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kenethlevine 
Special Collaborator
Prog-Folk Team
Joined: December 06 2006
Location: New England
Status: Offline
Points: 8857
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 Topic: Ultravox
Posted: August 31 2007 at 18:32 |
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I only really know the Midge Ure period. From that time, the most
commercially successful, and paradoxically my favourite album, was
"Quartet". It had some great songs, especially the beautiful
"Hymn" and the hypnotic "Visions in Blue". But I don't have a
problem keeping them off of PA. The stuff wasn't really prog, but
their attitude towards their material seemed proggy to me.
I think a lot of people here would like them. Based on the
descriptions of the earlier albums, I don't think I'd go in for the
John Foxx Ultravox., as much as I might respect their contributions.
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Spindle Marks
Forum Newbie
Joined: August 22 2007
Status: Offline
Points: 12
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Posted: August 31 2007 at 14:07 |
Nothing personal, but with 'Marillion' in your signature and a little snide at Kraftwerk I have to comment. What the hell have Marillion ever contributed?!
Put Ultravox! on here soon. Two 4 stars and a 3 coming up soon.
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Man Erg
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
Joined: August 26 2004
Location: Isle of Lucy
Status: Offline
Points: 7456
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Posted: June 14 2007 at 08:38 |
 Peter wrote:
Cheesecakemouse wrote:
Haven't heard any Ultrabvox, what do they sound like?, I do like the artsy pop of Talking Heads, is it kind of like that or what, I am interested. |
No, not in the least like the funky, feel-good, warm neurotica of Talking Heads -- classic Ultravox were more sonicly akin to colder, largely unsmiling synth-dominated artists like Gary Numan, Thomas Dolby, perhaps Tuxedo Moon, etc. Even somewhat like the freakier side of very early Simple Minds.
Very continental/Germanic in (overall) feel. The (American) Talking Heads were good to dance to -- a great party band (more like B52s, Devo, etc -- if better). Ultravox, an English act, were more like Bowie's Berlin period. The addition of later vocalist Midge Ure made them poppier, and much more commercially successful and accessible, but in their John Foxx - led first four LPs heyday, Ultravox were a band to 'trip out" to -- not "trip the light fantastic" to. No smiling, no humour -- almost inhuman.One classic title, "I Want to Be a Machine," pretty much sums up the crucial difference in approach and sound.
A bit dated now, really, but good. Very much a product of their times. "Progressive" rock only in a very literal sense (not the sense in which I use the term).
Still, they're admittedly a tough call for here. I'm mainly opposed to their addition because their inclusion would lead to a loud chorus of calls (both "yea" and "nay") for other similar/popular "new wave" acts from that 77- 85 era, when tons of new bands hit the airwaves, popular music was in fertile flux, and classic rock acts (including proggers) were dropping like tired, outmoded dinosaurs.
They're of potential interest to many prog fans, though. I'd recommend starting with their classic first album, the eponymous "Ultravox!" It's their best, IMO, with many of the band's signature, defining tracks.  |
Just to add that the first three albums were produced by Steve Lillywhite,Brian Eno and Conny Plank so you might get the gist from that. 
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 Do 'The Stanley' otherwise I'll thrash you with some rhubarb.
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Peter
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
Joined: January 31 2004
Location: Canada
Status: Offline
Points: 9669
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Posted: June 14 2007 at 08:20 |
Cesar Inca wrote:
Actually, their "Vienna" and "Rage in Eden" albums, while keeping a pop sensibilities in many places, are still very colorful and sophisticated. I think that Ure's entry, while relevant, was not as relevant as Currie's compositional vision being expanded after John Foxx left.
Kind regards. |
Oh, don't think i totally dismiss the Ure era, Cesar -- I just prefer the Foxx one. I think Vienna is a great album, Rage, though it was a disappointment to me overall, still has its moments, and though they became ever more commercial, at least to my ears, good stuff continued to come from the band thereafter (Lament, etc).
Ultravox were an essential act of their era, no doubt.
Nice to see you still posting here, BTW -- hope you are well down there in Peru.
Edited by Peter - June 14 2007 at 08:23
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"And, has thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!'
He chortled in his joy.
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Cesar Inca
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
Joined: May 19 2004
Location: Peru
Status: Offline
Points: 4888
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Posted: June 13 2007 at 22:45 |
Actually, their "Vienna" and "Rage in Eden" albums, while keeping a pop sensibilities in many places, are still very colorful and sophisticated. I think that Ure's entry, while relevant, was not as relevant as Currie's compositional vision being expanded after John Foxx left.
Kind regards.
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Cheesecakemouse
Forum Senior Member
Joined: April 05 2006
Location: New Zealand
Status: Offline
Points: 1751
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Posted: June 12 2007 at 04:08 |
Peter wrote:
Cheesecakemouse wrote:
Haven't heard any Ultrabvox, what do they sound like?, I do like the artsy pop of Talking Heads, is it kind of like that or what, I am interested. |
No, not in the least like the funky, feel-good, warm neurotica of Talking Heads -- classic Ultravox were more sonicly akin to colder, largely unsmiling synth-dominated artists like Gary Numan, Thomas Dolby, perhaps Tuxedo Moon, etc. Even somewhat like the freakier side of very early Simple Minds.
Very continental/Germanic in (overall) feel. The (American) Talking Heads were good to dance to -- a great party band (more like B52s, Devo, etc -- if better). Ultravox, an English act, were more like Bowie's Berlin period. The addition of later vocalist Midge Ure made them poppier, and much more commercially successful and accessible, but in their John Foxx - led first four LPs heyday, Ultravox were a band to 'trip out" to -- not "trip the light fantastic" to. No smiling, no humour -- almost inhuman.One classic title, "I Want to Be a Machine," pretty much sums up the crucial difference in approach and sound.
A bit dated now, really, but good. Very much a product of their times. "Progressive" rock only in a very literal sense (not the sense in which I use the term).
Still, they're admittedly a tough call for here. I'm mainly opposed to their addition because their inclusion would lead to a loud chorus of calls (both "yea" and "nay") for other similar/popular "new wave" acts from that 77- 85 era, when tons of new bands hit the airwaves, popular music was in fertile flux, and classic rock acts (including proggers) were dropping like tired, outmoded dinosaurs.
They're of potential interest to many prog fans, though. I'd recommend starting with their classic first album, the eponymous "Ultravox!" It's their best, IMO, with many of the band's signature, defining tracks. |
Well, I love David Bowie's album Low as well as Kraftwerk, so I'll keep an eye out for them, thanks for the info. 
Edited by Cheesecakemouse - June 12 2007 at 04:09
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Peter
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
Joined: January 31 2004
Location: Canada
Status: Offline
Points: 9669
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Posted: June 12 2007 at 01:32 |
Cheesecakemouse wrote:
Haven't heard any Ultrabvox, what do they sound like?, I do like the artsy pop of Talking Heads, is it kind of like that or what, I am interested. |
No, not in the least like the funky, feel-good, warm neurotica of Talking Heads -- classic Ultravox were more sonicly akin to colder, largely unsmiling synth-dominated artists like Gary Numan, Thomas Dolby, perhaps Tuxedo Moon, etc. Even somewhat like the freakier side of very early Simple Minds.
Very continental/Germanic in (overall) feel. The (American) Talking Heads were good to dance to -- a great party band (more like B52s, Devo, etc -- if better). Ultravox, an English act, were more like Bowie's Berlin period. The addition of later vocalist Midge Ure made them poppier, and much more commercially successful and accessible, but in their John Foxx - led first four LPs heyday, Ultravox were a band to 'trip out" to -- not "trip the light fantastic" to. No smiling, no humour -- almost inhuman.One classic title, "I Want to Be a Machine," pretty much sums up the crucial difference in approach and sound.
A bit dated now, really, but good. Very much a product of their times. "Progressive" rock only in a very literal sense (not the sense in which I use the term).
Still, they're admittedly a tough call for here. I'm mainly opposed to their addition because their inclusion would lead to a loud chorus of calls (both "yea" and "nay") for other similar/popular "new wave" acts from that 77- 85 era, when tons of new bands hit the airwaves, popular music was in fertile flux, and classic rock acts (including proggers) were dropping like tired, outmoded dinosaurs.
They're of potential interest to many prog fans, though. I'd recommend starting with their classic first album, the eponymous "Ultravox!" It's their best, IMO, with many of the band's signature, defining tracks.
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"And, has thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!'
He chortled in his joy.
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Cheesecakemouse
Forum Senior Member
Joined: April 05 2006
Location: New Zealand
Status: Offline
Points: 1751
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Posted: June 11 2007 at 22:06 |
Haven't heard any Ultrabvox, what do they sound like?, I do like the artsy pop of Talking Heads, is it kind of like that or what, I am interested.
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Peter
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
Joined: January 31 2004
Location: Canada
Status: Offline
Points: 9669
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Posted: June 11 2007 at 19:46 |
i understand the arguments for Ultravox, but a big NO to all such bands, from me (including Split Enz). 
They've really nothing to do with prog rock, IMO, and that's a big can of worms that would soon see a host of bands like Echo and the Bunnymen, XTC, The Police, Tuxedo Moon, The Damned, Simple Minds, Human League, Prefab Sprout, etc, etc, being added here.
They all did something new for pop (&/or punk) in the late 70s-early 80s, but if we go via such a dictionary interpretation of 'progressive,' then in fairness the cutting edge hip hop artists & pioneers, as well as various "alt country" acts, etc, will soon have to be added too. (It all started with dubbing metal "prog," of course.)
Adding Split Enz was a dangerous, troublesome precedent -- you'll see. 
Prog Ska next?
Prog just means 'good,' dunnit? 
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"And, has thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!'
He chortled in his joy.
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T.Rox
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
Joined: July 06 2004
Location: Australia
Status: Offline
Points: 9455
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Posted: June 11 2007 at 11:11 |
Snow Dog wrote:
darqdean wrote:
^ Ah, you're correct, Empire State Human was their 2nd single, which was the 1st from their 1st album, Being Boiled was released first, but was inculded on their 2nd album. You can see how I got confused  |
Happy days!
Do you remember The Normal? Robert Rental? Gang Of Four? |
Gang Of Four ... a top outfit 
...but I am not suggesting they belong in PA 
Edited by T.Rox - June 11 2007 at 11:13
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"Without prog, life would be a mistake."
...with apologies to Friedrich Nietzsche
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Man Erg
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
Joined: August 26 2004
Location: Isle of Lucy
Status: Offline
Points: 7456
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Posted: June 11 2007 at 08:13 |
Snow Dog wrote:
Man Erg wrote:
IMHO,early Magazine and early Ultravox were almost interchangable.I seem to remember members of both band suplementing Gary Numan and Tubeway Army on occasions. I know that Warren Cann of Ultravox definately did and something says that Dave Formula may have been involved somewhere...I maybe wrong. Magazine's Live/Play album comes in for some stick from some quarters but I really enjoy it.John McGeogh's replacement on guitar,Robin Simon (?) is very good. |
To my ears, they have very little in common, but, it depends what one is listening for I suppose. |
Musically, but there is a similar outlook beyond the then contemporary New Wave...until John Foxx left. I think that Devoto and Foxx may have had similar ideals.
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Do 'The Stanley' otherwise I'll thrash you with some rhubarb.
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Snow Dog
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
Joined: March 23 2005
Location: Caerdydd
Status: Offline
Points: 32995
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Posted: June 11 2007 at 08:10 |
Man Erg wrote:
IMHO,early Magazine and early Ultravox were almost interchangable.I seem to remember members of both band suplementing Gary Numan and Tubeway Army on occasions. I know that Warren Cann of Ultravox definately did and something says that Dave Formula may have been involved somewhere...I maybe wrong.
Magazine's Live/Play album comes in for some stick from some quarters but I really enjoy it.John McGeogh's replacement on guitar,Robin Simon (?) is very good. |
To my ears, they have very little in common, but, it depends what one is listening for I suppose.
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Man Erg
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
Joined: August 26 2004
Location: Isle of Lucy
Status: Offline
Points: 7456
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Posted: June 11 2007 at 08:06 |
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IMHO,early Magazine and early Ultravox were almost interchangable.I seem to remember members of both band suplementing Gary Numan and Tubeway Army on occasions. I know that Warren Cann of Ultravox definately did and something says that Dave Formula may have been involved somewhere...I maybe wrong.
Magazine's Live/Play album comes in for some stick from some quarters but I really enjoy it.John McGeogh's replacement on guitar,Robin Simon (?) is very good.
Edited by Man Erg - June 11 2007 at 08:08
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Do 'The Stanley' otherwise I'll thrash you with some rhubarb.
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Dean
Special Collaborator
Retired Admin and Amateur Layabout
Joined: May 13 2007
Location: Europe
Status: Offline
Points: 37575
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Posted: June 11 2007 at 08:02 |
Snow Dog wrote:
Man Erg wrote:
Nay to Ultravox with Ure.
Yay to Ultravox with John Foxx
Yay to John Foxx solo.His second album is great.I love the track,Europe After the Rain.
Human League's Travelogue album has a very electronic Prog vibe to it.Black Hit From Space and Crow and a Baby are excellent tracks.
...and how about Magazine? The first two albums,especially the second album,Secondhand Daylight.They were definately influence by German Prog and Eno/Roxy/Bowie. |
Magazine....totally agree. Think I may have mentioned it once or twice.  |
Abso-flippin'-lutely.
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What?
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Snow Dog
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
Joined: March 23 2005
Location: Caerdydd
Status: Offline
Points: 32995
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Posted: June 11 2007 at 07:54 |
Man Erg wrote:
Nay to Ultravox with Ure.
Yay to Ultravox with John Foxx
Yay to John Foxx solo.His second album is great.I love the track,Europe After the Rain.
Human League's Travelogue album has a very electronic Prog vibe to it.Black Hit From Space and Crow and a Baby are excellent tracks.
...and how about Magazine? The first two albums,especially the second album,Secondhand Daylight.They were definately influence by German Prog and Eno/Roxy/Bowie. |
Magazine....totally agree. Think I may have mentioned it once or twice.
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Man Erg
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
Joined: August 26 2004
Location: Isle of Lucy
Status: Offline
Points: 7456
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Posted: June 11 2007 at 07:44 |
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Nay to Ultravox with Ure.
Yay to Ultravox with John Foxx
Yay to John Foxx solo.His second album is great.I love the track,Europe After the Rain.
Human League's Travelogue album has a very electronic Prog vibe to it.Black Hit From Space and Crow and a Baby are excellent tracks.
...and how about Magazine? The first two albums,especially the second album,Secondhand Daylight.They were definately influence by German Prog and Eno/Roxy/Bowie.
Edited by Man Erg - June 11 2007 at 07:49
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Do 'The Stanley' otherwise I'll thrash you with some rhubarb.
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Dean
Special Collaborator
Retired Admin and Amateur Layabout
Joined: May 13 2007
Location: Europe
Status: Offline
Points: 37575
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Posted: June 11 2007 at 07:35 |
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Don't remember Robert Rental - do remember Fad Gadget
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What?
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Snow Dog
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
Joined: March 23 2005
Location: Caerdydd
Status: Offline
Points: 32995
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Posted: June 11 2007 at 07:06 |
darqdean wrote:
^ Ah, you're correct, Empire State Human was their 2nd single, which was the 1st from their 1st album, Being Boiled was released first, but was inculded on their 2nd album. You can see how I got confused |
Happy days!
Do you remember The Normal? Robert Rental? Gang Of Four?
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Dean
Special Collaborator
Retired Admin and Amateur Layabout
Joined: May 13 2007
Location: Europe
Status: Offline
Points: 37575
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Posted: June 11 2007 at 06:59 |
^ Ah, you're correct, Empire State Human was their 2nd single, which was the 1st from their 1st album, Being Boiled was released first, but was inculded on their 2nd album. You can see how I got confused
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What?
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Snow Dog
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
Joined: March 23 2005
Location: Caerdydd
Status: Offline
Points: 32995
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Posted: June 11 2007 at 06:41 |
darqdean wrote:
Snow Dog wrote:
Sean Trane wrote:
Harkmark wrote:
Nay (but they have a couple of decent songs, like Vienna). But I haven't heard their early (late 70s) albums. |
Just as with Split Enz, I was a bit shocked to see their early discography of the 70's, I was never aware of. I thought both groups started out in the 80's. >> Apparently Human League also started much sooner than I've ever thought.
I will give early Ultravox a shot, but I doubt I will find prog. |
I think you will.
I have the first Human League single btw....they were a good band then. |
" Tall, tall, tall, I want to be tall, tall, tall. As big as a wall, wall, wall, As big as a wall, wall, wall And if I'm not tall, tall, tall, Then I will crawl, crawl, crawl. Because I'm not tall, tall, tall, Tall, tall, tall, tall, tall Tall, tall, tall, I want to be tall, tall, tall. As big as a wall, wall, wall, As big as a wall, wall, wall And if I'm not tall, tall, tall, Then I will crawl, crawl, crawl Because I'm not tall, tall, tall, tall, tall, tall, tall, tall. "
...they just don't write songs like that anymore  |
I don't know what that is, I was talking about "Being Boiled"
Edited by Snow Dog - June 11 2007 at 06:43
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Ultravox
