Joy Division - Les Bains Douches 18 December 1979 (Live) (2001)

Joy Division - Les Bains Douches 18 December 1979 (Live) (2001)

Tracklist, Album Covers, Info and Fun Facts

"Disorder" – 3:21

"Love Will Tear Us Apart" – 3:17

"Insight" – 3:25

"Shadowplay" – 3:46

"Transmission" – 3:19

"Day of the Lords" – 4:39

"Twenty Four Hours" – 4:12

"These Days" – 3:42

"A Means to an End" – 4:17

"Passover" – 2:18

"New Dawn Fades" – 4:40

"Atrocity Exhibition" – 6:56

"Digital" – 3:39

"Dead Souls" – 4:46

"Autosuggestion" – 4:13

"Atmosphere" – 4:47

Note: Tracks 1–9 recorded at Les Bains Douches, Paris, 18 December 1979; tracks 10–12 recorded at Paradiso, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 11 January 1980; and tracks 13–16 recorded at Effenaar, Eindhoven, The Netherlands, 18 January 1980.

Joy Division – Les Bains Douches 18 December 1979 (Live): A Captivating Live Snapshot

Released in 2001, "Les Bains Douches 18 December 1979 (Live)" showcases one of Joy Division’s most acclaimed live performances. Recorded in Paris at the iconic Les Bains Douches club, this live album captures the intense energy and haunting atmosphere that defined the band’s legendary concerts.

The Performance:

Recorded just months before Ian Curtis’ death, the album features a tight, passionate performance by the band.

The setlist is packed with Joy Division’s most beloved songs, including "Disorder," "Love Will Tear Us Apart," "Shadowplay," "Transmission," and more.

The clarity of the recording makes it one of the best-sounding live documents of the band’s career.

Sound & Production:

The album’s production is crisp and clear, giving fans a rare chance to hear the band in top form live.

Unlike the more chaotic Preston 28 February 1980 recording, "Les Bains Douches" captures the band at their tightest and most confident.

Sales & Reception:

Though an official release came in 2001, the recording had been circulating as a bootleg for years.

Exact sales figures are difficult to pinpoint, but it has sold tens of thousands of copies worldwide and is highly regarded by collectors and fans.

Critics and fans praise this release as one of the definitive Joy Division live albums.

Fun Facts:

The show took place in a trendy Parisian club, with Joy Division performing to a packed, enthusiastic crowd.

The album also includes tracks from other performances at the Paradiso (Amsterdam) and Effenaar (Eindhoven) venues, creating a more comprehensive live experience.

It was released by NMC Music, known for high-quality live releases and reissues.

Cultural Impact:

"Les Bains Douches 18 December 1979 (Live)" stands as a powerful document of Joy Division’s mesmerizing stage presence and Ian Curtis’ magnetic charisma.

It’s a must-listen for fans of post-punk and live music enthusiasts, offering an authentic glimpse into the band’s final months.

Keywords: Joy Division live album, Les Bains Douches 1979, Ian Curtis live performance, best Joy Division live recordings, post-punk live albums, Joy Division concert history, Paris 1979 gig.

Les Bains Douches 18 December 1979 is a live album by English post-punk band Joy Division, partly-recorded on 18 December 1979 at Les Bains Douches, Paris, and released in 2001 by record label NMC. Additional tracks are drawn from two other concerts.

The artwork was done by Peter Saville. The CD booklet contained a reprint of the original poster for the show.