October 1985: New Order Release "Sub-culture"

New Order, Bernard Sumner, Gillian Gilbert, Manhattan Club, Leuven, Belgium, 17th December 1985. (Photo by Gie Knaeps/Getty Images)
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(Gie Knaeps/Getty Images)

It was on October 28, 1985, when New Order released the second and final single from the band's third studio album, Low-Life: "Sub-Culture." The track was an early fan favorite from the full-length, ideal for the single treatment.

RELATED: August 1987: New Order Release "Substance"

The version that came as a single, however, was a very different beast than the album version. The single featured the remix work of John Robie, who pumped up the track with dramatic samples and additional beats. The single mix quickly became a dance floor hit on the international underground club circuit. It's the version many fans know from its inclusion on the legendary comp, Substance 1987.

For some New Order fans, though, the original version was the superior mix. It's a debate that's raged among the group's following ever since.

"Sub-Culture" made enough noise to register at the Billboard chart level, peaking at #18 on the Hot Dance Singles Sales chart, and #35 on the Hot Dance Club Play chart.

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