Everything Flows: Regret

Trust me #98
Regret by New Order

I always feel warmer when I hear Regret by New Order. That opening burst of guitar and synth combining so naturally is a real rush that sends tingles down my spine. When it comes in again, like a stutter, you know you're in for something special. Then the groove supplied by Hook and Morris kicks in and oh how Regret groove and flows. Barney starts singing at 40-seconds in;

Maybe I've forgotten, the name and the address

Of everyone I've ever known, it's nothing I regret

This song always reminds me of travelling to Manchester on the Glasgow Manchester United Supporters Club bus. I'd previously travelled down by train the odd time, unaware that a bus left Glasgow for every home game! I only found out during a stadium tour when the guide told me about it. How had I missed this?

Branch secretary Dave Sharkey had encouraged me to make a mixtape up for my first bus down. Regret kicked in just as the bus was crossing over a flyover just outside of Manchester, sun streaming through the windows, bottle of beer in hand ... perfect. United beat Wimbledon 5-1, Cole (2), Giggs, Beckham and Yorke got the goals.

The chorus to Regret might be the most uplifting out and out chorus in the New Order cannon, bittersweet reflection wrapped in a euphoric melody.

I would like a place I could call my own

Have a conversation on the telephone

Wake up every day that would be a start

I would not complain about my wounded heart

I was a upset you see, almost all the time

You used to me a stranger, now you are mine

By the early '90s, New Order were at a crossroads. Factory Records was collapsing, their relationship with each other was strained, and Republic would ultimately be their last album for over a decade. Yet somehow, amidst the turmoil, they created Regret, a song that feels effortlessly cool and confident, yet loaded with unspoken emotion.

Peter Hook’s bass is played low down the fret, typically distinctive, immensely cool, it's tasty throughout, while his solo is delicious. Stephen Morris’ drums push everything forward with an urgent, driving energy. Gillian Gilbert’s synths shimmer in the background, giving the song that unmistakable New Order glow.

New Order are wizards with intro's and outro's and Regret is one of their very best with Peter Hook's bass groove beautifully entwined with Bernard Sumner's guitar chimes,

Just wait til tomorrow

I guess that's what they all say

Just before they fall apart

Did the band really play Regret on the set of Baywatch for Top of the Pops? Of course they did, this is New Order we're talking about. Surreal and sublime! Hooky throwing all kinds of shapes to impress the bikinin clad babes, Gillian wearing factor 90 and Barney looking super cool.

Regret official video

Regret - Baywatch for Top of the Pops

Regret is added to my Trust Me playlist; search for Everything Flows - Trust Me on Spotify or CLICK HERE. Check below for all previous blogs in my Trust Me series.