A new post for the new year! I have been listening to music far and wide but I am going to start the new year with something old and new. First let us start with some old...
By stepping back into the eighties I have found yet again another album and new group to expand my horizons. Ultravox was one essential New Wave/Synth Pop group that was laying down the foundation for the likes of the Euythmics, Duran Duran and others like them. Formed in Britain, Ultravox wouldn't see the success in the States like Duran Duran did, but they still hold a place in many hearts.
Ultravox has been around since the 70's but it wasn't until they found success with singer James (Midge) Ure in the early 80's. His cool, calm and collective voice with suits and ties, surrendered us to what was to become the real start of their careers.
Quick back story, Ultravox formed back in 1974. Originally called Tiger Lily with vocalist Dennis Leigh, keyboardist/violinist Billy Currie, drummer Warren Cann, bassist Chris Allen(Cross) and Stevie Shears on guitar. Sometime in 1976 they dropped Leigh and replaced him with John Foxx as lead vocalist and started using the name Ultravox! (notice the exclamation point). During Foxx's tenure they cut 3 albums with him leading the group. It was also during this time that they were more Post Punk/Glam rock than what was the Synth Pop/New Wave sound with Ure heading the group. During the touring of the last album with Foxx, the band almost split. In 1979 Ure came along after a time with Thin Lizzy, meeting up with Billy Currie in the short lived group Visage, the new Ultravox was formed along with other original members Cann and Cross.
The band's first album with Ure as singer was a commercial success, which was a surprise since the group had a fan base to begin with but with no real commerical success with Foxx. It was a slow rise but as the saying says "Third times the charm." really fit. Their third single "Vienna" is the bands rise to fame and most notable song off the debut album, Vienna with Midge Ure's vocals.
I seem to be stuck on this New Wave trend, but if I need to get a new fix on something old, I am glad it's with Ultravox. Having a vague recollection of hearing the faint piano melody of "Vienna", sticks in my mind. Not at all happy and upbeat, Ultravox tends to lean toward the dark side of New Wave Romantics. Cynical and creepy at times is what turned me onto this group.
Now the album Vienna is armed with synths, guitar and drum machines. The best you could do in the eighties and that's what Ultravox set out to accomplish. The album opener "Astradyne" is a lovely synth instrumental to get things going in the right direction, it is majestic and with the violin strolling through you get a sense of what is to come. We get a peek of post-punk with the second song "New Europeans".
My favorite tracks are "Vienna" of course with its eerie vibe. Just drum and piano until the break in the song where it changes mood and sounds like you've drifted into a Victorian era movie before ending with Ure telling "This means nothing to me.......oh Vienna"
"Sleepwalk" sounds like a Vince Clark/Depeche Mode number which is a great dance song. I have to say I don't care for the early Depeche Mode, but "Sleepwalk" reminds me of the pace that all New Wave bands were keen to keep on the radio, upbeat and danceable. "Mr. X" is a moody number and a real treat with our drummer Warren taking on vocal duties. Not really singing but storytelling is Mr. Cann's way to keeping fans amused. Last on the favorite list is the last song on the album, "All Stood Still". Dark and fast with a catch of Ure's cute Scottish brogue if you listen closely. Plus Ure's guitar work is awesome to say the least. Not exactly guitar god - Clapton, but still manages to grab you.
If you want to treat your self, go get the 2008 Definitive Remastered Edition of Vienna. You are treates to some live versions of the songs along with the best B-sides the group have done. In my honest opinion, "Passionate Reply" should have been on the album but is a nice treat along with the instrumental song "Alles Klar". I will be playing "Alles Klar" for a while as I have found it to be my new theme for the month. I would love to jump back to the 80's to hear this song spun on the DJ's table. Hey how about a remix to pump the song to new levels? Or we can just sit back and let Ultravox take us away to the days were suits and ties were worn all the time, by man and woman. Speaking of which, that will bring me to my next review. Check back soon!
