I’m not a very big fan of Joy Division covers. Like my compatriot over at Yo Noise, who can count the number of good Joy Division covers on one hand, I find them to be just one of those bands that can make you sound silly when you try to cover them. Needless to say, I was more than ready to dislike Hot Chip’s version of “Transmission” but found myself surprised and intrigued. Hot Chip manage to do something interesting with the song, while staying true to its inherent creepiness. The steel drums may make your whole body cringe, but the slightly bouncier beat and re-worked bassline are inarguably infectious. The vocals are masked by ghostly vocoder effects to match Ian Curtis’ distinct and natural warble. It sacrifices the original’s explosive climax for a subtler mood shift, but it works.

Hot Chip – “Transmission” mp3