Martin "Zero" Hannett is a legendary figure, partly do to his creative production work on many influential records by the likes of Joy Division, The Buzzcocks, Magazine, New Order, The Stone Roses and others, and partly do to his eccentric, hedonistic behavior and lifestyle, peppered by heroin addiction.
Hannett helped to mold the sound that came out of Manchester, England in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He played bass with the Mandalaband, which eventually became Sad Cafe, but it was his production work that lives on past his death from heart failure on April 18, 1991.
In the late 70's Hannett was excited about introducing electronic synthesizers, even though they were facing opposition from rock & roll purists. It was Martin who convinced Joy Division to add synthesizers to their landmark album Unknown Pleasures. If you ask me, this fact alone is enough to land him a chapter in the book of rock & roll history.
This playlist highlights some of the greatest Martin Hannett produced tracks currently available. And it's his hand that gives the list such a dense feel.
The Playlist:
2. The Light Pours Out Of Me - Magazine
3. Electricity - Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
4. Pretty In Pink - The Psychedelic Furs
8. All Tomorrow's Parties - Blue Orchids
9. Quick As Rainbows - Kitchens Of Distinction
11. Love Will Tear Us Apart - Joy Division
12. Everything's Gone Green (Edit) - New Order
13. Soap Commercial - The Psychedelic Furs
14. Friendly Fires - Section 25
15. A Song From Under The Floorboards - Magazine