By kosmikdstroyer 
The History of the Back To Mine Series
The Back To Mine series is a celebrated collection of DJ mix albums where renowned artists compile tracks that reflect their personal after-hours listening tastes. Launched in the late 1990s, the series offers an intimate glimpse into the musical influences and inspirations of diverse musicians, spanning genres from electronic to soul, reggae, jazz, and beyond. Each installment is carefully curated to create a unique atmosphere for relaxed, late-night grooving, often featuring rare and eclectic tracks that showcase the compiler’s artistry beyond their own productions.
New Order’s Sonic Vision
New Order, the legendary electronic pioneers responsible for shaping synth-pop, post-punk, and electronic music as we know it, brought their refined sensibilities to the 2002 Back To Mine compilation. Their selection, released in 2002, represents a curated journey through the musical influences that shaped the band’s legendary career. Mixed and edited by John McCready and Graham Massey at Vernon’s Yard in Manchester, this compilation stands as a testament to New Order’s impeccable taste and deep knowledge of electronic music across multiple decades.
The compilation features 14 carefully selected tracks that showcase genres ranging from funk and soul to progressive electronic and avant-garde experimentation. New Order’s Back To Mine is described as “personally selected for after hours grooving,” embodying the intimate, nocturnal ethos the series is known for. Unlike some other entries in the series, New Order’s version feels distinctly rooted in their own musical DNA – a reflection of the sounds and artists that influenced their groundbreaking work.Key Tracks from New Order’s Back To Mine
Captain Beefheart & The Magic Band – “Big Eyed Beans From Venus”
Opening the compilation with avant-garde jazz-rock fusion, this track sets an unconventional tone. Beefheart’s experimental approach and the band’s unconventional musical arrangements create a hypnotic, alien soundscape – perfect for showcasing New Order’s appreciation for boundary-pushing music.
Primal Scream – “Higher Than The Sun (Original Version)”
A shimmering acid house classic that bridges the gap between rock and electronic music. This 10+ minute epic perfectly captures the atmospheric, psychedelic aesthetic that New Order held dear.
Missy Elliott – “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)”
A bold hip-hop choice that demonstrates New Order’s ear for contemporary urban music. The 90s production and Missy’s innovative vocal approach align with the band’s own forward-thinking production philosophy.
Donna Summer – “I Feel Love (Patrick Cowley Mix)”
A transcendent disco-electronic hybrid that blends Giorgio Moroder’s synth work with Summer’s soaring vocals. This track perfectly exemplifies the electronic music heritage that deeply influenced New Order’s foundation.
New Order – Back To Mine Complete Tracklist
- Rhythim Is Rhythim – The Dance
- Doves – M62 Song
- Roxy Music – In Every Dream Home a Heartache
- Missy Elliott – The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)
- Mantronix – Bassline
- Cat Stevens – Was Dog a Doughnut?
- CAN – Mushroom
- Donna Summer – I Feel Love (Patrick Cowley Mix)
- Borodin String Quartet – Ravel String Quartet In F Major (Très Lent Excerpt)
- Captain Beefheart & The Magic Band – Big Eyed Beans From Venus
- Primal Scream – Higher Than The Sun (Original Version)
- Michael Jackson – Human Nature (Trouser Press Mix)
- Marvin Gaye – Let’s Get It On
- David Bowie – Subterraneans
Conclusion
New Order’s Back To Mine is more than just a compilation; it’s a masterclass in musical appreciation and curation. By bringing together everything from Krautrock pioneers and funk legends to contemporary hip-hop and psychedelic acid house, New Order demonstrates why they remain one of the most influential acts in electronic music history. This 2002 release captures the band during a period of creative renewal while honoring the diverse influences that shaped their iconic sound. Whether you’re a longtime New Order devotee or exploring their musical roots for the first time, Back To Mine offers a rich, intellectually stimulating listening experience that continues to resonate decades after its release.