This came out in 2001 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
Try Get Ready to Rock. On this long-awaited return, English synth-pop pioneers New Order seem to have reconnected with their inner post-punks. And not a moment too soon.
After a slew of bland, forgettable albums like — uh, you know, that one with the thing — the brace of guitar-heavy cuts and hard-rocking beats on this strong 10-track set are a treat. From the dark, slash ’n’ burn chords that churn behind the dance melodies of Crystal and Primitive Notion to the dark Stranglers-style pop of Slow Jam and the glam-garage, string-tugging propulsion of the pumpin’ Rock the Shack (is that title itself not proof of the band’s rejuvenation?), Get Ready is as alive, warm and animated as New Order have ever been — and as close as they’ve come to revisiting their Joy Division roots in some time. I’m already ready for the sequel.
