The Cover
I had not heard No Love Lost prior to a few weeks ago. The music immediately grabbed me and I found myself listening to it again and again for days. The song was originally released in 1978 as part of Joy Division’s first EP, An Ideal For Living, after changing their band name from Warsaw. It was later released in 1988 on a singles compilation called Substance. The two versions are quite different. I based mine on the latter version which has a cleaner production, but retains the original’s raw intent. It also includes the addition of the spoken interlude between verses.
The lyrical content of the verses are somewhat ambiguous, but to me are undeniably linked to the spoken word. As I dug deeper I learned that it’s a passage from a book called House of Dolls, a story about the experiences of two young siblings during the Holocaust. It’s heavy material, and there’s not much more I need to say about it other than to implore you to hear it, sit with it, and let it speak its truth to you.
The raw sonics underscore the honesty of the subject matter. Ian Curtis delivers the words with an urgency and emotion that I found challenging to replicate. He was truly unique. The infectious surf-punk melodies wormed their way around my head for days. The instrumental first half is supported by a catchy, industrial-strength rhythm of bass and drums that would make Trent Reznor notice. It uses an unconventional form of an instrumental A section repeated twice, then a lyrical B section that delivers a cathartic, pouncing of heavy guitars and overdriven vocals.
The Art
This is a painting using acrylics and a palette knife on a 9”x12” canvas panel. This was my first time using acrylic paint and I found that using the palette knife allows me to access emotional expression in a way I’ve never felt before. I did not start with a specific intention. Rather, I tried to let what was inside of me come out in the most natural way possible. Part of me feels it’s a classic battle of the open, free, blue skies vs the fury and torment of evil. Turned 180 degrees and it’s an ocean wave crashing into the edge of a violent volcano. Another part of me is still contemplating the possibility of something deeper.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this edition of Cover Art. I certainly enjoyed making it. If there’s a cover you’d like to hear please let me know in the comments!