Republic (album)

Infobox Album | Name = Republic
Type = Album
Artist = New Order


Released = 3 May 1993
Recorded = 1992
Genre = House Techno Synthpop Electronica
Length = 54:31
Label = London
Producer = New Order,
Stephen Hague,
Pascal Gabriel

Reviews = *Allmusic Rating|4|5 [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:5gq3g44btv1z~T1 link]
*"Rolling Stone" Rating|4|5 [http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/neworder/albums/album/147678/review/5943777/republic link]
Last album = "BBC Radio 1 Live in Concert"
(1992)
This album = "Republic"
(1993)
Next album = "(the best of) New Order"
(1994) |

"Republic" was New Order's first album after the demise of Factory Records, and their last for eight years.

The album follows on the standard New Order principles of not having anything other than the credits and art inside the CD sleeve, and of having a Peter Saville designed cover. The sleeve itself is a reference to the U.S. and California in particular, where Saville had relocated. The sleeve displays different aspects of California - people relaxing on the beach, while some people's houses are being burnt down (a reference to frequent wildfires experienced in the state or perhaps to the 1992 Los Angeles riots); vast natural landscapes, contrasting to the skyline of Los Angeles, etc. Another interesting dimension is that most images were taken from stock photo libraries in order to achieve the commercial look and heavily retouched. Several of these images have also been used in the most low-brow form of marketing, i.e. direct mailing, catalogues, and adverts for businesses. Another interpretation of the album's artwork alludes to the fall of Rome [http://www.worldinmotion.net/neworder/discography/albums/1993/republic.htm] .

The album reached Number 1 in the UK, and is New Order's last chart topper. It also received a Mercury Music Prize nomination.

The band broke up while on the tour following this album. Lead singer Bernard Sumner is known not to like travelling to North America, and media reports suggest that the pressure of the long leg there contributed to the band's temporary demise. They reunited in 1998.

Track listing

All songs written by New Order.

#"Regret" – 4:08
#"World" – 4:44
#"Ruined in a Day" – 4:22
#"Spooky" – 4:43
#"Everyone Everywhere" – 4:24
#"Young Offender" – 4:48
#"Liar" – 4:21
#"Chemical" – 4:10
#"Times Change" – 3:52
#"Special" – 4:51
#"Avalanche" – 3:14

Republic: The limited run

A limited-edition version of the "Republic" album was also released in the United States. Although the tracks are the same as the normal release, the packaging is entirely different. Instead of a jewel case, the CD comes in a folding wallet made of bright orange vinyl with foam inside, giving it the appearance of a floatation device or life jacket. The CD is also redesigned, with no words but a picture of several orange rubber inner tubes against a background of flames, a reference to the cover artwork. The booklet, tucked into a pocket of the vinyl wallet, is the same as the standard version, but made of a plastic waterproof material instead of paper.

Personnel

* Bernard Sumner; Vocals, guitars, synthesizers & programming
* Peter Hook; 4 & 6 stringed bass, synthesizers & programming
* Stephen Morris; Drums, synthesizers & programming
* Gillian Gilbert; Synthesizers & programming
* New Order; Production
* Stephen Hague; Production
* Peter Saville - Cover Design

Charts

Album - Billboard (North America)

Singles - Billboard (North America)