Musique 365: Day 339: Vienna – Ultravox

My first brush with Midge and the boys came in 1983 when a friend lent me ‘Quartet’. I went out and bought a double-play cassette of ‘Vienna’ backed with ‘Rage in Eden’, which was recorded on tape so thin it was hardly there. The sound quality may not have been high but it received a lot of play time until it was finally chewed by a ravenous car stereo. Anyway, I digress … This is an album that is a prime example of early 80’s European electronic new wave, which (although famous for its title track) has other contenders for highlights. ‘Passing Strangers’ is almost singalong by nature, whereas ‘Astradyne’ is an atmospheric instrumental opener. The influence of Kraftwerk collaborator Conny Plank as producer comes shining through in the brooding and dark …

Stand-Out Track: Mr X

Musique 365: Day 253: Rage In Eden – Ultravox

Predecessor to ‘Quartet’ and probably a more rounded end product, IMO. Songs are given time to develop. ‘Stranger Within’ is something of a bleak, chug-along 7-minuter, with ‘Your Name (Has Slipped My Mind Again)’ doing little to raise our spirits either. However, ‘The Thin Wall’ and ‘The Voice’ are more recognisable, and it is the lesser-known tracks like ‘We Stand Alone’ and this next one that are worth closer examination for those wanting an early 80’s nostalgia hit.

Stand-Out Track: I Remember (Death In The Afternoon)

 

Musique 365: Day 251: Quartet – Ultravox

This was my first encounter with Ultravox (circa 1983 if memory serves, cassette version borrowed from a friend) and it was to be the first of many. ‘Reap The Wild Wind’ is a breezy opener (sorry), ‘Vision In Blue’ is all moody synths, while ‘Hymn’ is a classic 80’s track.

Stand-Out Track: Hymn

Musique 365: Day 198: Monument – Ultravox

I saw the tour which followed this one – Birmingham Odeon, Summer 1984. A strangely short live album (35 minutes), so only a taste of what was offered up on the evening itself. However, it’s a good taste, with the drum solo end to ‘The Voice’ still quite breathtaking.

Stand-Out Track: The Voice

Musique 365: Day 155: Lament – Ultravox

Ultravox made their final album of note in 1984, with a heavier sound which relied less on the synths of their earlier material. The title track was a bit of a dirge, but with ‘White China’, ‘Dancing With Tears In Their Eyes’ and ‘One Small Day’, pace and vigour were injected to good effect.

Stand-Out Track: One Small Day