Written by: Paul Gleason

As the lead singer of The Charlatans, Tim Burgess is the frontman of one of the best and longest-lasting bands to emerge from the Madchester scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s.

While initially embracing the scene’s dance rhythms and psychedelic sounds on such crucial albums as 1990’s Some Friendly, 1992’s Between 10^th and 11^th, and 1994’s Up to Our Hips, The Charlatans diversified their sound on 1995’s The Charlatans and 1997’s masterwork Tellin’ Stories, in which the band explored underground dance music, techno, and classic rock.

And ever since the release of Tellin’ Stories, The Charlatans have continued their sonic explorations, delving into atmospheric keyboard textures, hip-hop beats, folk rock, disco, and reggae. And the band’s two most recent albums – 2008’s You Cross My Path and 2010’s Who We Touch – are their best records since Tellin’ Stories.

Burgess’ voice holds The Charlatans’ records together like glue, no matter where the muse takes the music – and this year’s documentary and live DVD, Mountain Picnic Blues, provides insight into his process by delving into his band’s history from the making of Tellin’ Stories to the present.

A tremendous admirer of Joy Division and New Order, Burgess has contributed five lists to celebrate the work of founding bassist Peter Hook.

Top Five New Order Albums

1. Power, Corruption & Lies, 1983

2. Technique, 1989

3. Low-Life, 1985

4. Brotherhood, 1986

5. Movement, 1981

Top Five Joy Division and New Order Singles

1. “Confusion,” New Order, 1983 (Rereleased on Substance 1987)

2. “Atmosphere,” Joy Division, 1980 (Rereleased on Substance, 1988)

3. “Blue Monday,” New Order, 1983 (Rereleased on Substance 1987)

4. “Temptation,” New Order, 1982 (Rereleased on Substance 1987)

5. “Thieves Like Us,” New Order, 1984 (Rereleased on Substance 1987)

Top Five Ian Curtis Lyrics

1. “In a Lonely Place,” New Order, Single, 1981 (Rereleased on Substance 1987)

2. “Heart and Soul,” Joy Division, Closer, 1980

3. “Love Will Tear Us Apart,” Joy Division, Single, 1980 (Rereleased on Substance, 1988)

4. “The Only Mistake,” Joy Division, Still, 1981

5. “New Dawn Fades,” Joy Division, Unknown Pleasures, 1979

Top Five Peter Hook Bass Solos

1. “No Love Lost,” Joy Division, An Ideal for Living, 1978 (Rereleased on Substance, 1988)

2. “Broken Promises,” New Order, Brotherhood, 1986

3. “Dead Souls,” Joy Division, Single, 1980 (Rereleased on Substance, 1988)

4. “Age of Consent,” New Order, Power, Corruption & Lies, 1983

5. “Love Less,” New Order, Technique, 1989

Top Five Ian Curtis Vocals

1. “Atmosphere,” Single, 1980 (Rereleased on Substance, 1988)

2. “She’s Lost Control,” Unknown Pleasures, 1979

3. “Decades,” Closer, 1980

4. “The Eternal,” Closer, 1980

5. “The Only Mistake,” Still, 1981