The first thing you might remember when you think of the early '80s synth rock band A Flock of Seagulls is the band members' hairstyles. It may not surprise you to learn founding members Mike Score, with his blond swooping tresses, and his brother Ali were hairdressers before they formed the band in Liverpool, England in 1979. But the look was not the only distinct thing about the group. Their sound, comprised of electronic drums and synthesizers, put a new face on European alternative music and when MTV picked up on them and their single "I Ran (So Far Away)" it was the beginning of what would be a relatively short-lived run.
The band's first single was actually released on an EP 1981, and became an underground hit in dance clubs in the group's native England, not surprising given the up-tempo danceable beat. It did garner them enough attention to be picked up as an opening act on Squeeze's American tour. "Telecommunication," also on the band's first self-titled album, is beat heavy and, like all of their music, all synthesized. To me, it's almost as if the song is a bridge between the disco of the '70s and the early electonica that began in the '80s. It's just as light on profound lyrics as it is heavy on the digitalized beat.
In 1982, the second single and the song they will forever be remembered for, "I Ran (So Far Away)", hit both American radio and MTV and as with so many other bands of the early '80s, success on the up and coming Music Video Channel translated to radio success. The song quickly ascended to the top ten, though ironically, it didn't even break the top 40 in England. Hearing it again now, it seems very typical of the genre and time, but I remember seeing the low-budget video back in '82 and thinking the sound was different than anything currently coming from my radio.
Though "I Ran (So Far Away)" is the song first thought of in conjunction with A Flock of Seagulls, "Space Aged Love Song" (which was featured in the Adam Sandler movie The Wedding Singer) and "Wishing (I Had a Photograph of You)" are better constructed and have a nicer flow and sound. In both singles, the electro-synth is less the focus and they have a light romantic feel. Lyrically there is more going on and there is a depth not present in "I Ran" and "Telecommunication." The main thing keeping "Wishing" connected to the other songs on the disk in theme and style are the interlacing bridges delivered by the keyboard between verse and chorus.
Article comments
1 - Mark Saleski
nice review connie. dang, "I Ran" is permanently ingrained in my head. talk about a distillation of what 80's pop music sounded like!
2 - Connie Phillips
Thanks, Mark. It's kind of funny because before listening to this CD over the last couple weeks, the mention of A Flock of Seagulls would have had me singing "I Ran." After being reminded of some of their other songs - "Space Aged Love" and "Wishing" -- I really don't understand why they only existed in "I Ran's" shadow.
3 - Mark Saleski
i used to wonder if their were actually more one hit wonders in the 80's, or that i just noticed them more because i was right in the middle of it.
not sure what the reality was. bands did get airplay for second and third songs, Flock of Seagulls being a fine example.
there were other, "bigger" groups that had plenty of radio hits (Devo comes to mind)....but there were a lot of one-and-out bands too (Wall of Voodoo, maybe).
dang, i'm gettin' a full-on 80's jones now. time to dig out some records.
4 - Connie Phillips
Honestly, that was my first impression when I picked up this disc - "How can you make a whole CD out of one song?" I was pleasantly surprised as I listened and my memory was jarred.
I think the '80s was probably the decade that had the most one-hit wonders though. Not sure if MTV was the cause or the blame. I know it use to be a huge source of music from Europe that probably would have never seen radio airplay otherwise.
You can watch MTV for hours now and never even see a video, let alone anything new or breaking... very sad.
5 - Jim Jankiewicz
Fairly nice review, although I think you are a might too critical on 2 of my favorite AFOS songs, "I Ran" & "The More You Live, The More You Love," which span the start and and end of their short career.
I Ran: very rarely matched energy (ROCK 'n ROLL!) accenturated (subtlely) by Reynold's guitar, especially during the bridge and how he comes back during the 3rd verse. I could write a column on why this song is so fine. Heck, the lyrics are not trite ( if that is what you are alluding to ) but have a double meaning (Aliens?) about the feeling of Falling (up?) In Love. Sigh.
TMYL,TMYL: *almost* their best song; very dreamy driven pop that has a great drive to it. If you couple this with Cockburn's "Lover's in a Dangerous Time" and Romeo Void's "A Girl in Trouble is a Temporary Thing" you have the makings of a very good 80' compiliation. Hey! that's a good idea...
regards.
Music Hound JANK
6 - Connie Phillips
Thanks, Jim!
And I didn't mean to imply "I Ran" was a bad song, I just think the other two I mentioned were better and was questioning why they didn't get as much attention or had the staying power in my memory as "I Ran."
I hadn't thought about the comparisons you made between TMYL,TMYL and the songs you mention, but you are absolutely right. But I stand by picks as my "favorites" from the compilation.
Through this CD I remmebered a lot about this band I had forgotten over the years.
7 - Snarkattack
Man, I so want to hear this CD. I'm sure I know their songs, but I'd recognise them if I heard them. The titles aren't jogging any memories.
8 - Bryan
In the immortal words of Eric Olsen (uttered in regards to this very same album): "How many other bands have five great songs!?"
9 - Sean Flynn
A Flock Of Seagulls are the best new wave band to come out of the 80's. Therie sound is just awesome!
10 - solid
I agree the 80s were better. I had a great time; it was friendlier and more of a laugh. I need your 80s UK New Romantic stories at my site.
I haven't included a Flock of Seagulls yet: thanks for reminding me!
11 - greg
i'm listening to "i ran" as we speak....
was curious; what ever happened to those guys?...
so here i am.....
thanks connie