Division
You've got your reasons
I've got mine
You've got your
secrets
Well that's fine
Separation
Between friends
Is
segregation
Between trends
Well you've got something
To say
Another message
To
portray
You have a problem
You're confined
To one conclusion
One
side
We're searching for the same thing but we move in different ways
Just
because division wants it that's the way it stays
When everybody shares the
same existence anyway
Division
Division
Division
Division
Division
Division
Without the labels
We'd agree
Without division
We'd be
free
Is such a freedom
Really there
Without division
In the
air
Was it the living
Or the dead
That put division
In our
heads
You've got your secrets
Well that's fine
You keep to your
side
I'll keep to mine
We're searching for the same thing but we move in different ways
Just
because division wants it that's the way it stays
When everybody shares the
same existence anyway
Division
Division
Division
Division
Division
Division
This has one of the best intros you'll find anywhere (no pun intended), with its beautifully crafted synth work and wonderful use of the stereo soundstage. So it's off to a great start before the track even gets going...
And get going it does. A distinctive feature of "Division" is that soaring/droning synth which underlies much of the track, beneath that classic fast beat. It helps to create a mood of sadness which I find beautiful. It's exactly this unique quality that appeals to me the most about New Musik - it's all mood. There's lots more going on too - plenty of reversed, treated cymbal effects for instance. And a good deal of repetition in the structure. Which as ever works wonderfully.
The lyrics describe alienation again. Subtle - not 'rammed down your throat', and intelligent. Very TM. And very well delivered. Let there be no doubt at all that Tony is a great vocalist.
And in no time at all we're up to the most memorable part, that false ending! After the slightly quick fade out the listener is taken by surprise when the instrumental section returns, only this time in reverse! It actually creates a whole new sound of its own, whilst at the same time sounding almost familiar as one of Tony's most favoured studio effects.
It's just a shame this ever has to end at all...
97/100
(Richard M)
The New Musik "Recipe"
Take an optimistic synth opening, throw in a speedy metronomic beat, add copious amounts of synth effects, oodles of melody and fantastic vocals. Then mix well as only TM can. Serve repeatedly, mixing the ingredients in reverse each time.
It's hard to think of anything more "New Musik" than 'Division'.
I could eulogise about its varied and many credentials. But what makes 'Division', in common with many tracks on this album, so utterly fantastic is that it's a damn fine pop song, immaculately produced, not an ounce of fat, and its infectious nature stays with you all day. Fresh ingredients, put together uniquely and meticulously. Tony's trademark, indeed NM's trademark.
This recent sequence of tracks for me transcended NM to even greater heights of enjoyment. They were at their peak.
Just a detail point. Can anyone else hear what sounds like vinyl "rumble" as the main track ends, just before the short reversed epilogue appears?
(Graham G)
Division, not a great tune by Tony's standards but superb production and inspired backwards reprise at the end. Typical Tony lyrics, nothing new there.
And like churches a one word chorus. A good way to start to wind the album down, ready to turn the vinyl over and start side one again after the next track, take me back to room one. Okay, Tony.
(Rich E)