The first in a series of digital books compiled by author Scott Heim was just released - The First Time I Heard Joy Division/New Order is a collection of first person accounts from musicians, writers, and artists, discussing the first time they heard the music of Joy Division and New Order. The book features 45 different artists including members of Spiritualized, Lush, Swervedriver, The Wedding Present, Curve, Clan of Xymox, Catherine Wheel, and the Jesus & Mary Chain. A sample featuring the forward by Heim, plus the accounts from Adam Franklin (Swervedriver), Pieter Nooten (Clan of Xymox), and Christophe Den Tandt (The Names), is available to view here. Purchase The First Time I Heard Joy Division/New Order from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
The next four books in the The First Time I Heard...series will focus on David Bowie, The Smiths, Cocteau Twins, and Kate Bush. According to Heim, if the series does well, he'll then compile books on Kraftwerk, My Bloody Valentine, R.E.M., Abba, and more.
Visit Heim's official site for more info on The First Time I Heard...series. A Kickstarter was created for the project, and though the project's account is no longer live (it met its goal and was fully funded back in April) you can still view the page and watch an informational video about the series below:
