Technique released

By this time, the group was heavily influenced by the Balearic sounds of Ibiza , which were making their way into the Haçienda. Partly recorded at Mediterranean Sound studios on Ibiza, Technique was released in February 1989. The album entered the charts at number one in the UK and contained a mix of acid house influence (as on the opening track ” Fine Time “) and a more traditional rock sound (as on the single ” Run 2 “). The album is a blend of upbeat, accessible music coupled with blunt, poignant lyrics. During the summer of 1989, New Order supported Technique by touring with Public Image Ltd , Throwing Muses and the Sugarcubes across the United States and Canada in what the press dubbed the “Monsters of Alternative Rock” tour. Around this time, band members also began side projects, including Electronic (Sumner with Johnny Marr ) and Revenge (Hook with Davyth Hicks). Morris and Gilbert began to work together on outside TV theme production work. In 1991, the band was sued by the publishing company of American singer John Denver , who claimed that the guitar break in “Run 2″ was similar to his song ” Leaving on a Jet Plane “. The case was settled out of court, and the song has since been credited to both New Order and John Denver.