9. New Order - Blue Monday
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwupfdyXGfY&feature=youtu.be Blue Monday is a fine testament to the creative power of accidents. The opening kick drum solo - one of the most instantly recognisable intros of all time - was in fact a random error. The band would usually write a new song every time they bought a new piece of equipment. In this case it happened to be the world's first amnesiac drum machine. The distinctive semi-quaver drum pattern was what the drum machine belched up on reboot, after drummer Stephen Morris accidentally kicked the mains chord out. That's the official story, although after the reputed quantities of LSD the band were guzzling, anything might be possible. Blue Monday scored huge sales, which should have been good news, however it turned out that as the cover of the record was so expensive to produce the band actually lost 5p on every copy. Factory label owner Anthony H. Wilson initially thought this was hilarious, although the band didn't quite see it that way. Ultimately though, it was the band's big break and with many reissues, remixes and having appeared on more compilations than you can fill a canyon with, it's fair to say the band got their dues. Suggested punching pattern: Just follow the drum beat like the metronomic steam-hammer you truly are.