Band of the Day (11.11.09): NEW ORDER

Who?

Formed from the ashes of Joy Division after singer Ian Curtis killed himself, New Order went on to become one of the most celebrated bands of the '80s. Taking cues from New York's dance scene, kraut rock, and their previous band's post-punk roots, New Order's brand of synth-heavy dance rock has made a major impact on both dance music and the rock world.

And I Care Because?

- They had the most successful second life ever. How many musicians ever become more famous than their first band? New Order stands atop this shortlist, making music as acclaimed and much more popular than their incredible starting band.

- Their songs transcend genre. While it might be easy to dismiss certain music for being too dancey or simply "not your thing," New Order's many hit singles were simply great songs, with songs like "Temptation" reaching pretty close to pop perfection.

- It's all about the synths. While bands like Faust first mastered the synth, New Order were one of the many bands that truly popularized the instruments use in rock-leaning music. You can hear it in everyone from Hot Chip to Franz Ferdnand, and you're bound to hear a little New Order in any band that decides to pick up the glorious instrument.

Stream their singles below, buy their albums, and watch a video of them performing "Temptation" in 1981.