Inspired by the best of 80s list I had another listen to this album, which I've always found tricky...

I love Joy Division. Unknown Pleasures is an all-timer for me, and obviously all the singles. But Closer has always eluded me, and I've had a weird realisation. In recent years I've always started listening on Spotify then switched it off. I recently got the Heart and Soul box set, though, and gave that version a try on iTunes (doesn't seem to be on Spotify) - AND IT'S A FUCKING REVELATION. Brilliant from front-to-back. I can't quite put my finger on what's so different, but the spotify remaster version is definitely too loud. All subtlety is replaced by front and centre in your face obviousness and it's just not a pleasant listen. Sounds like the people recording it were never in the same room or something. The Heart and Soul version is so much warmer and more atmospheric - and sounds like a band playing.

Anyway - possibly not worth a thread but a big breakthrough for me, and probably the first time I can remember a certain remaster having such an effect. Would love to hear about other remaster atrocities as I'd hate to have written something off that could hit me like this...