The Perfect Kiss
Encyclopedia
"The Perfect Kiss" is a song by the English rock
band New Order
. It is the first New Order song to be included on a studio album
at the same time as its release as a single. The vinyl version has Factory catalogue number FAC 123 and the video has the opposite number, FAC 321.
s croaking melodically. The band reportedly included them because Morris loved the effect and was looking for any excuse to use it. At the end of a track, the faint bleating of a (synthesized) sheep can be heard. Sheep samples would reappear in later New Order singles "Fine Time
" and "Ruined in a Day
". Despite being a fan favourite, the song was not performed live between 1993 and 2006 due to the complexity of converting the programs from the E-mu Emulator to the new Roland
synthesizer. However, it returned to the live set at a performance in Athens
on 3 June 2006.
"The Perfect Kiss" reached only #46 in the UK charts, most likely due to a lack of marketing by Factory Records
and the obscure Peter Saville sleeve: uniform grey with the word "perfect" embossed on the front side and "kiss The" on the back, like a wraparound band. It was about this time that the photographer Geoff Power [see "Shellshock
"] was introduced to Peter Saville. So enamoured was Peter by Geoff's work that he originally offered the photographer the cover to Low-Life. Then when that fell through, they worked on a cover for "The Perfect Kiss" using one of Geoff's photographs, which can be seen later in New Order's songbook, 'X'. With time running out and Peter's decision not to run with this image - it didn't fit in Peter's subsequent portraits of the band on Low-Life - Geoff was offered an OMD album cover instead. Suffice to say Geoff decided to hang on until a subsequent New Order release came up a year later ["Shellshock"].
has not clarified the song's meaning and as such it has many interpretations. In one, the lyrics describe a night out gone awry. The narrator describes a surprise visit by an unhinged friend who is carrying a firearm
. Despite his better judgement, the narrator accepts his friend's invitation to go out. The friend is killed in some unspecified violent act and the narrator expresses regret that he had not stayed home (and, one can infer, masturbated
, from the line "...should have stayed at home/playing with my pleasure zone"). The song concludes with his understanding that "the perfect kiss is the kiss of death."
", New Order's 1983 dance epic. This version also appears on the vinyl edition of Substance
, with the CD pressings deleting 44 seconds of the climatic finale, due to time limitations of the CD format in 1987 (future remasterings of Substance did not restore the missing 44 seconds, even though newer CDs would allow for it). The full version was eventually released unedited on the 2-disc deluxe edition of Low-Life, marking its first appearance on CD.
The version on the original Low-Life
and all post-Substance compilations is a 4:48 edit that omits the third verse (the one that mentions the song's title) and fades out before the climax. This version is present on the A-side of the 7" single from the Philippines; most 7" issues from other countries have on the A-side a version that is further edited to 4:24 (in some or all cases without the percussion introduction). The UK 7" promo release on Factory Records is a rarely-heard edit which compresses most of the elements of the full, 8:46 version (including the ending but not the third verse) into 3:50.
There is also a live studio recording which corresponds to the music video; it is available on the bonus disc included with some editions of Retro
and on various promotional vinyl releases.
The song has been remixed by third parties like Razormaid and Hot Tracks and has been covered by bands including Capsule Giants, Nude,
International,
Paradoxx, Razed in a New Division of Agony,
and Amoeba Crunch.
of the A-side with added effects; it notably features the opening of the album version
. "Perfect Pit" is a short recording of synthesized bass and drum parts that sounds like Gillian Gilbert
and Stephen Morris practicing.
directed "The Perfect Kiss" video, which is unlike any other New Order clip. Set in the band's practice room, it simply depicts the band playing the song from beginning to end. According to Factory Records
owner Tony Wilson
, Demme was looking forward to filming dynamic shots of Stephen Morris behind the drum kit and was dismayed to find that the drums in the song were all programmed.
The video appeared on the Substance 1989 VHS
tape and the DVD A Collection. An edit of the video version appeared on a US 12" single in 1985. The full audio take, including Demme's remarks before and after the performance, appeared on a bonus CD included with early copies of the box set Retro. Since it is a unique live performance, the video version of the song sounds different from other released versions.
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
band New Order
New Order
New Order are an English rock band formed in 1980 by Bernard Sumner , Peter Hook and Stephen Morris...
. It is the first New Order song to be included on a studio album
Studio album
A studio album is an album made up of tracks recorded in the controlled environment of a recording studio. A studio album contains newly written and recorded or previously unreleased or remixed material, distinguishing itself from a compilation or reissue album of previously recorded material, or...
at the same time as its release as a single. The vinyl version has Factory catalogue number FAC 123 and the video has the opposite number, FAC 321.
Background
The song has a complex arrangement which includes a number of instruments and methods not normally used by New Order. For example, a bridge features frogFrog
Frogs are amphibians in the order Anura , formerly referred to as Salientia . Most frogs are characterized by a short body, webbed digits , protruding eyes and the absence of a tail...
s croaking melodically. The band reportedly included them because Morris loved the effect and was looking for any excuse to use it. At the end of a track, the faint bleating of a (synthesized) sheep can be heard. Sheep samples would reappear in later New Order singles "Fine Time
Fine Time
"Fine Time" is a song by New Order released in 1988 and the first single from their 1989 album Technique. The B-side "Fine Line" is simply the A-side without Bernard Sumner's vocals....
" and "Ruined in a Day
Ruined in a Day
"Ruined in a Day" is a song by British electronic group New Order. It was released as the second single from their 1993 album Republic. It also appeared on the group's Best of compilation the following year, and on the 2005 chronology Singles....
". Despite being a fan favourite, the song was not performed live between 1993 and 2006 due to the complexity of converting the programs from the E-mu Emulator to the new Roland
Roland Corporation
is a Japanese manufacturer of electronic musical instruments, electronic equipment and software. It was founded by Ikutaro Kakehashi in Osaka on April 18, 1972, with ¥33 million in capital. In 2005 Roland's headquarters relocated to Hamamatsu in Shizuoka Prefecture. Today it has factories in Japan,...
synthesizer. However, it returned to the live set at a performance in Athens
Athens
Athens , is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state...
on 3 June 2006.
"The Perfect Kiss" reached only #46 in the UK charts, most likely due to a lack of marketing by Factory Records
Factory Records
Factory Records was a Manchester based British independent record label, started in 1978 by Tony Wilson and Alan Erasmus, which featured several prominent musical acts on its roster such as Joy Division, New Order, A Certain Ratio, The Durutti Column, Happy Mondays, Northside and James and...
and the obscure Peter Saville sleeve: uniform grey with the word "perfect" embossed on the front side and "kiss The" on the back, like a wraparound band. It was about this time that the photographer Geoff Power [see "Shellshock
Shellshock (song)
"Shellshock" is a single released by British group New Order in March 1986. The song originally appeared on the soundtrack to the movie Pretty in Pink one month prior to its single release...
"] was introduced to Peter Saville. So enamoured was Peter by Geoff's work that he originally offered the photographer the cover to Low-Life. Then when that fell through, they worked on a cover for "The Perfect Kiss" using one of Geoff's photographs, which can be seen later in New Order's songbook, 'X'. With time running out and Peter's decision not to run with this image - it didn't fit in Peter's subsequent portraits of the band on Low-Life - Geoff was offered an OMD album cover instead. Suffice to say Geoff decided to hang on until a subsequent New Order release came up a year later ["Shellshock"].
Interpretations
Bernard SumnerBernard Sumner
Bernard Sumner , also known as Bernard Dickin, Bernard Dicken and Bernard Albrecht is an English singer-songwriter, guitarist, keyboard player and producer....
has not clarified the song's meaning and as such it has many interpretations. In one, the lyrics describe a night out gone awry. The narrator describes a surprise visit by an unhinged friend who is carrying a firearm
Firearm
A firearm is a weapon that launches one, or many, projectile at high velocity through confined burning of a propellant. This subsonic burning process is technically known as deflagration, as opposed to supersonic combustion known as a detonation. In older firearms, the propellant was typically...
. Despite his better judgement, the narrator accepts his friend's invitation to go out. The friend is killed in some unspecified violent act and the narrator expresses regret that he had not stayed home (and, one can infer, masturbated
Masturbation
Masturbation refers to sexual stimulation of a person's own genitals, usually to the point of orgasm. The stimulation can be performed manually, by use of objects or tools, or by some combination of these methods. Masturbation is a common form of autoeroticism...
, from the line "...should have stayed at home/playing with my pleasure zone"). The song concludes with his understanding that "the perfect kiss is the kiss of death."
Versions
Lasting nearly 9 minutes, the full 12" single version of the song is longer than even "Blue MondayBlue Monday (New Order song)
"Blue Monday" is a single released in 1983 by British band New Order, and later remixed in 1988 and 1995. The song has been widely remixed and covered since its original release, and became a popular anthem in the dance club scene.-Background:...
", New Order's 1983 dance epic. This version also appears on the vinyl edition of Substance
Substance 1987
-Chart positions:...
, with the CD pressings deleting 44 seconds of the climatic finale, due to time limitations of the CD format in 1987 (future remasterings of Substance did not restore the missing 44 seconds, even though newer CDs would allow for it). The full version was eventually released unedited on the 2-disc deluxe edition of Low-Life, marking its first appearance on CD.
The version on the original Low-Life
Low-Life
Low-Life is the third studio album by English rock band New Order. Released in May 1985 by Qwest Records, Low-Life is considered to be among New Order's strongest work, displaying the moment in which the band completed its transformation from post-punk hold-overs to dance rock pioneers...
and all post-Substance compilations is a 4:48 edit that omits the third verse (the one that mentions the song's title) and fades out before the climax. This version is present on the A-side of the 7" single from the Philippines; most 7" issues from other countries have on the A-side a version that is further edited to 4:24 (in some or all cases without the percussion introduction). The UK 7" promo release on Factory Records is a rarely-heard edit which compresses most of the elements of the full, 8:46 version (including the ending but not the third verse) into 3:50.
There is also a live studio recording which corresponds to the music video; it is available on the bonus disc included with some editions of Retro
Retro (New Order album)
Retro is a 2002 box set of music by the English band New Order. It comprises four themed CDs. In the UK, initial quantities came with a fifth disc which featured rare tracks.-History:The box set was released as a compromise...
and on various promotional vinyl releases.
The song has been remixed by third parties like Razormaid and Hot Tracks and has been covered by bands including Capsule Giants, Nude,
International,
Paradoxx, Razed in a New Division of Agony,
and Amoeba Crunch.
B-sides
"The Kiss of Death" is a typical New Order dub version: it is a mostly instrumental remixRemix
A remix is an alternative version of a recorded song, made from an original version. This term is also used for any alterations of media other than song ....
of the A-side with added effects; it notably features the opening of the album version
Low-Life
Low-Life is the third studio album by English rock band New Order. Released in May 1985 by Qwest Records, Low-Life is considered to be among New Order's strongest work, displaying the moment in which the band completed its transformation from post-punk hold-overs to dance rock pioneers...
. "Perfect Pit" is a short recording of synthesized bass and drum parts that sounds like Gillian Gilbert
Gillian Gilbert
Gillian Lesley Gilbert is an English musician, keyboardist, guitarist and singer, best known as a member of New Order and a founding member of The Other Two.-Biography:...
and Stephen Morris practicing.
Music video
Jonathan DemmeJonathan Demme
Robert Jonathan Demme is an American filmmaker, producer and screenwriter. Best known for directing The Silence of the Lambs, which won him the Academy Award for Best Director, he has also directed the acclaimed movies Philadelphia, Rachel Getting Married, the Talking Heads concert movie Stop...
directed "The Perfect Kiss" video, which is unlike any other New Order clip. Set in the band's practice room, it simply depicts the band playing the song from beginning to end. According to Factory Records
Factory Records
Factory Records was a Manchester based British independent record label, started in 1978 by Tony Wilson and Alan Erasmus, which featured several prominent musical acts on its roster such as Joy Division, New Order, A Certain Ratio, The Durutti Column, Happy Mondays, Northside and James and...
owner Tony Wilson
Tony Wilson
Anthony Howard Wilson, commonly known as Tony Wilson , was an English record label owner, radio presenter, TV show host, nightclub manager, impresario and journalist for Granada Television and the BBC....
, Demme was looking forward to filming dynamic shots of Stephen Morris behind the drum kit and was dismayed to find that the drums in the song were all programmed.
The video appeared on the Substance 1989 VHS
VHS
The Video Home System is a consumer-level analog recording videocassette standard developed by Victor Company of Japan ....
tape and the DVD A Collection. An edit of the video version appeared on a US 12" single in 1985. The full audio take, including Demme's remarks before and after the performance, appeared on a bonus CD included with early copies of the box set Retro. Since it is a unique live performance, the video version of the song sounds different from other released versions.
UK/US 12" - FAC 123
- "The Perfect Kiss" – 8:46
- "The Kiss of Death" – 7:02
- "Perfect Pit" – 1:24
Chart positions
| Chart (1985) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia ARIA Singles Chart ARIA Charts The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June... |
85 |
| Irish Singles Chart Irish Singles Chart The Irish Singles Chart is Ireland's music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by the Irish Recorded Music Association and compiled on behalf of the IRMA by Chart-Track. Chart rankings are based on sales, which are compiled through over-the-counter retail data captured... |
15 |
| New Zealand RIANZ Recording Industry Association of New Zealand The Recording Industry Association of New Zealand is a non-profit trade association of record producers, distributors and recording artists who sell music in New Zealand... Singles Chart |
10 |
| UK Singles Chart UK Singles Chart The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ... |
46 |
| UK Indie Singles UK Indie Chart The UK Independent Chart or Indie Chart is a chart of the best-selling independent record releases in the UK.- History :In the wake of punk, small record labels began to spring up, as an outlet for artists that were unwilling to sign contracts with major record companies, or were not considered... |
1 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play | 5 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Singles Sales Hot Dance Singles Sales Hot Dance Singles Sales is a chart released weekly by Billboard magazine in the United States, established in 1985. It measures the sale of commercially released singles that deal with dance music and remixes... |
5 |