New Order: Bernard Sumner (vocals, guitar): Gillian Gilbert (keyboards); Peter Hook (bass); Stephen Morris (drums).

Producers include: New Order, Martin Hannett, Arthur Baker, John Robie, Stephen Hague.

One of many New Order compilations, 2002's RETRO distinguishes itself as a thematically arranged four-disc box set that covers the dance-friendly U.K. alt-rock band's 1981-2001 output. With all CDs arranged non-chronologically, the "Pop" disc features catchy usual-suspect singles such as "Blue Monday" and "True Faith," while "Fan" delves into revered lesser-known tracks such as the propulsive "Procession" and the chiming "Leave Me Alone." "Club," not surprisingly, consists largely of remixed tracks (including a Chemical Brothers-tweaked version of "Here to Stay"), and "Live" presents concert performances (most notably a '81 recording of "In a Lonely Place") selected by, of all people, Primal Scream's Bobby Gillespie. Far from a tidy collection, RETRO does touch on many fine moments by the beloved British act, though those looking for a more, well, orderly set may want to seek out '05's SINGLES.

Rolling Stone (1/23/03, p.68) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...For all of New Order's studio elegance and club-accessible mutability, the live disc is radically, raucously raw."

Spin (3/03, p.120) - "...You'll be surprised at how indelible the singles remain, how moving the early stuff is, and how hot the remixes are..."

Entertainment Weekly (1/3/03, p.64) - "...This beautiful box finally gives the post-Ian Curtis hitmakers the veneration they deserve." - Rating: A

Q (1/03, pp.128-9) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...RETRO preserves the enigma and fends off the fossilisation implicit in any retrospective..."

Uncut (01/03, p.130) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...Their musical legacy is beyond reach: untouchable, unimpeachable, immortal..."