NEW ORDER

TEMPTATION
(ORIGINAL 7" VERSION)
(ORIGINAL 12" VERSION)
('87 SUBSTANCE VERSION)
('98 REMIX)
(SECRET MACHINES MIX)

Temptation was released as a single by New Order in 1982. It was available on 12" and 7" vinyl, both formats had the catalogue number FAC 63. The two formats are not merely different mixes, but entirely separate recordings of the same song. The 7" version is a more structured version with a commercial synthpop feel; the 12" is more chaotic with the emphasis on electronic rhythms rather than melody. The 7" version plays at 33.3rpm to accommodate its length of around five and a half minutes.

Interestingly, the 12" version has a fade-in at its start, with a cold end, and the 7" version has a cold start and a fade-out at its end. As a result, a popular rumour among New Order fans that to experience the complete "Temptation", one has to paste together the 7" and 12" versions, to produce cold start and a cold end. In fact, etched inside the inner groove of the original 7" is, "Try listening to the 12!"

The vocal track on the original 12" version (this is the version featured in the 'Retro' box-set) features an audible scream during the song's intro. Supposedly, as Bernard Sumner was recording the vocals, other band members ran into the studio and thrust a snowball down his shirt. Because the original 1982 7" version sounds completely different from the original 12" and the fact that it is rarely heard, I've included it here.

"Temptation" is considered by many in the band to be their favourite New Order song.

TEMPTATION (ORIGINAL 7" VERSION)

TEMPTATION (ORIGINAL 12" VERSION)

TEMPTATION ('87 SUBSTANCE VERSION)

TEMPTATION ('98 REMIX)

TEMPTATION (SECRET MACHINES MIX)

Here's a clip New Order in 1984 doing Temptation live at BBC Radio 1 Studios.