Album of the Day

After an eight-year absence from record stores, New Order's GET READY showed the Manchester electro-pop pioneers were ready for the new millennium. The final album from the quartet of singer/guitarist Bernard Sumner, bassist Peter Hook, drummer Stephen Morris and keyboardist Gillian Gilbert acknowledges the group's storied past – it's dedicated to manager Rob Gretton and features a cover designed by Peter Saville, both of whom go back to the Joy Division days. But the set is decidedly forward-looking, with an emphasis on songcraft and instrumental punch evident on such propulsive tracks as “Crystal” and “60 Miles An Hour.” Boasting an energetic rock edge while remaining dance-friendly, GET READY is the sound of a great band being reborn.