New Order took the gothic overtones and deadpan synthesisers from their previous incarnation as Joy Division and updated them via the New York club scene. To a nation of dour, angst-ridden, raincoat wearers, this album gave them their daily bread with a buttering of disco. In retrospect, it was a brave idea; in reality, Power, Corruption & Lies' success is the reward of artistic endeavour, of maverick musicians pushing forward and creating a sublime work. These songs are hypnotic dance tracks that vary the pace enough to intrigue bedroom-pop listeners and satisfy the club cognoscenti. They combine despair and celebration with a subtle melodic grace that has all the guile of a pocket-sized orchestra. It's streets ahead of its time and is one the best examples of why New Order are one of the most important and essential bands of their time. --Ben Clancy