203. Mac McCaughan Discusses New Order, Power, Corruption & Lies

Send us Fan MailOn this episode, Superchunk frontman and Merge Records co-founder Mac McCaughan talks to Al about New Order’s 1983 album Power, Corruption & Lies. Mac discusses why he decided to buy Power, Corruption & Lies not long after it was released, even though he was largey unfamiliar with New Order’s music, and why the album has been a favorite of his for more than 40 years. He also talks about what he likes about New Order more generally and how he feels about the band’s discography as a whole. Mac explains how the theme for Superchunk’s new album, Songs in the Key of Yikes, came together, and he also alerts us to some other recent and upcoming releases on Merge Records.There’s a lot to keep up with for Mac, Superchunk and Merge Records, and here’s where you can best find out what’s happening.Mac on Instagram: @macsuperchunkSuperchunk website: https://superchunk.com/Merge Records on Instagram: @mergerecordsMerge website: https://www.mergerecords.com/Be sure to sign up for the YMAAA Newsletter at youmealbum.ghost.io. The first two episodes of Bonus Tracks—YMAAA’s subscriber-only podcast series—are now available at patreon.com/youmealbum, and more episodes and other good stuff are soon to come. Please consider subscribing! Your support will make it possible for Al to keep this podcast going.To keep up with You, Me and An Album, please give the show a follow on Instagram at @youmealbum.1:19 Mac joins the show1:30 Mac highlights the aspects of Power, Corruption & Lies that appealed to him when he first listened to it7:23 New Order employs patience in their songwriting and arrangements9:05 Mac appreciates the human elements of Power, Corruption & Lies12:44 Mac explains how New Order created emotion differently from other bands from the ‘80s16:20 Mac mentions a few of the songs on the album that kept him coming back to it18:14 Mac thinks the mid-‘80s were as an especially good period for New Order20:38 Mac admires New Order’s arrangements23:08 Has Superchunk’s guitar sound been influenced by New Order?26:36 What does Mac think about New Order’s discography as a whole?29:49 New Order made great music, even when partying was a big priority for them31:19 Mac is impressed by the success that New Order had despite the lack of a gimmick36:40 Mac explains how Superchunk came up with the title for their new album39:59 Mac talks about the artwork for Songs in the Key of Yikes40:58 Mac talks about the addition of Laura King to Superchunk42:02 Mac mentions some recent and upcoming releases on Merge RecordsOutro music is from “Care Less” by Superchunk.Support the show