My Top 1000 Songs #1003: She's Lost Control

Oddly enough, while Joy Division's 1979 debut Unknown Pleasures has long been one of the most life-changing records in my collection, only one track ended up in the Top 1000 (contrasted with 3 from Closer along with 3 non-album singles).

So, partially remedying that, here's "She's Lost Control." I kinda go back and forth between that one and the album-opening "Disorder," cut from a similar cloth--but, ultimately, it's all about the bass. Peter Hook's bass hooks are obviously a big part of what makes the band so unique, and that's on full display here. Sure, everything about the song, from the washes of guitar texture to the insistent, oddly-tuned percussion to Ian's narrative, are definitive Joy Division, but it's the rare song that makes you want to play along on the air bass.

12" single version (b-side of "Atmosphere"), with lyrics:

Live 1979:

Grace Jones cover:

Girls Against Boys cover: