Recording engineer Julia Adamson made the sort of discovery most recording engineers only dream of – stumbling across long-lost recordings of sessions from Joy Division and New Order. Now Adamson faces the daunting decision of just what to do with the tapes.
Having worked under the watchful gaze legendary producer Martin Hannett, Adamson was exposed to the genesis of UK’s post punk movements as Hannett teamed up with artists such as Joy Division, New Order, Psychedelic Furs and Buzzcocks. Despite leaving that part of her life for new adventures, she managed to unknowingly hold onto the gems thought to be long, long gone.
Amongst the stash, Adamson found original recordings including a master copy of Joy Division’s seminal LP Unknown Pleasure as well as outtakes. Surely both bands would be happy to have the tapes returned safely to them, though if that’s how they feel they certainly aren’t showing it.
Taking to Facebook, Adamson posted a picture of the stash (below), explaining how she rescued the tapes from being thrown in a skip. She also said that ex-Joy Division and New Order member Peter Hook is none too pleased with the discovery:
“He’s not a happy bunny. Tried the other band members, too, to no avail, and the record companies… I have looked after these tapes for a long time and when I approached the artists (who were my first port of call) I was subjected to accusations and abuse… so I don’t really care anymore.
“I know they are worth something to a collector… and good luck to them. The quality of ‘Unknown Pleasures’ far surpasses the mastering from vinyl over the years (they lost the master tapes long ago… these are copy masters… and outtakes… that I assure you are quite splendid).”
Rather than return the tapes to the band, Adamson has announced she will be sending them off to a collector who will appreciate the quality and sentiment of the tapes, any potential buyer can hit her up on Facebook.
(Via 405)
