hook later described it, who, together with Rob Gretton, claims to have carried this quantity up the stairs at Palatine Road by hand. The records were manufactured at the WEA pressing plant in West Drayton. Another 10,000 copies were manufactured at the PYE pressing plant at Tranco. Some of the Tranco pressings are made from a vinyl material that appears ruby red when held up to a strong light source (translucent). It should be noted that ‘ruby red’ pressings were not uncommon at Tranco at that time. So nothing special, really. But… it’s Joy Division RUBY RED, and suddenly the price of such first pressings goes through the roof.
The acoustic benchmark is the German first pressing, which was mastered at Günther Pfanz’s recording studio in Hamburg-Rothenburgsort. Perfectly balanced, airy and rich in detail, this wonderful music, which seems to come from another world, sounds fantastic coming out of the speakers. The UK first pressing, mastered by George Peckham, better known as ‘Porky’ (‘a Porky prime cut’), sounds more powerful, more concentrated in the mid-range, as one would expect from British pressings. In short, you should definitely get both pressings. The US first pressing is remarkable, with a special sound character that is harder and rockier. The highlight is that the record has an endless groove on I Remember Nothing, the last track on the second side. This fits very well and will particularly appeal to some collectors, so a respectable price is asked for a decent copy.
For me, Unknown Pleasures is the perfect music album. Every piece of music is a shimmering pearl that still touches me deeply emotionally today and takes me into a fantastic world. The haunting, sometimes dystopian lyrics, the perfectly matching music, the outstanding, almost extraterrestrial-sounding production work by Martin Hannett, which is perfectly suited to the music, the simple, black, sublime cover with the fantastic artwork by Peter Saville; everything just fits together perfectly! There is no comparable music album that comes close to this one, with perhaps one exception: Joy Division’s second album, Closer
Closer LP-1980
Atrocity Exhibition
Isolation
Passover
Colony
A Means To An End
Heart And Soul
Twenty Four Hours
The Eternal
Decades
Joy Division’s second and final album was released on 18 July 1980, two months after the death of lead singer Ian Curtis.
The German first edition sounds just as charming and rich in detail as the German first edition of Unknown Pleasures; the British first edition, on the other hand, sounds powerful and bone-dry.
I prefer it when a song like Passover is rather dry and a song like Heart And Soul is rather brilliant. Therefore, I recommend buying both pressings here as well.
The US and UK reissues from 2007 feature audible changes. The sound is rich, almost a little too fat in the bass range. The recordings seem more compressed and mixed in the middle. The same applies to the 2007 editions of Unknown Pleasures and Still.
In 2017, a white vinyl version of Closer was produced in a limited edition of only 1,000 copies for the ‘True Faith’ event at Manchester Art Gallery and sold at the exhibition. Today, it is already a sought-after collector’s item. The LP was cut from the 2007 remaster.
The 2020 reissue in transparent, colourless vinyl was remastered by Bernard Sumner himself. This recording actually sounds delightfully fresh and airy, without losing any of its powerful sound. It’s really fun to listen to this recording. The same applies to the remastered reissue of Unknown Pleasures on transparent red vinyl, now with an inverted white cover instead of black, which was originally intended for Unknown Pleasures.
Closer is an audible evolution. Ian Curtis’ voice has also evolved. This is certainly due to the singing lessons he received in the months leading up to the recording of Closer. This increasing despair and turmoil is also audible in his lyrics. Songs such as Heart & Soul and Colony are very personal, almost intimate. They clearly deal with Ian Curtis’ current life and love circumstances.
A few days before Ian Curtis’ tragic death, JD worked on the song In A Lonely Place. Ian Curtis is audibly standing on the edge of a deep, black abyss. The despair is almost physically palpable when listening to it. The song was only released by New Order after his death. There are several demo versions that were recorded with Ian Curtis singing as Joy Division; I am aware of five versions plus a few snippets. One version (Take 2) was released as part of RSD 2011 on a 12″ MX in a limited edition of 820 copies.
Compilations
Still 2LP-1981
Exercise One
Ice Age
The Sound Of Music
Glass
The Only Mistake
Walked In Line
The Kill
Something Must Break
Dead Souls
Sister Ray (live 02.04.1980)
Ceremony (live 02.05.1980)
Shadowplay (live 02.05.1980)
Means To An End (live 02.05.1980)
Passover (live 02.05.1980)
New Dawn Fades (live 02.05.1980)
Twenty Four Hours (live 02.05.1980) (missing from the cover track list)
Transmission (live 02.05.1980)
Disorder (live 02.05.1980)
Isolation (live 2 May 1980)
Decades (live 2 May 1980)
Digital (live 2 May 1980)
Still collects previously unreleased studio tracks and combines them with a live recording of the Velvet Underground classic Sister Ray from the Moonlight Club on 2 April 1980, as well as a live recording of the last Joy Division concert in Birmingham on 2 May 1980. Still was released on 8 October 1981 as a double album in a hessian sleeve with a white ribbon bookmark. Later pressings only have a simple cardboard cover. In 2007, a limited reissue was released with a hessian sleeve and, once again, a beautiful ribbon bookmark. An anniversary edition from 2021 is well worth listening to and seeing. Encased in a brocade-red sleeve and pressed on transparent, colourless vinyl, this edition features an improved sound mastered by Bernard Sumner, which is powerful and balanced.
Even today, after almost 45 years,Still remains an inconsistent listening experience for me. The A and B sides bring together studio recordings that are largely reminiscent of their rawer, punkier origins from 1977 and 1978. Exercise One and three other tracks (The Only Mistake, Walked In Line, The Kill) are remnants of older material from the Unknown Pleasures sessions, reworked in 1981. These tracks apparently didn’t fit well with the more futuristic sound of the Unknown Pleasures album. Ice Age was a commissioned work for Factory Records and was supposed to appear on the Futurama Sci-Fi Festival sampler, which ultimately never materialised. Glass comes from the Factory Sampler double single from 1978. Only Dead Souls, the B-side of the Sordide Sentimental 7″ single, and Sound Of Music, a track from the LWTUA session, present a more contemporary sound from the post-Unknown Pleasures era.
The live track from the Moonlight Club, Velvet Underground’s classic Sister Ray, has more of a fun character for the band and their astonished listeners. To me, it sounds as if it were re-enacted. In my opinion, given the outstanding quality of JD’s song material, there is no reason to re-enact anything, not even Velvet Underground.
The second LP presents JD at their last concert in Birmingham in good, but not outstanding, form. To my knowledge, there are various recordings of this concert. On the one hand, there is a typical audience recording made with a tape recorder, and on the other hand, there is a mixing desk recording that was ultimately used for the Still album. The recording is professionally remastered in the studio. The sound quality is better than most of the live tapes circulating at the time, but it also has its weaknesses (lack of layering and somewhat diffuse spatial positioning of the instruments).
The elaborately packaged version with a hessian sleeve and ribbon bookmark is only available in the UK. Other editions are available worldwide in a standard gatefold cover with inner flaps and inserts.
Substance LP / 2LP-1988 / 2015
1988 (original album)
Warsaw
Leaders Of Men
Digital
Autosuggestion
Transmission
She’s Lost Control
Incubation
Dead Souls
Atmosphere
Love Will Tear Us Apart
2015 Bonus tracks
No Love Lost
Failures
Glass
From Safety To Where
Novelty
Komakino
As You Said
These Days
Love Will Tear Us Apart (Pennine Version)
Substance was first released in 1988 as a single LP, and in 2015 a 2LP album with 9 additional songs was finally released. It features carefully curated tracks that appeared on various compilations with other artists, such as Autosuggestion, From Safety To Where and Digital, as well as previously unreleased singles such as Dead Souls from the Sordide Sentimental single and Incubation from the flexi disc. Dead Souls is a dark, dystopian piece of music with truly haunting lyrics. The vocals only kick in halfway through the song, delivered with great effect by Ian Curtis. The poetic darkness of the lyrics is reminiscent of stories told by Edgar Allan Poe or H.P. Lovecraft. I wonder why this particularly impressive piece was not released on the Closer LP, where it would certainly have fit perfectly, but was instead passed on to the small French label Sordide Sentimental. Anyway, Sordide Sentimental created an impressive GESAMTKUNSTWERK with the Licht & Blindheit 7″ single, which is highly prized and sought after in collector circles.
Permanent 2LP-1995
Love Will Tear Us Apart
Transmission
She’s Lost Control
Shadow Play
Day Of The Lords
Isolation
Passover
Heart And Soul
Twenty Four Hours
These Days
Novelty
Dead Souls
The Only Mistake
Something Must Break
Atmosphere
Love Will Tear Us Apart (Permanent Mix)
Permanent was not released until 1995. It is a classic best-of album that impresses with a balanced selection of songs spread across four sides of vinyl. The sound quality is excellent. It is a joy to listen to this double album. The CD edition includes a booklet with liner notes by Jon Savage. The vinyl edition, on the other hand, does not include any liner notes. Instead, the vinyl album comes with a limited edition art print designed by Factory’s in-house graphic designer Peter Saville. There are two different prints. One depicts the image from inside the CD booklet and the other depicts the image on the cover of the contemporary LWTUA CD single from 1995. However, each copy contains only one of the two prints. Some prints are numbered on the back, others are not.
Heart & Soul 4CD Box Set-1997
was released in 1997 exclusively in CD format. A vinyl release has not been realised to date. Therefore, for the sake of good order, here is at least a brief overview:
CD1+2 contain familiar material: In addition to the two original albums Unknown Pleasures and Closer, previously released tracks from 7‘ singles, 12″ maxi B-sides, tracks from compilations, etc. CD3 finally contains previously unreleased studio material from various studio sessions, and CD4 contains bonus live material pieced together from various bootleg recordings.
Similar to the Still compilation, the initial and, unfortunately, subsequent impression is that this is a rather heterogeneous release. This official box set would have been a good opportunity to put a stop to the proliferation of bootleg releases. However, the sought-after bonus studio and live material presented here is incomplete and fragmented. The complete track listing of the CD set, including source information, can be found at both Central and Discogs. Central even provides a list of the missing material.
In Memory 4LP Box Set-2007
Unknown Pleasures LP
Closer LP
Still 2LP
This is a special edition of the remastered reissues from 2007 with minimalist artwork. The three albums are packaged in a grey hessian covered box in a Still design without any printing. The individual LP sleeves also have no printing. Instead, a black 12″ x 12″ insert made of black cardboard with the essential information is included.
I don’t really understand the artistic merit or purpose of this edition. It looks more like a re-release, possibly to market unsold remnants of the individual albums. Reportedly, 3,000 copies were compiled.
7″ singles + 12″ MX singles
An Ideal For Living 7“ EP-1978
Warsaw
No Love Lost
Leaders Of Men
Failures (Of The Modern Man)
The session for this EP takes place on 14 December 1977, still as Warsaw, at Pennine Studios in Oldham.
The 7″ ‘ single is released in June 1978 in a limited edition of 1,000 copies in a four-fold cover, which apparently shows a drumming ’Hitlerjungen”. Bernhard Sumner designed the cover. The sound of the EP is muffled and quiet. At this time, Rob Gretton became their manager. He immediately demanded a new mastering, a release as a 12” MAXI at 45 instead of 33 RPM, and a completely new cover design.
An Ideal For Living 12″ MX Single-1978
Warsaw
No Love Lost
Leaders Of Men”
Failures (Of The Modern Man)
The four tracks were released in October 1978 in a limited edition of reportedly 2,044 copies as a remastered 45 RPM 12″ MX with new cover artwork by Steve McGarry. Now a black-and-white picture of scaffolding on King Street in Manchester adorns the front cover. This looks more like the industrial, cool Manchester sound. It sounds wonderful now, too, and fits perfectly.
There is only this one edition of both the 12“ MX and the 7“ EP versions. All other releases – except for the remastered reissue of the 12“ as part of RSD 2014 with a new cover design – are bootlegs. Even though there were hardly any buyers for the 7″ EP at first, both the 7″ and 12″ versions are now highly sought-after and outrageously expensive collector’s items.
Transmission 7″ single – 1979
Transmission
Novelty
Released in November 1979. The first pressing has a textured cover. Transmission reached number 4 in the British indie singles charts.
Transmission 12″ MX single – 1981
Transmission
Novelty
Released in February 1981. The first pressing has an embossed image on the front of the cover.
Love Will Tear Us Apart 7″ single – 1980
Love Will Tear Us Apart
These Days
Love Will Tear Us Apart (diff.)
Released in June 1980. LWTUA (A-side) is recorded at Strawberry Studios, Stockport. These Days and LWTUA (B-side) are from the Pennine Sound Studio session on 8 January 1980. LWTA reached number 13 in the British singles charts and spent ten weeks at number 1 in the British indie singles charts.
Love Will Tear Us Apart 12″ MX single – 1980
Love Will Tear Us Apart
These Days
Love Will Tear Us Apart (diff.)
Released in August 1980. This release is identical to the 7″ single except for the format. The first pressing was manufactured by Lyntone with the matrix numbers FAC-23-12-A and FAC-23-12-B.
Atmosphere 12″ MX single – UK – 1980
Atmosphere
She’s Lost Control
Released in October 1980. A 7″ single was not released. Atmosphere reached number 4 in the British indie singles charts.
Atmosphere 12″ MX single – US – 1980
She’s Lost Control
Atmosphere
Released as She’s Lost Control in August 1980. In contrast to the UK pressing, the keyboard sound at the beginning of Atmosphere is surprisingly crystal clear and very present. Perhaps this is not a different mix, but better mastering? The original 12″ is difficult to find in top condition and has become expensive.
Licht und Blindheit 7″ single-1980
Atmosphere
Dead Souls
In March 1980, a few weeks before Ian Curtis’ death, the 7″ single Licht und Blindheit (Light and Blindness) with the tracks Atmosphere and Dead Souls was released on the innovative French small label Sordide Sentimental in a limited edition of only 1578 copies. With its extremely ambitious packaging, this single struck a chord with the burgeoning Joy Division sect. It was packaged in a magazine-like gatefold sleeve, which in turn was enclosed in a plastic bag. The edition contained two inserts, a sticker and an English translation of the cover text on two A4 sheets. The two editors of the magazine Sordide Sentimental, Jean Pierre Turmel and Yves von Bontee, promote the release with the accompanying small blue sticker as a GESAMTKUNSTWERK (total work of art).
Dead Souls would undoubtedly have fit perfectly on the Closer album. In this particularly sophisticated packaging, however, the piece takes on a particularly outstanding significance. The accompanying philosophical attitude and concept of placing the record in a larger context with larger packaging is dear to the hearts of Joy Division lovers and collectors; alongside the debut 7‘ EP An Ideal For Living, the original edition of the Light and Blindness 7’ single is one of the most sought-after JD rarities.
As was to be expected, various unofficial reissues have appeared over the years. Most feature a Medusa on the label, some pressings are coloured, and the inserts are not always included or are copied or incomplete. A striking and distinctive feature of the original pressing is a distinctive serrated press ring around the label.
The Central website not only offers a detailed overview of the many reissues, but also provides excellent guidance on how to distinguish the original pressing from a reissue.
Komakino 7″ Flexi Disc – 1981
Komakino
Incubation
As You Said
Released in 1981 as a free giveaway for record shops, etc. The three tracks are leftovers from the Closer sessions that were not used on the album. There are other versions of the flexi disc. For example, there is a green flexi disc with a blank label, the origin of which remains unclear to this day. Furthermore, the US edition was partly published as a free supplement to ‘The Öther Söund’ fanzine.
Atmosphere 7″ single – 1988
Atmosphere
The Only Mistake
Released in 1988 according to press information RTD 1988 as a teaser for the upcoming Substance compilation. In 1988, this edition of Atmosphere reached number 34 in the British singles charts.
Atmosphere 12“ MX single – 1988
Atmosphere
The Only Mistake
Sound Of Music
Both The Only Mistake and Sound Of Music are ultimately missing from the compilation they were supposed to promote. Even on the expanded 2015 double LP, listeners will search in vain for these two tracks. Otherwise, both tracks are only available on the Still compilation.
Love Will Tear Us Apart 12″ MX single-1995
Love Will Tear Us Apart (original version)
Love Will Tear Us Apart (Permanent Mix)
Love Will Tear Us Apart (Arthur Baker Remix)
Atmosphere (original 12″ version)
The so-called Permanent Mix (or Radio Version, a (re)mix by Don Gehman) is quite interesting. Ian Curtis’ vocals, for example, are clearly shifted from the centre to the right. Overall, it sounds less like pop and more like rock music.
Personally, I consider the Arthur Baker remix inappropriate for Joy Division’s music.
She’s Lost Control 7″ Single-2007
She’s Lost Control (US 12″ version)
Dead Souls
US promotional single for the Control film and the 2007 reissue albums.
+- Singles 1978-1980 Retrospective 10 x 7″ single box set-2010
An Ideal For Living JDPM01
Warsaw
Leaders Of Men
An Ideal For Living JDPM02
No Love Lost
Failures
A Factory Sample JDPM03
Digital
Glass
Earcom 2: Contradiction JDPM04
Autosuggestion
From Safety To Where
Transmission JDPM05
Transmission
Novelty
Light And Blindness JDPM06
Atmosphere
Dead Souls
Komakino JDPM07
Komakino
Incubation
As You Said
Love Will Tear Us Apart JDPM08
Love Will Tear Us Apart
These Days
She’s Lost Control JDPM09
She’s Lost Control (12“ Version)
Love Will Tear Us Apart (Pennine Version)
Closer JDPM10
Isolation
Heart And Soul
Released in December 2010. All tracks have been remastered by Stephen Morris and Frank Arkwright. In my opinion, this is a successful box set, curated with meaning and understanding. Examples: Komakino is now available as a proper vinyl EP instead of a flimsy flexi disc, the Factory Sample and Earcom 2 tracks are now available as separate JD singles instead of the bulky LP compilations, the outrageously expensive Sordide single is prominently featured, and thankfully there is no Short Circuit single.
Ceremony / In A Lonely Place 12″ MX-2011
New Order – Ceremony
New Order – In A Lonely Place
Joy Division – Ceremony
Joy Division – In A Lonely Place (Take 2)
This is a special edition limited to 820 copies for Record Store Day 2011, featuring both the New Order and Joy Division versions of the same songs. The Joy Division tracks are from rehearsal room sessions recorded between March and May 1980.
Compilations with other artists
V.A. – Short Circuit – Live At The Electric Circus 10″ (1978)
At A Later Date
Recorded live in early October 1977 – not a moment of glory, but rather an inglorious beginning.
V.A. – A Factory Sample 2 x 7″ EP (1979)
Digital
Glass
The double single was recorded at Cargo Studios, produced by Martin Hannett and finally released on 2 February 1979 as FAC-2. A set of 5 stickers is included. 5,000 copies are said to have been pressed. The other tracks are by Durutti Column, John Dowie and Cabaret Voltaire.
V.A.-Earcom 2, 12″ MX (1979)
Autosuggestion
From Safety To Where…?
The Joy Division tracks were recorded at Strawberry Studios in April 1979 but did not make it onto the Unknown Pleasures album. There are two different editions, which only differ in the order of the tracks.
V.A.-A Factory Records Communication 1978-92 I, 10″ (RSD 2010)
Transmission
This is the standard 7″/12″ version.
V.A.-A Factory Records Communication 1978-92 II, 10″ (RSD 2013)
She’s Lost Control
This is the standard 12″ version.
V.A.-A Factory Records Communication 1978-92, 8LP Box (2019)
Digital
She’s Lost Control
Transmission
LWTUA
She’s Lost Control is the standard 12″ version.
Total – From Joy Division To New Order, 2LP (2018)
This is a vinyl reissue of the Total CD from 2011. A low-key compilation for home use with five Joy Division tracks on the A-side. The B, C and D sides are filled with New Order.
Radio Sessions
JD played a total of three radio sessions. Two of them were recorded for the BBC’s John Peel Show, another for Picadilly Radio, a local radio station in Manchester.
John Peel Radio Show 1
Recorded on 31 January 1979
Exercise One Leftover from the Unknown Pleasures session released on Still 2LP
Insight Unknown Pleasures LP
She’s Lost Control Unknown Pleasures LP, Transmission 12″ MX B-side
Transmission Transmission 12″MX
The BBC broadcast the complete session on 14 February 1979.
John Peel Radio Show 2
recorded on 26 November 1979
LWTUA LWTUA 12″MX
24 Hours Closer LP
Colony Closer LP
Sound Of Music Still 2LP from the LWTUA session
The BBC broadcast the complete session on 10 December 1979
Both sessions were first released as 12″ MX in 1986 and 1987 as part of the Peel Sessions series. In 1990, both John Peel sessions were released together on one LP. Finally, in 2001, both Peel sessions were combined with the two audio recordings for the BBC2 TV show as The Complete BBC Recordings in one album. The acoustic benchmark for the Peel Sessions are the two 45 RPM 12″ maxis. These sound powerful and focused. The later 33 RPM albums, on the other hand, sound leaner and a little discouraged.
The Peel Session Vol. 1 12″ MX
Exercise One
Insight
She’s Lost Control
Transmission
was released in 1986. It is said to be the best-selling Peel Session of all time.
The Peel Session Vol. 2 12″ MX
LWTUA
24 Hours
Colony
Sound Of Music
was released in 1987.
Peel Sessions LP
Exercise One
Insight
She’s Lost Control
Transmission
LWTUA
24 Hours
Colony
Sound Of Music
was released in 1990. The album contains both John Peel Sessions on a 33 RPM LP
The Complete BBC Recordings
Exercise One
Insight
She’s Lost Control
Transmission
LWTUA
24 Hours
Colony
Sound Of Music
Transmission
She’s Lost Control
Ian Curtis And Stephen Morris Interview 1979
was released on vinyl in 2001. The album contains both John Peel Sessions plus the Something Else BBC TV show on a 200g LP.
Piccadilly Radio Show
recorded on 4 June 1979
These Days LWTUA 7″ / 12″ B-side
Candidate Unknown Pleasures LP
The Only Mistake Still 2LP (leftover from the Unknown Pleasures session)
Chance (Atmosphere) Atmosphere 12″ MX
Atrocity Exhibition Closer LP
These recordings were made for a local radio station at Pennine Sound Studios in Oldham a few days before the release of the Unknown Pleasures LP on 15 June 1979 – actually a good opportunity to promote the upcoming release of their debut LP. Surprisingly, JD only played one song from the upcoming LP: Candidate. To my knowledge, this is also the only track that was actually broadcast later; I do not know the broadcast date (RC 428, page 72). Four of the five tracks from this session were released in 1997 on the Heart & Soul 4CD box set, with the exception of Atrocity Exhibition.
The Piccadilly Radio session was heavily bootlegged and first appeared in 1982 on the Atmosphere bootleg in good sound quality. Later, the complete session or parts of it were regularly released on various bootlegs. The complete session of all five pieces, including Atrocity Exhibition, can finally be found in excellent studio sound quality in the rare 3LP vinyl box set Studio Sessions Vol. 1-3 on the second LP Studio Session Vol. 2, side D.
TV Shows
I am aware of three TV appearances in total. JD played twice for the local station Granada TV and once for the national station BBC2 TV.
Granada TV – Granada Reports
Shadowplay
The programme was broadcast on 20 September 1978, but the audio recording has never been released on any official recording. However, the TV appearance can be found on the official Substance video and on various unofficial pressings.
Granada TV – What’s On
She’s Lost Control (2:30 min.)
Recorded for the programme on 20 July 1979, but to my knowledge not broadcast.
The TV appearance can be found on YouTube.
BBC2 – Something Else
Transmission
She’s Lost Control
Broadcast on 15 September 1979. The audio recordings of both tracks can be found on the album The Complete BBC Recordings.
Studio sessions
In addition to the studio sessions for the regular releases on Factory Records, Joy Division played further sessions that were not intended for release.
Warsaw Demo Session
Pennine Sound Studios, Oldham. 18 July 1977
Inside The Line
Gutz
At A Later Date
The Kill
You’re No Good For Me
These five tracks, or parts thereof, appeared on various unofficial or semi-official 7″ or 12″ pressings as The Ideal Beginning. These recordings were obviously leaked by people close to the band.
RCA Session
Arrow Studios, Manchester, 3 and 4 May 1978
All Of This For You
Leaders Of Men
They Walked In Line
Failures
Novelty
No Love Lost
Transmission
Living In The Ice Age
Interzone
Warsaw
Shadowplay
Exercise One
Insight
She’s Lost Control
Transmission
These recordings were also apparently leaked and finally found their way onto an unofficial LP release by Warsaw in 1980. Three tracks appeared officially in 1997 on the Heart And Soul 4CD box set: The Drawback, Interzone and Shadowplay.
Genetic Demos Session
Eden Studios, London, 4 March 1979 produced by Martin Rushent
Glass
Transmission
Ice Age
Insight
Digital
This session, or parts of it, appear on many bootlegs. Digital first appeared around 2002 on the bonus 7″ single of the Performance 01 2LP set.
Except for Digital, these tracks appeared on the Heart And Soul box set. The complete session was finally released in excellent sound quality on the 3LP set Studio Sessions Vol. 1-3.
Central Sound Studios Session
Manchester, July 1979, produced by Martin Hannett.
Transmission
Novelty
Dead Souls
Something Must Break
This session also appears on many bootlegs.
Dead Souls and Something Must Break appeared on the Heart And Soul box set.
Graveyard Studio Sessions
Probably recorded in the rehearsal room between March and May 1980.
Ceremony
Misplaced (early version of In A Lonely Place, Take 1)
Misplaced (early version of In A Lonely Place, Take 2)
In A Lonely Place (Take 1)
In A Lonely Place (Take 2)
In A Lonely Place (Take 3)
In A Lonely Place (snippet)
Of course, there are countless rehearsal room recordings. Some of these recordings actually came to light posthumously. Particularly interesting are the rehearsal room recordings of Ceremony and In A Lonely Place, the so-called Graveyard Studio Sessions, which took place shortly before Ian Curtis’ death between March and May 1980.
Ceremony and a relatively short version of In A Lonely Place can be found on the Heart And Soul 4CD box set. The same version of Ceremony and a longer version (Take 2) of In A Lonely Place were released on the RSD 12″MX in 2011. All known versions of In A Lonely Place, together with older rehearsal room material, can be found on the Misplaced 2LP bootleg from 2014.
Unofficial pressings
No other artist or music group has been bootlegged as frequently and intensively as Joy Division. The first generation of bootlegs from 1981 to 1987 were imbued with a genuine, pioneering fan spirit. Many titles were released under difficult circumstances, simply because the producers believed they were on a mission to bring every sound of this beloved, legendary band to the audience. It was an exciting time for enthusiasts. The established publishers of unlicensed material were literally overwhelmed at the time. They brought out albums by the usual suspects such as the Stones, Beatles, Pink Floyd, Dylan, etc. like clockwork. Joy Division? Never heard of them. They lacked material and expertise. It took years for the established players to jump on the bandwagon. Really exciting new stuff rarely came to light. Everything was recycled as much as possible. Bootlegs were made from bootlegs, and then bootlegs were made from those. There are probably countless bootlegs of the Warsaw Sessions, the radio recordings from Paris and Amsterdam, and the two Peel Sessions.
Interesting sources for bootleggers are unreleased sessions, demo recordings, alternative takes, unreleased promotional tracks, sometimes recordings from the rehearsal room and, of course, unreleased live recordings.
JD played about 120 concerts, of which I estimate a good half were recorded on tape.
Most of the recordings sound as you would expect from recordings made with an AIWA CM 30 microphone on a portable AIWA or Sony mini tape recorder (Sony Walkman). Depending on the position of the person recording in the audience, there are a variety of mostly extremely distracting background noises: falling glass bottles, shouting, loud conversations, shrill whistling, loud clapping, etc. – in other words, the natural sounds of an audience. When recording, care must also be taken to ensure that the recordist moves as little as possible or even moves their head to the beat of the music; ideally, they should stand firm and immobile like an ancient statue. Their companions must supply them with beer and everything else they need during a concert.
Added to this are the familiar problems of the spatial arrangement of the instruments. There is a lack of stability and precise positioning. As a result, some recordings sound muddy – truly not a pleasure to listen to.
Of course, some recordings were taken directly from the mixing desk. But even these recordings have their pitfalls. The distribution of the instruments and their individual volume depend on the skill (and preferences) of the sound mixer on site. To ensure that they not only sound good but also authentic, mixing desk recordings require professional post-processing.
For me, live recordings are useful when, for example, experienced sound engineers from a radio station record the concert for broadcast. Fortunately, this was the case for the concerts in Paris on 8 December 1979, and in Amsterdam on 11 January 1980. Here, the back end of the recording is fine. However, the quality of the front end is limited by physical factors. FM stereo is usually broadcast with a bandwidth of approximately 40 to 15,000 hertz. This is quite decent and provides a usable stereo image. However, an unlimited pre-broadcast recording, i.e. the actual recording before it goes on air, would be desirable. Such a recording is said to exist for both the Paris and Amsterdam concerts.
In addition to live recordings, demo and session recordings as well as alternative versions are also very popular with bootleggers and collectors. Fortunately, JD played several interesting sessions that are worth a closer look.
Below, I present a subjective selection of interesting and thoroughly listenable tracks from the sheer endless wealth of bootleg releases in short form. Most bootlegs date from the 1980s. Basically, I have to say that only a few bootlegs are still relevant today. Much of it is pure nostalgia: the material has either been officially released in the meantime – the Peel Sessions, for example – or is now mostly available online in technically enhanced, significantly better quality. At this point, I would like to point out that excellent live material from JD can be found on YouTube. For example, the complete radio concert (all 17 tracks) from Paradiso in Amsterdam on 11 January 1980 from the master tape, as well as the complete radio recording of the Paris concert on 18 December 1979 in the correct order. What more could you want?
Over the years, four complete concerts have been released on official recordings:
13 July 1979, Manchester, Factory I (Unknown Pleasers bonus CD 2007, remastered)
8 February 1980, London, University of London Union (Closer bonus CD 2007, remastered)
2 April 1980, High Wycombe (Still bonus CD 2007, remastered)
2 May 1980, Birmingham University (Still 2LP 1981, Still CD 2007, remastered)
Bootlegs (selection)
The author expressly points out that he has no knowledge of who offers such products and does not encourage readers to purchase them. He sees himself as a chronicler. The information is provided for educational purposes only.
Warsaw LP+7″ 1981
could have been the first LP. The recordings were made on 3 and 4 May 1978 at Arrow Studios in Manchester for the negotiations for a record deal with RCA. However, the deal did not go through and someone close to the band apparently leaked these recordings.
The recordings sound pretty raw. Technically, JD play at a simple level, like many punk bands of the time. Every now and then, however, their talent and the beginnings of their rapid technical development shine through. I am familiar with older demo recordings by Leaders Of Men, which are significantly slower and sound more clumsy. The final version on the An Ideal For Living EP, on the other hand, sounds quite similar to the Warsaw version.
For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that the first edition of the Warsaw LP comes with a 4-track EP containing the recordings of the first Peel session.
Le Terme LP, 1981
The original pressing was numbered and released in a limited edition of 1,400 copies. This edition includes an A4 insert (a simple black and white copy of the Licht Und Blindheit cover).
At the time, it was an interesting bootleg, as it brought together studio tracks from rare singles and Peel sessions alongside a handful of live recordings from the concert at the Ajanta Theatre in Derby on 19 April 1980. A legendary album. Nowadays, it’s pure nostalgia. The studio recordings are available in better quality on official recordings.
The twelve songs from the live concert were later released in their entirety on various unofficial recordings.
Komackino LP, 1981
Recorded live at the Lyceum Ballroom, London, on 29 February 1980, but not complete: the first track, Isolation, is missing. At the time, it was an interesting bootleg. A legendary album. Nowadays, it is no longer exciting, as the Lyceum recording can be found on countless pirate pressings.
Gruftgesaenge 2LP, 1981, Last Order LP, 1981, Amsterdam LP, 1981
The Amsterdam concert on 11 January 1980 was broadcast on the radio. Unofficial pressings reproduce the concert more or less in its entirety. The original Gruftgesaenge first pressing is legendary, almost complete (15 of 17 tracks) and in good stereo sound. This applies exclusively to the first pressing; subsequent pressings are taken from this record or later pressings and sound thin. The original has a dedication on the back to the then German Federal Minister of Agriculture, Josef Ertl. Covers of the first pressing are also known without this dedication. Only the first pressing includes Shadowplay (night side B6). The first track, Passover, is incomplete on all pressings. The complete concert (JD played two different sets!) with 17 of 17 tracks, some in outstanding quality, was later released several times on CD. A professional recording in excellent quality is available free of charge online on YouTube (see above). It is a great pleasure to listen to this recording.
Atmosphere LP, 1982
The B-side of this unofficial first release features the complete Piccadilly Radio Session from 4 June 1979, while the A-side features the Central Sound Session from July 1979. The sound quality is reasonably good. Both sessions were later released in their entirety and in excellent sound quality on the 3LP set Studio Sessions Vol. 1-3.
Russell Club, LP 1983
JD’s guest appearance at the Russell Club, Manchester, on 13 July 1979 (not 13 June 1979, as the cover mistakenly claims). Apparently as a filler, three tracks from New Order’s guest appearance on John Peel’s show in 1982 were added at the end of the B-side, which to my knowledge have no connection to the concert. A decent recording, released on the legendary Hawkeye label.
Live Malvern / Eric’s, 1983
This is a JD recording of the concert at the Winter Gardens in Malvern on 5 April 1980, coupled with Jam recordings together with Section 25 from Eric’s in Liverpool on 11 August 1979.
A rare album with a reported print run of only 500 copies, an unknown number of which fell victim to a ‘bust’. It was later re-released several times as Isolation or similar.
Walk Away… In Silence LP, 1984
JD recorded live at the Electric Ballroom, London on 26 October 1979
I will always remember this recording. JD open the set with I Remember Nothing. At first, all you hear is loud noises from the audience, expectant chatter, beer bottles falling over, laughter. Gradually, the song emerges from all the noise, gets louder, the noise level gets quieter and quieter, and finally We Remember Nothing, a hypnotic beginning. Unfortunately, the recording quality is rather mediocre, but the concert is hauntingly good. The edition with the blue cover and printed Acid labels is the original.
Live Transmission… Dance To The Radio LP, 1984
It comes from the same pirate label as Walk Away… In Silence. Now we are treated to the concert from the Town Hall in High Wycombe on 20 February 1980. This album also comes with a blue cover and Acid-printed labels.
JD play eight songs as headliners in a package concert with Killing Joke, A Certain Ratio and Section 25. There is a recording of the soundcheck with another six songs. In 2007, this concert, including the soundcheck, is released as bonus material on the Still Collector’s Edition 2CD set in acceptable quality.
Black Souls LP, 1984
Live recording from the mixing desk of the concert at the YMCA in the Prince Of Wales Conference Centre, London, on 2 August 1979.
Starts on side 1 and ends on side 2 with Gregorian chanting. In between, we are treated to the concert from the YMCA in the Prince Of Wales Conference Centre, London, on 2 August 1979, in really decent quality. The fluctuations in the mixing desk sound are clearly audible. It takes a while for the sound mixer to achieve an acceptable, balanced quality for the individual instruments and vocals. The limited, hand-numbered edition of 400 copies is presented in an attractive screen-printed cover. A folded information sheet is included. This album is still relevant today and offers an enjoyable listening experience.
Unknown Martyrs LP, 1984
This is a live recording of the concert at the Factory (Russel Club), Manchester, on 13 July 1979, in appealing, good sound quality. The album has a beautiful screen-printed cover and 500 hand-numbered copies were produced. This recording was finally released in 2007 as bonus live material on the Unknown Pleasures Collector’s Edition (DoCD). This concert has not yet been officially released on vinyl.
Stiff Kittens – Try To Cure Yourself LP, 1984
Live performance by Joy Division (aka Stiff Kittens) on 22 September 1979 at the Nashville Ballroom, London, recorded in decent sound quality. Released in an attractive cover in yellow or red.
Concert 18 Jan Effenaar 2LP, 1984
Live in Eindhoven on 18 January 1980 – at the time, this was an interesting bootleg, even if the sound is a little thin. A legendary album on the equally legendary Hawkeye label. These recordings were also later recycled in complete or fragmented form on countless bootlegs.
A Retrospective On The Vinyl Pain And Pleasure of Joy Division, 1984
The Hawkeye release No. 005 brings together various recordings of rare singles and EPs. At the time, these recordings were exciting, but today they are all available in better quality on official recordings. Legendary album, first edition on white vinyl.
Live In Paris 2LP, 1984
JD live at Les Bains-Douches, Paris, on 18 December 1979: JD played 14 songs in their regular set that evening, plus two encores, for a total of 16 songs. This double album features the entire concert as a typical audience recording, plus five songs as repeats, which were recorded as radio recordings. An attractive double album with pastel-coloured vinyl, preferably in green and red.
The entire concert was recorded by France Inter Radio, but broadcast in bits and pieces over the years. Most unofficial pressings feature the nine tracks from the 1994 radio broadcast, but I am aware of an FLAC file containing the complete radio recording of the 16 songs in excellent sound quality.
In 2021, the double album Paris-Live Transmission will finally be released, containing all 16 tracks from the Paris concert on three LP sides (A2, B1, B2). Unfortunately, the order of the tracks on the album does not correspond to the actual order of the performance. Side A1 also includes the six songs recorded on the incomplete soundboard recording of the concert at the Factory in Manchester on 28 September 1979 (see 1979/We Were Strangers below).
Here Are The Young Men LP, 1985
The official FACT 37 VHS video on vinyl. Also released on Hawkeye.
Le Terme Part II LP, 1985
10 tracks live from the Warehouse in Preston on 28 February 1982, 3 tracks live from the Ajanta Theatre, Derby on 19 April 1980 plus Passover, live U.L.U, London on 8 February 1980. Another legendary Hawkeye album that has not been left untouched by the passage of time.
Dante’s Inferno LP, 1985
brings us Joy Division live from the Winter Gardens in Bournemouth on 2 November 1979 in acceptable quality. The album comes in an attractive light yellow or white glossy cover.
Futurama 79 LP, 1985
Joy Division’s performance at the Futurama Festival in Leeds on 8 September 1979 in front of approximately 4,500 spectators is the concert with the highest attendance of their career. The wonderful screen-printed cover features a futuristic robot sketch from the end of the 19th century. It fits perfectly with the Futurama Festival. Only 300 hand-numbered copies were produced. Very rare! There are also a handful of black-and-white covers, which are said to have accidentally slipped through during the production process. Unfortunately, the sound quality of the record is only moderate. In addition to Joy Division, Cabaret Voltaire, OMD and (as headliners) Public Image Limited also performed. According to reports, JD easily outshone the headliners.
Shadowplay LP, 1985
The record opens with the Granada TV version of the title track. This is followed by the JD concert at London’s Rainbow on 10 November 1979 in average recording quality. Finally, the Factory All Stars bring us a heart-warming version of LWTUA (Tube TV Show, 1 January 1984). The cover was beautifully screen-printed and only 400 hand-numbered copies were produced.
Death, LP 1985
JD Live at Bowdon Vale Youth Club, Altrincham, on 14 March 1979, a decent audience recording. Years later, a better and actually complete recording from the mixing desk surfaces, which is released on CD in 2007 under the title The Youth Club. As an appendix, The Eternal, Live, University, London, 8 February 1980, concludes the album. The edition is limited to 500 copies.
At The Moonlight Club, LP 1987
The complete concert as a decent audience recording from the Moonlight Club, London, on 2 April 1980 (the first of three consecutive concerts at the Moonlight Club). JD play eight songs, including Sister Ray as the last song. Three additional tracks round out the album, including Leaders Of Men from the concert at the Odeon, Edinburgh on 6 October 1979. Triangular black-and-white sticker on the cover, insert.
Preston 28 February 1980 CD 1990, LP 1999
One of those so-called semi-legal pressings – listed here among the unofficial releases for the sake of good order and caution – possibly brought to light with the kind support of the JD musician/manager circle. Known as the concert where almost everything ‘goes wrong’. However, the sound quality is actually good. The concert has been immortalised on several pirate pressings.
Les Bains Douches 2LP, 2001
Les Bains Douches Vol. 1 LP, 2004
Les Bains Douches Vol. 2 LP, 2004
Further semi-legal pressings. Here, the nine radio recordings of the 1994 Paris concert are presented, coupled with radio recordings of the Amsterdam concert on 11 January 1980, which can already be found on numerous bootlegs. Almost half of Paris is missing and Amsterdam has already been bootlegged ‘to death’. It all seems very strange and opaque to me.
Live In Holland LP, 2015, 2019
Another semi-legal album from a dubious source. It was even supposed to be released to fans on Record Store Day 2019, but was cancelled shortly before and then appeared months later as a mundane bootleg RI, probably from a East-European source.
Performances 01 2LP, 2002
Once again Paris, Le Bains Douches, once again the audience recording, once again incomplete. As a bonus, there is the well-known recording of the concert on 13 July 1979 at the Factory in Manchester. But now with a bonus 7″ EP. And it’s a doozy. In addition to familiar material on the A-side, the previously lost track from the Genetic Demos, Digital, is brought to light for the first time on the B-side.
The Youth Club CD, 2007, LP, 2015
Joy Division at Bowdon Vale Youth Club, Altrincham, Cheshire, UK, 14 March 1979 (complete concert).
There is both an audience recording, which is missing the first track of the concert, Exercise One, and a soundboard recording of the complete concert, including Exercise One. The soundboard recording is of decent quality and was first released on CD in 2007 with bonus tracks from Joy Division’s performance at the Prince of Wales Conference Centre, YMCA, London, on 2 August 1979. In 2015, the vinyl edition was finally released, now without bonus tracks. The other vinyl and CD bootlegs I am aware of all feature the audience recording.
Martin Hannett’s Personal Mixes 2LP, 2007
A limited edition of 1,000 copies, hand-numbered.
It contains sound snippets, sound experiments, sound ideas, synth noises, drafts, half-finished pieces, etc., which were found on a Martin Hannett work tape from his studio work with Joy Division and were made public by whoever. The absolute JD specialist may find new insights here. However, I have never managed to listen to a complete LP side.
Joy Division In The Studio With Martin Hannett 2LP, 2008
A limited edition of 1,000 copies, each numbered by hand.
Here, another tape by Martin Hannett was added in a similar manner.
Studio Sessions Vol. 1-3 3LP box set, 2010
3LP box set, hand-numbered edition of only 40(!) copies. Very rare. The sessions are complete except for the 5 Graveyard versions of In A Lonely Place. These Graveyard versions only appeared several years after release. The tracks have been carefully remastered in the studio and are in the correct order. The sound quality is excellent.
Studio Sessions Vol. 1
Tracks 1-11: RCA sessions, Arrow Studios, Manchester, 03/04-05-78
Track 12: Granada TV, ‘So It Goes’, Manchester, 20-09-78
A1 The Drawback
A2 Leaders Of Men
A3 They Walked in Line
A4 Failures
A5 Novelty
A6 No Love Lost
B1Transmission
B2 Ice Age
B3 Interzone
B4 Warsaw
B5 Shadowplay
B6 Shadowplay
Studio Sessions Vol. 2
Tracks 1-5: Genetic Demos, Eden Studios, London, 04-03-79
Tracks 6-10: Piccadilly Radio Session, Penine Studios, Oldham, 4 June 1979
C1 Glass
C2 Transmission
C3 Ice Age
C4 Insight
C5 Digital
D1 These Days
D2 Candidate
D3 The Only Mistake
D4 Insight
D5 Atrocity Exhibition
Studio Sessions Vol. 3
Tracks 01-04: Transmission Sessions, Central Sound Studios, Manchester 07-79
Tracks 05-06: BBC 2 TV, Something Else, 15-09-79
Tracks 07-09: Closer Session, 03-80
Tracks 10-11: Graveyard, 04-80
E1 Transmission
E2 Novelty
E3 Dead Souls
E4 Something Must Break
E5 Transmission
F1 She’s Lost Control
F2 Komakino
F3 Incubation
F4 As You Said
F5 Ceremony
F6 In A Lonely Place
Misplaced 2LP, 2014
This double album presents rehearsal room recordings from 1977 to 1980. Supposedly a Japanese edition, it was released in various vinyl colours. The recordings from 1977, 1978 and 1979 are mostly of poor quality. Fortunately, the recordings from 1980 are of good quality.
Rehearsals 1977
At A Later Date
Inside The Line
Warsaw
Failures
No Love Lost
Ice Age
Rehearsals 1978
Pictures In My Mind (Detail)
Pictures In My Mind
Shadowplay (Instrumental)
Rehearsals 1979
The Kill (Detail)
Instrumental Jam
From Night To Day
A Means To An End
A Means To An End
Rehearsals 1980
Ceremony
Misplaced (Early version of In A Lonely Place, Take 1)
Misplaced (Early version of In A Lonely Place, Take 2)
In A Lonely Place (Take 1)
In A Lonely Place (Take 2) (used for RSD 12″ MX)
In A Lonely Place (Take 3) (part of used for Heart&Soul CD box set)
In A Lonely Place (snippet)
1979 LP (1st press.) / We Were Strangers LP (2nd press.), both 2019
Side A1 contains six tracks recorded on an incomplete soundboard recording of the concert at the Factory in Manchester on 28 September 1979.
Side B1 additionally contains the five songs that are missing from the semi-official Live in Paris-Les Bains Douches from 18 December 1979.
Abstract Sounds 2LP, 2022
RCA Sessions
Genetic Demos
Piccadilly Radio Session
Central Sound Studio Session
Released on Nippon Music. Reportedly an ‘Asian’ pressing. This was released in various colour variations and colour combinations.
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This article was written to the best of my knowledge and belief. Additions, improvements and corrections are always welcome.
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I listened to this with:
Turntable: Thorens TD 350 with MC Hana ML cartridge
Amplifier: Music Fidelity m3si
Phono preamplifier: Lehmann Decade
Speakers: Focal Aria 948
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Ulrich Klatte, CPG Books, December 2025
All information is provided without guarantee and is subject to change at any time.
CPG Books, Hamburg, all rights reserved, including the use of the work for text and data mining in accordance with §44b UrhG (German Copyright Act).
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JOY DIVISION Price Guide 2026
With a few exceptions, the Price Guide 2026 focuses on vinyl releases, primarily the original editions from Great Britain and, where applicable, other interesting releases from other sources.
The prices quoted are non-binding recommended retail prices for items in immaculate M/M condition. Status: 01-2026
| format | title | label | year | record information | EUR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LP | Unknown Pleasures | Factory FACT 10 | 1979 | UK, 1st press., textured sleeve, translucent red vinyl, Tranco | 400 |
| LP | Unknown Pleasures | Factory FACT 10 | 1979 | UK, 1st press., textured sleeve,opaque/black vinyl, WEA | 300 |
| LP | Unknown Pleasures | Factory FACT 10 | 1979 | UK, 1st press., textured sleeve,opaque/black vinyl, Tranco | 200 |
| LP | Unknown Pleasures | Factory FACT 10 | 1980 | UK, 2nd press., translucent red vinyl, Tranco | 100 |
| LP | Unknown Pleasures | Factory (US) FACTUS 1 | 1980 | US, 1st press., textured sleeve, translucent or solid black | 150 |
| LP | Unknown Pleasures | Factory FACT 10, 0060.362 | 1981 | GER, 1st press., textured sleeve | 200 |
| LP | Unknown Pleasures | Factory YX-7337-AX | 1984 | JAP, 1st press, Obi, 4 page insert | 350 |
| LP | Unknown Pleasures | London Records 25646 4015 1 | 2007 | UK, RI, RM, 180g | 40 |
| LP | Unknown Pleasures | Rhino Records RHI1 73395 | 2007 | US, RI, RM, 180g | 40 |
| LP | Unknown Pleasures | Factory FACT 10 40 (190295443238) | 2019 | UK, RI, RM, invers white/black sleeve, ruby red vinyl | 60 |
| LP | Closer | Factory FACT XXV,FACT.25 | 1980 | UK, 1st press., translucent v., rounded corners, Tranco, A1/B1 | 150 |
| LP | Closer | Factory FACT XXV,FACT.25 | 1980 | UK, 1st press., translucent v., square corners, Tranco, A1/B1 | 100 |
| LP | Closer | Factory FACT XXV,FACT.25 | 1980 | UK, 1st press., black v., square corners, Tranco, A1/B1 | 80 |
| LP | Closer | Factory FACT XXV,FACT.25 | 1980 | UK, 2nd press., black vinyl, labels double dipped, CBS A1/B1 | 80 |
| LP | Closer | Factory FACT XXV,FACT.25 | 1981 | UK, 2nd press., black vinyl, labels double dipped, LYN A2/B2 | 60 |
| LP | Closer | Factory (US) FACTUS 6 | 1980 | US, 1st press., textured sleeve, translucent vinyl | 120 |
| LP | Closer | Factory FACT 25, 0060.361 | 1981 | GER, 1st press., back cover embossed stamp PRS Hannover | 80 |
| LP | Closer | Factory YX-7338-AX | 1984 | JAP, 1st press, Obi, 4 page insert | 250 |
| LP | Closer | London Records 25646 4014 1 | 2007 | UK, RI, RM, 180g | 40 |
| LP | Closer | Rhino Records RHI1 73394 | 2007 | US, RI, RM, 180g | 40 |
| LP | Closer | Factory FACT XXV, FACT 25. (190295269456) | 2020 | UK, RI, RM, clear vinyl | 50 |
| 2LP | Still | Factory FACT 40 | 1981 | UK, 1st press., hessian g/f, white ribbon | 250 |
| 2LP | Still | Factory FACT 40 | 1982 | UK, 2nd press., hessian g/f, white ribbon | 150 |
| 2LP | Still | Factory FACT 40 | 1981 | UK, 1st press., cardboard g/f sleeve, Townhouse | 60 |
| 2LP | Still | Factory FACT 40 | 1981 | UK, blue lettering/white g/f sleeve | 80 |
| 2LP | Still | Factory FACT 40 | 1985 | UK, 2nd press., cardboard g/f sleeve, Linguaphone | 40 |
| 2LP | Still | Factory YZ-181-AX | 1984 | JAP, 1st press, Obi, lyrics sheet | 120 |
| 2LP | Still | London Records 25646 4032 1 | 2007 | UK, RI, RM, 180g, hessian g/f, white ribbon | 80 |
| 2LP | Still | Factory FACT.40 (190296424861) | 2022 | UK, RI, RM, ruby-red cardboard sleeve, clear vinyl | 80 |
| LP | Substance | Factory Fact250 | 1988 | UK, 1st press. | 80 |
| LP | Substance | Factory RTD 70 | 1988 | GER, 1st press. | 60 |
| LP | Substance | Factory YX-7445 | 1988 | JAP, 1st press, Obi, lyrics | 100 |
| 2LP | Substance | Warner Records 90 Fact250R | 2015 | EU, RI, RM, expanded | 30 |
| LP | Peel Sessions | Strange Fruit SFRLP111 | 1990 | UK, 1st, b/w sleeve | 80 |
| LP | Peel Sessions | Strange Fruit SFRLP111 | 1990 | UK, RI, diff. olive-green sleeve | 25 |
| 2LP | Permanent | London Records 828624.1 | 1995 | EU | 200 |
| LP | The Complete BBC Recordings | Strange Fruit SFRSLP094 | 2001 | UK, 1st press. | 150 |
| 4LP | In Memory 4LP box-set | London Records 2564 69929 1 | 2007 | UK | 150 |
| MX | An Ideal For Living | Anonymous ANON 1 | 1978 | UK, 4 track 12″ EP | 1500 |
| MX | An Ideal For Living | Warner Music JDPM11 | 2014 | EU, RSD edition, lim.(EU+US) 13.500, RI from a new master | 50 |
| MX | An Ideal For Living | Warner Music JDPM11, R1 542318 | 2014 | US, RSD edition, lim.(EU+US) 13.500, RI from a new master | 50 |
| MX | Transmission / Novelty | Factory FAC 13.12, FAC 13 X 12 | 1979 | UK, 1st press., embossed image on sleeve | 40 |
| MX | Transmission / Novelty | Factory FAC 13.12, FAC 13 X 12 | 1979 | UK, 1st press., embossed image on sleeve, Lyntone press. | 30 |
| MX | Transmission / Novelty | Factory FAC 13.12, FAC 13 X 12 | 1979 | UK, 1st press., flat sleeve | 20 |
| MX | Transmission / Novelty | Factory FAC 13.12, FAC 13 X 12 | 2020 | EU/UK, RI, RM, 180 g, embossed image on sleeve | 15 |
| MX | LWTUA / These Days / LWTUA diff. | Factory FAC 23-12, ∙FAC XXIII∙XII | 1980 | UK, 1st press., Lyntone A/B | 80 |
| MX | LWTUA / These Days / LWTUA diff. | Factory FAC 23-12, ∙FAC XXIII∙XII | 1982 | UK, 2nd press., Lyntone A2/B, recut of side A | 40 |
| MX | LWTUA / These Days / LWTUA diff. | Factory FAC 23-12, ∙FAC XXIII∙XII | 1982 | UK, 3rd press., Townhouse lacquer cut A2/B2 | 30 |
| MX | LWTUA / These Days / LWTUA diff. | Factory YW-7421-AX, ∙FAC XXIII∙XII | 1984 | JAP, Obi | 100 |
| MX | LWTUA / These Days / LWTUA diff. | Factory FAC 23 12, ∙FAC XXIII∙XII | 2020 | EU/UK, RI, RM, 180 g | 15 |
| MX | Atmosphere / She`s Lost Control | Factory FACUS 2/UK | 1980 | UK, 1st press., Green print text on white labels | 60 |
| MX | Atmosphere / She`s Lost Control | Factory FACUS 2/UK | 1980 | UK, 1st press., Tranco press., translucent dark red | 60 |
| MX | Atmosphere / She`s Lost Control | Factory FACUS 2/UK | 1980 | UK, 2nd press, without UK printed on sleeve | 30 |
| MX | She`s Lost Control / Atmosphere | Factory (US) – FACUS 2 | 1980 | US, 1st press. | 60 |
| MX | Atmosphere / She`s Lost Control | Factory Facus 2, Columbia-YW-7422-AX | 1984 | JAP, Obi | 100 |
| MX | Atmosphere / She`s Lost Control | Factory FACUS 2/UK | 2020 | EU/UK, RI, RM, 180 g | 15 |
| MX | The Peel Sessions Vol. 1 | Strange Fruit SFPS013 | 1986 | UK, 1st press., textured sleeve, Adrenalin in run-outs | 70 |
| MX | The Peel Sessions Vol. 1 | Strange Fruit SFPS013 | 1987 | UK, 2nd press., plain sleeve, no Adrenalin, diff. back cover | 30 |
| MX | The Peel Sessions Vol. 2 | Strange Fruit SFPS033 | 1987 | UK, textured special metallic finish limited edition sleeve | 80 |
| MX | The Peel Sessions Vol. 2 | Strange Fruit SFPS033 | 1987 | UK, standard non metallic finish sleeve | 40 |
| MX | Atmosphere / The Only Mistake / Sound Of Music | Factory Fac213 | 1988 | UK, 1st press. | 30 |
| MX | Atmosphere / The Only Mistake / Sound Of Music | Factory RTD 039T, FAC 213 | 1988 | GER, 1st press., some w/ promo-sheet | 30 |
| MX | LWTUA / LWTUA / LWTUA / Atmosphere | London Records YOJX 1, 850027.1 | 1995 | EU/UK, LWTUA 12″ Mix, Permanent Mix und A. Baker Remix | 30 |
| MX | Ceremony / In A Lonely Place | Rhino Records FAC.33 | 2011 | UK, RSD special edition split NO/JD12″ MX, lim. 800 | 300 |
| Si | An Ideal For Living | Enigma PSS 139 | 1978 | UK, 4 track 7″ EP | 4000 |
| Si | Transmission / Novelty | Factory FAC 13 | 1979 | UK,1st press., textured sleeve | 40 |
| Si | Transmission / Novelty | Factory FAC 13 | 1979 | UK, flat sleeve | 20 |
| Si | LWTUA / These Days / LWTUA diff. | Factory FAC 23 | 1980 | UK, Tranco press., some translucent +60 € | 20 |
| Si | LWTUA / These Days / LWTUA diff. | Factory FAC 23 | 1980 | UK, matte sleeve, with cut-out on reverse | 20 |
| Si | LWTUA / These Days / LWTUA diff. | Factory FAC 23 | 1980 | UK, semi-glossy sleeve, no cut-out | 20 |
| Si | LWTUA / These Days / LWTUA diff. | Factory FAC 23, 0030.337 | 1981 | GER, 1st press. | 20 |
| Si | Komakino / Incubation / As You Said | Factory | 1980 | UK, 7″ Flexi-Disc | 15 |
| Si | Komakino / Incubation / As You Said | Factory | 1980 | UK, 7″ Flexi-Disc, green test pressing | 300 |
| Si | Komakino / Incubation / As You Said | Factory (US) | 1981 | US, 7″ Flexi-Disc | 10 |
| Si | Komakino / Incubation / As You Said | Factory (US) | 1981 | US, 7″ Flexi-Disc + The Öther Söund Fanzine | 100 |
| Si | Licht und Blindheit (Atmosphere / Dead Souls) | Sordide Sentimental SS 33002 | 1980 | F, lim. 1578, fold-out magazine cover, 2 inserts, plastic bag | 2000 |
| Si | Atmosphere / The Only Mistake | Factory Fac213/7 | 1988 | UK, 1st press. | 30 |
| Si | Atmosphere / The Only Mistake | Factory RTD 039 | 1988 | GER, 1st press., some w/ promo-sheet | 30 |
| Si | She`s Lost Control / Dead Souls | Rhino Records/Warner Bros no number | 2007 | US, 7″ Promotion for “Control” film and 2007 reissued albums | 50 |
| Si | +/- Singles 1978-80 | Rhino Records 5186595937 | 2010 | UK, 10 x 7″ Si. Box-set standard version | 250 |
| Si | +/- Singles 1978-80 | Rhino Records 5186595937 | 2010 | UK, 10 x 7″ Si. Box-set incl. piece of art+2CDr, lim. 500 | 500 |
| 4CD | Heart & Soul | London Records 828 968-2 | 1997 | UK, 4CD Box-Set, 1st edition | 60 |
| 4CD | Heart & Soul | London Records 3984 29040-2 | 1999 | UK, 4CD Box-Set, 2nd edition | 50 |
| 10″ | Various-Short Circuit-Live At The Electric Circus | Virgin VCL 5003 | 1978 | UK, feat. At A Later Date, black, orange or purple vinyl | 50 |
| 2Si | Various-A Factory Sample | Factory FAC-2 | 1979 | UK, feat. Digital / Glass | 500 |
| MX | Various-Earcom 2 | Fast Product Fast 9b | 1979 | UK, feat. Autosuggestion / From Safety To Where…? | 40 |
| 10″ | Various-Factory Records-Communication 1978-92 | Rhino Records 5186592487 | 2010 | UK, feat. Transmission, RSD edition | 50 |
| 10″ | Various-Factory Records-Communication 1978-92 | Rhino Records 2564646834 | 2013 | UK, feat. She`s Lost Control RSD edition | 20 |
| 2LP | Total – From Joy Division To New Order | Warner Music 0190295663841 | 2018 | EU/UK feat. JD on Side A and New Order on Side B,C,D | 30 |
| 8LP | Various.-Factory Communications 1978-92 | Warner Music 0190295663841 | 2019 | UK, feat. Digital/She`s Lost Control/Transmission/LWTUA-black | 140 |
| 8LP | Various.-Factory Communications 1978-92 | Warner Music 0190295663841 | 2019 | UK, feat. Digital/She`s Lost Control/Transmission/LWTUA-silver | 160 |