Temptation (New Order song)
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Temptation is a single released by British group New Order on Factory Records in April 1982.
Released 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 7" version has a cold start and a fade-out at its end, and the 12" version has a fade-in at its start, with a cold 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, so there is a cold start and a cold end. Despite the speculation, the band has never confirmed this to be true.
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.
Other appearances
Both "Temptation" and its B-side "Hurt", appear on the 1987 compilation Substance, albeit in slightly different forms. "Temptation 87", which can be roughly described as having a similar arrangement to the 7" but the structure of the 12", is probably the best-known version of the song. It is now one of New Order's best-known recordings, partly due to this version's appearance on the best-selling Trainspotting soundtrack; where the lyrics are sung by Diane while she's taking a bath, and is heard very faintly in the background during breakfast not much later. This shouldn't be confused with 'Temptation' by Heaven 17, heard during the scene where Renton would meet Diane.It is also the song the group have played live more than any other.
Both cuts from the 12" single appeared on the mopping up EP 1981-1982, which also contained the "Everything's Gone Green" single.
An updated remix of Temptation by CJ Bolland appeared on some LP versions of the 1995 remix compilation The Rest of New Order.
In 1998, after five years of inactivity, the band recorded a new version of "Temptation". The new recording was similar to the 1987 version, but omitted the long intro. Running at 4:08, this version was named "Temptation '98".
A remix of "Temptation" by Secret Machines was released on the b-side of the "Waiting For The Sirens' Call" single in September 2005.
A cover of Temptation can be found on Moby's 2005 album Hotel.
Track listing
7": Factory FAC 63- "Temptation" (5:21)
- "Hurt" (4:47)
- "Temptation" (8:47)
- "Hurt" (8:13)
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