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1477 For Sale from $1.58Videos (44)
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- Listened by Prisoneer
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Tracklist
Blue Monday | 7:29 | ||
The Beach | 7:19 |
Credits (5)
- Peter Saville (2)Design [Uncredited]
- Michael JohnsonEngineer
- Barry SageEngineer [Assistant]
- Mark BoyneEngineer [Assistant]
- New OrderProducer
Notes
New Order's fifth single. A milestone, both by musical standards and by design standards.
Still considered to be the best-selling 12" of all time, selling over 1 million copies globally. However, since Factory wasn't part of the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) at the time of release, there are no reliable figures nor certifications or awards. Altogether, the 1983, 1988 and 1995 releases have been sold over 10 million times.
Initial UK editions were released in March 1983 in a die-cut cover with cut-outs and a silver cardboard inner sleeve, designed by Peter Saville.
Outer sleeve variations:
1. Original: die-cut with cut-outs.
2. Initial adaptation: Plain printed thus without cut-outs with the cut-outs left black.
3. Final adaptation: Plain printed thus without cut-outs, also missing the grey block prints.
Inner sleeve variations:
1. Silver cardboard
2. Black cardboard of different stock, weighing between 38 and 41 grammes. They might be glossy or matte and hazy black in combination with top openings ranging from 3 to 10 cm.
3. White paper inner sleeves were used to cut costs.
All outer sleeves bear the colour code, spelling "FAC 73 Blue Monday And The Beach New Order".
There is a common misconception that Factory lost money on the release due to the elaborate sleeve design. The original sleeve did in fact cost so much that Factory's profit lay under 1 UK Penny for each copy sold. But demand, production costs and timings meant that the sleeve became progressively simpler with each repressing, as explained above.
Different combinations of outer and inner sleeves were matched with the different pressing runs, so the 2nd outer sleeve adaptation as well as the white paper inner sleeves can be found with initial pressings of the record (A1/B1 runout matrices).
Vinyl : The original UK version was mastered and cut on 5 occasions:
- FAC-73-A-1 MT. STRAWBERRY OUT VOTED! // FAC-73-B-1 MT. HO.EL+TEL! STRAWBERRY
(runoff space 0,8 cm // 1,6 cm)
This original edition misses the first 2 beats of the 16-bar intro are cut off due to a mastering error.
- FACT 73 A2 .THE ROBOT. STRAWBERRY GG // FACT 73 B2 .THE ROBOT. STRAWBERRY GG
(runoff space 2,2 cm // 2,2 cm)
- FAC 73 A2 GG POUNDA TA1PE R-CUT // FAC 73 B2 GG R-CUT
(runoff space 1,3 cm // 1,4 cm)
- FAC 73 A3 GG POUNDA TA1PE. WHERE'S MURDER? // FAC 73 B3 GG I SAID WHERE'S MURDER?
(runoff space 1,6 cm // 1,6 cm)
- FAC-73-A1 ✱ TOWNHOUSE MAX. // FAC-73-B1 ✱ MAX.
(runoff space 1,6 cm // 1,6 cm)
There also are many hybrid versions, e.g. A-1 + B2, A2 + B-1, A3 + B2, A-1 + B2 R-CUT, etc.
Known pressing plants:
MVS Record Pressing Ltd. (initial 1983 pressings, and 1984).
Lyntone Recordings Ltd. (1983).
CBS UK (double dip labels, 1983).
Linguaphone Institute Ltd. (25mm rings, 1985 and 1986).
Immediate Sound Services Ltd. (✱ in runouts, 1987 and 1988).
Audio Services Ltd. (✱ in runouts, since 1989).
Peaked at #9 in the UK Single charts, and at #1 in the UK Indie Charts, where it stayed for a total of 186 weeks.
Blue Monday 1988:
New Order's 16th single, released in March 1988.
Produced by Quincy Jones with the actual remix done by John Potoker.
After New Order signed to Qwest in the US, Quincy Jones saw an opportunity for their groundbreaking track to have a legitimate single release and a shot at radio airplay.
In the UK it was released as 7", 12", CD-Single and as CD-V, featuring an alternate 7" mix.
In North America, 'Touched By The Hand Of God' was featured as B-side.
The video of Blue Monday 1988 is known for the Weimaraner dog 'Fay Ray', owned by video director William Wegman. The video also features a Robert Breer flicker book, that was given away by Factory as 1988 Christmas present (Fac 235).
In 1995 reissued with techno and trance remixes.
In 2020 re-released as remastered edition with original artwork.
New Order used a sample from Kraftwerk's track "Uranium" on Blue Monday.
Still considered to be the best-selling 12" of all time, selling over 1 million copies globally. However, since Factory wasn't part of the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) at the time of release, there are no reliable figures nor certifications or awards. Altogether, the 1983, 1988 and 1995 releases have been sold over 10 million times.
Initial UK editions were released in March 1983 in a die-cut cover with cut-outs and a silver cardboard inner sleeve, designed by Peter Saville.
Outer sleeve variations:
1. Original: die-cut with cut-outs.
2. Initial adaptation: Plain printed thus without cut-outs with the cut-outs left black.
3. Final adaptation: Plain printed thus without cut-outs, also missing the grey block prints.
Inner sleeve variations:
1. Silver cardboard
2. Black cardboard of different stock, weighing between 38 and 41 grammes. They might be glossy or matte and hazy black in combination with top openings ranging from 3 to 10 cm.
3. White paper inner sleeves were used to cut costs.
All outer sleeves bear the colour code, spelling "FAC 73 Blue Monday And The Beach New Order".
There is a common misconception that Factory lost money on the release due to the elaborate sleeve design. The original sleeve did in fact cost so much that Factory's profit lay under 1 UK Penny for each copy sold. But demand, production costs and timings meant that the sleeve became progressively simpler with each repressing, as explained above.
Different combinations of outer and inner sleeves were matched with the different pressing runs, so the 2nd outer sleeve adaptation as well as the white paper inner sleeves can be found with initial pressings of the record (A1/B1 runout matrices).
Vinyl : The original UK version was mastered and cut on 5 occasions:
- FAC-73-A-1 MT. STRAWBERRY OUT VOTED! // FAC-73-B-1 MT. HO.EL+TEL! STRAWBERRY
(runoff space 0,8 cm // 1,6 cm)
This original edition misses the first 2 beats of the 16-bar intro are cut off due to a mastering error.
- FACT 73 A2 .THE ROBOT. STRAWBERRY GG // FACT 73 B2 .THE ROBOT. STRAWBERRY GG
(runoff space 2,2 cm // 2,2 cm)
- FAC 73 A2 GG POUNDA TA1PE R-CUT // FAC 73 B2 GG R-CUT
(runoff space 1,3 cm // 1,4 cm)
- FAC 73 A3 GG POUNDA TA1PE. WHERE'S MURDER? // FAC 73 B3 GG I SAID WHERE'S MURDER?
(runoff space 1,6 cm // 1,6 cm)
- FAC-73-A1 ✱ TOWNHOUSE MAX. // FAC-73-B1 ✱ MAX.
(runoff space 1,6 cm // 1,6 cm)
There also are many hybrid versions, e.g. A-1 + B2, A2 + B-1, A3 + B2, A-1 + B2 R-CUT, etc.
Known pressing plants:
MVS Record Pressing Ltd. (initial 1983 pressings, and 1984).
Lyntone Recordings Ltd. (1983).
CBS UK (double dip labels, 1983).
Linguaphone Institute Ltd. (25mm rings, 1985 and 1986).
Immediate Sound Services Ltd. (✱ in runouts, 1987 and 1988).
Audio Services Ltd. (✱ in runouts, since 1989).
Peaked at #9 in the UK Single charts, and at #1 in the UK Indie Charts, where it stayed for a total of 186 weeks.
Blue Monday 1988:
New Order's 16th single, released in March 1988.
Produced by Quincy Jones with the actual remix done by John Potoker.
After New Order signed to Qwest in the US, Quincy Jones saw an opportunity for their groundbreaking track to have a legitimate single release and a shot at radio airplay.
In the UK it was released as 7", 12", CD-Single and as CD-V, featuring an alternate 7" mix.
In North America, 'Touched By The Hand Of God' was featured as B-side.
The video of Blue Monday 1988 is known for the Weimaraner dog 'Fay Ray', owned by video director William Wegman. The video also features a Robert Breer flicker book, that was given away by Factory as 1988 Christmas present (Fac 235).
In 1995 reissued with techno and trance remixes.
In 2020 re-released as remastered edition with original artwork.
New Order used a sample from Kraftwerk's track "Uranium" on Blue Monday.
Versions
Filter by
205 versions
, | – | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Blue Monday 12", 45 RPM, Single | Factory – FAC 73 | UK | 1983 | UK — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", Single | Factory – FACX 10 | Canada | 1983 | Canada — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", 45 RPM, Single Black Inner Sleeve | Factory – FAC 73, Rough Trade – RTD 10, Factory – FAC SEVENTY THREE +1 more label... | Germany | 1983 | Germany — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", 45 RPM, Single | Factory – FAC 73, Factory – VR 22504 | Netherlands | 1983 | Netherlands — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single | Factory – 600717, Factory – 600 717 | France | 1983 | France — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", 45 RPM, Single | Factory – FAC 73, Base Record – FAC 73 | Italy | 1983 | Italy — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", Single, 45 RPM | Factory – FAC 73, Nuevos Medios – 31-035 | Spain | 1983 | Spain — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", Single, 45 RPM | GAP Records – FAC 73, Factory – FAC 73 | Australia | 1983 | Australia — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", Single, 45 RPM | Factory – GOOD 10 | New Zealand | 1983 | New Zealand — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", 45 RPM, Promo | Factory (US) – FACTUS 10 | US | 1983 | US — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", Single, 45 RPM Silver Inner | Factory (US) – FACTUS 10 | US | 1983 | US — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", 45 RPM, Single Black Labels | Factory – FAC 73 | Scandinavia | 1983 | Scandinavia — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", Single, 45 RPM, Repress Second Pressing, Die-cut Cover, Silver Inner Sleeve | Factory – FAC 73 | UK | 1983 | UK — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", Single, 45 RPM, Repress A3/B3, Die-cut Cover, Black Glossy Inner Sleeve | Factory – FAC 73 | UK | 1983 | UK — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", 45 RPM, White Label | Factory – FAC 73 | UK | 1983 | UK — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", 45 RPM, Single | Factory – YW-7418-AX, Columbia – YW-7418-AX | Japan | 1983 | Japan — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday + The Beach Cassette, Single | Factory – FACC 73, GAP Records – FACC 73 | Australia | 1983 | Australia — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", Single, 45 RPM, Repress Second Pressing, Cut-outs | Factory – FAC 73 | UK | 1983 | UK — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", 45 RPM, Single, Repress Third Pressing, Plain Cover | Factory – FAC 73 | UK | 1983 | UK — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", Single, 45 RPM, Repress | Factory – FACT 73, Factory – FAC 73, Factory – VR 22504 +1 more label... | Netherlands | 1983 | Netherlands — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday Cassette, Single | Factory – TC-GOOD 10, Factory – TCGOOD 10, EMI – TC-GOOD 10, EMI – TCGOOD 10 +2 more labels... | New Zealand | 1983 | New Zealand — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single Pallas Pressing | Rough Trade Deutschland – RTD 10, Factory – FAC 73 | Germany | 1983 | Germany — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", Single, 45 RPM White Labels | Factory – FAC 73 | Scandinavia | 1983 | Scandinavia — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", 45 RPM, Single, Repress A2/B2, Die-cut Cover, Black Inner Sleeve | Factory – FAC 73 | UK | 1983 | UK — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", Single, 45 RPM | Factory – FAC 73, Base Record – FAC 73 | Italy | 1983 | Italy — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", 45 RPM, Single, Repress Die-cut Cover, Glossy Black Inner Sleeve | Factory – FAC 73 | UK | 1983 | UK — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", Single, 45 RPM, Repress Second Pressing, Plain Printed Cover, Black Inner Sleeve | Factory – FAC 73 | UK | 1983 | UK — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo Silver Inner, LC | Factory – RTD 10, Factory – FAC 73 | Germany | 1983 | Germany — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", Single, 45 RPM, Repress Plain Cover, Thick Black Inner Sleeve | Factory – FAC 73 | UK | 1983 | UK — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", Single, 45 RPM Black Glossy Inner | Factory (US) – FACTUS 10 | US | 1983 | US — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", 45 RPM, Single Sonopress Pressing | Factory – RTD 10, Factory – FAC 73, Factory – FAC SEVENTY THREE +1 more label... | Germany | 1983 | Germany — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", 45 RPM, Single Plain Cover | Factory – FAC 73 | UK | 1983 | UK — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", 45 RPM, Single, Repress Third Pressing, Plain Cover | Factory – FAC 73 | UK | 1983 | UK — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", 45 RPM, Single | Factory – FAC 73, Factory – FAC SEVENTY THREE, Factory – VR 22504 +1 more label... | Netherlands | 1983 | Netherlands — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", 45 RPM, Single, Repress Plain Cover, Thick Black Glossy Inner Sleeve | Factory – FAC 73 | UK | 1983 | UK — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", 45 RPM, Single, Repress Die-cut Cover, Glossy Black Inner Sleeve | Factory – FAC 73 | UK | 1983 | UK — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", 45 RPM, Single | Factory – FAC 73 | Ireland | 1983 | Ireland — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", Single, 45 RPM Silver Inner, No LC | Factory – RTD 10, Factory – FAC 73 | Germany | 1983 | Germany — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", 45 RPM, Single CP Pressing | Factory – FAC 73 | Ireland | 1983 | Ireland — 1983 | ||||
![]() | Blue Monday 12", 45 RPM, Repress | Factory – FACT 73, Factory – VR 22504 | Netherlands | 1983 | Netherlands — 1983 |
Recommendations
Reviews
Show All 124 Reviewsreferencing Blue Monday (12", 45 RPM, Single) FAC 73
can't find a US Quest 1983 release - with the black sleeve but not the 'diskette' markings

Sides A and B sound fine, but sides C and D are atrocious. Pops and crackles throughout all the tracks. Can't say it's a static issue or the vinyl being dirty since I cleaned them, but more likely a pressing issue since a previous copy I purchased had the exact same issue.
Anyone else find the second LP to be substandard?
Anyone else find the second LP to be substandard?
referencing Blue Monday (12", 33 ⅓ RPM, 45 RPM) NSER017
Excellent pressing, no complaints. I'll compare it to my original BM 1983 issue, but at first listen, it's damn good.
Edited 3 months ago
referencing Blue Monday (12", 45 RPM, Single) YW-7418-AX
Has anyone had issues with needle tracking? I own two perfectly clean copies and they both have skipping in random places. My setup is fine and plays all other Japanese presses of NO 12”s perfectly, just Blue Monday gives me trouble and I need to add a couple of extra grams to the weight. Hollow opening kick sound too,that hits the right sound randomly.

referencing Blue Monday-95 (12", 33 ⅓ RPM, 45 RPM) 850041.1
I just got this recently and though I am a big fan of reworks/remixes. These two remixes are fucking awful.

referencing Blue Monday (12", 45 RPM, Single) FAC 73
I bought this new in the uk way back when and I have the Matrix / Runout (Side A - Variation 10): FAC-73-A-1 MT.4 STRAWBERRY OUT VOTED!
Matrix / Runout (Side B - Variation 10): FAC-73-B-1 MT.5 HO.EL + TEL! STRAWBERRY
Which is first edition according to this site but my sleeves are not cut out the are the thick glossy inner sleeve and the outer has FAC SEVENTY THREE printed on the spine.
Can anyone shed some light as i want to add it into my collection but not sure which one.
Matrix / Runout (Side B - Variation 10): FAC-73-B-1 MT.5 HO.EL + TEL! STRAWBERRY
Which is first edition according to this site but my sleeves are not cut out the are the thick glossy inner sleeve and the outer has FAC SEVENTY THREE printed on the spine.
Can anyone shed some light as i want to add it into my collection but not sure which one.

Edited 8 months ago
Having on hand very first UK pressing, I've compered it's sound with this new version. Although sounding bit diferently, generally the new one is very good. Older is bit more expressive, intensive...and very expensive. Newer is more controled, selective, tidy...and cheap,
Older has more sparkling high tones, sometimes even bit aggressive and definitelly better mids, especially vocal. Perception is that it is that sound is more dynamic, lighter and faster.
On the other side in the new one the highest tones are very vell controlled. What I would call the weak point are bit recessed mids, Barney's vocal is liittle too shy. On the other side the new version has fuller low mids and fantastic, more voluminous, deeper but still well controled bass.
For the actual price (paid 12Eur) the new one is definitely the stomper. My honest recommendation.
EDIT 17.09.2021: Just listened and compared both abovementioned versions by full power, very loud on my system. I have to admit that 1st. UK press is much more dynamic and expressive compare to the new version. By silent comparison this was not as much apparent. Still for me the new version is good for money deal.
Older has more sparkling high tones, sometimes even bit aggressive and definitelly better mids, especially vocal. Perception is that it is that sound is more dynamic, lighter and faster.
On the other side in the new one the highest tones are very vell controlled. What I would call the weak point are bit recessed mids, Barney's vocal is liittle too shy. On the other side the new version has fuller low mids and fantastic, more voluminous, deeper but still well controled bass.
For the actual price (paid 12Eur) the new one is definitely the stomper. My honest recommendation.
EDIT 17.09.2021: Just listened and compared both abovementioned versions by full power, very loud on my system. I have to admit that 1st. UK press is much more dynamic and expressive compare to the new version. By silent comparison this was not as much apparent. Still for me the new version is good for money deal.
Crank it up! Clear, rich, deep bass…amazing pressing. 5 stars. Playing off a Rega Elex-R, Rega P3, Focal Aria 906 and Rel T5x.

Edited 10 months ago
Wobbling so much never seen on a record until today but the wobbling it is detected with a oblique light.
The record seems to be flat but somehow can put the lot of stress on the stylus
Because of that wobbling, in B side, just on the beginning of the track could hear a rumble.
The record seems to be flat but somehow can put the lot of stress on the stylus
Because of that wobbling, in B side, just on the beginning of the track could hear a rumble.

referencing Blue Monday (12", 45 RPM, Single) FAC 73
New Orders best selling 12 " ever. although New Order lost 0.10p ukp on every copy sold! due to the cover being too much to produce. The management skills of Factory lol. All that money lost, the debt the Hacienda was in kept afloat aslong as it did only by New Order Record sales. Its an awesome story to tell. 0161.