Back in 1980 Joy Division, led by frontman Ian Curtis, recorded a live version of the single "Ceremony" during their final concert at Birmingham University. The song was released as part of the band's Still album. The Birmingham University show was the band's last one because a little over two weeks later, on the eve of their first North American tour, Curtis hung himself. The remaining members of Joy Division proceeded to rename themselves as New Order. New Order's first single was a re-recording of "Ceremony".
Since that time "Ceremony" has been covered by a number of bands and artists including Radiohead, Galaxie 500, Xiu Xiu, Ian McCulloch, The Morning Benders and Chromatics. The latest cover, hot of the presses and new to the world today, is Jackson Philips' (aka Day Wave) version.
Philips plays the track pretty close to the original. While he does crank up the dream a bit in his version, its not enough to really make the casual listener notice the difference. The big veering comes courtesy of his accent. Philips' American accent differs greatly from both Ian Curtis' and Bernard Sumner's (New Order singer on their version of "Ceremony") British sound.
"Ceremony", despite how Day Wave delivers it (slightly less tragic), feels like it is a tragic song. Knowing the story behind it, makes it so. Pairing wise, "Ceremony" needs a tragic dish. My suggestion is the somber, yet completely delicious, vegan funeral potato dish. Enjoy it on a sunny, happy day. Don't wait until it is a necessity, I can assure you it won't be nearly as delicious at that time.
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