The Perfect New Order 12-Inch Remix

While they can't claim to have invented the 12-inch remix, Mancunian music institution New Order can however claim to be the most intrepid innovators of this particular art form. From the nascent, tentative dabblings of the early era to the radically inventive reworkings a quarter of a century later, New Order's remixes have perpetually helped to set the gold standard in dance remixes, taking in a myriad of electronica genres like house (Shep Pettibone doing "True Faith"), techno (the Perfecto team's makeover of "World"), ambient (the Magimix of "Spooky") and progressive trance (John Digweed's overhauling of 'Crystal").

However, the best New Order 12-inch isn't done by any outside producer, nor is it influenced or informed by any so-called "trendy" movement of the day. The remix in question is the interpretation of the classic 1985 single "The Perfect Kiss", as done by New Order themselves. How is this particular eight-minute remodelling first-class? Let me count the ways:

1. The thrilling build-up, with each individual instrument gradually introduced into the mix until it all becomes one kaleidoscopic sonic epic.

2. The incredibly assured chorus, with processed synth strings, Bernard Sumner's usual vocal nonchalance and Peter Hook's familiar intuitive bass line.

3. The croaking-frog instrumental breakdown: The finest use of amphibian sounds on record.

4. The ballsy instrumental outro, a wild melange of instruments all vying for space. The best last two minutes of any 12-inch, ever.