On June 10th, Microsoft is releasing a new edition of its Zune media player that will feature an adaptation of Peter Saville’s artwork from the group’s acclaimed debut, Unknown Pleasures. The release is set to coincide with Grant Gee’s documentary about the English band creatively entitled Joy Division. Engadget posted a mock-up of what they hope it might look like.
What do you think about the concept? Is Microsoft just pandering to aging hipsters, or paying homage to actual talent? Pitchfork called it the “saddest MP3 player ever” while some die-hard Joy Division fans claim that it’s actually a step up and a great way to honor a band that “pioneered electronic music”.
I think that Ian Curtis is rolling in his grave. Call me pretentious, but I don’t think that a band as introspective and revered as Joy Division has any business being involved with Microsoft. I own a JD T-shirt, but an MP3 player crosses the line. It’s just tacky.
That’s one woman’s opinion. What’s yours?
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I have loved Joy Division since I was introduced to them in the early 80’s. I think it odd that Microsoft is releasing a JD Zune, maybe the head of MS is a fan too! I will be sure to buy one since I am in the market for am MP3 player. To those who think Ian Curtis would be rolling in his grave, perhaps. But if you look at what happened to factory records and how the music was used to help keep the mismanaged company from going under, Curtis has already been rolling. On the otherhand, if he was still alive he may be really excited at the prospect of money coming in so the band would not have to fight over whose substances were being consumed as was the case with New Order….Love the bands but they are human and not usually worthy of the pedestals.
Tracy