Passing Strangers

"Passing Strangers" is Ultravox's second single from Vienna, the band's first album with Midge Ure, released on Chrysalis Records on 15 October 1980.[1]

"Passing Strangers"
Single by Ultravox
from the album Vienna
B-side
Released15 October 1980
RecordedFebruary 1980 at RAK Studios
GenrePost-punk, electronic, new wave
Length3:48
LabelChrysalis Records
Songwriter(s)Warren Cann, Chris Cross, Billy Currie, Midge Ure
Producer(s)Ultravox and Conny Plank
Ultravox singles chronology
"Sleepwalk"
(1980)
"Passing Strangers"
(1980)
"Vienna"
(1981)

A fast-paced guitar track recalling early John Foxx-era Ultravox, Passing Strangers ultimately failed to live up to the top 30 success of its predecessor Sleepwalk. It stalled at #57 in the UK charts despite having a music video (directed by Russell Mulcahy and featuring Barbie Wilde and Tok from Tik & Tok) and release on 12" format alongside the regular 7", both of which Sleepwalk lacked.[2] The video was shot in Beckton Gas Works, London.

The single contains two live b-sides; "Face To Face", an original Ultravox track that was never recorded in studio, and a live cover of the Brian Eno song "King's Lead Hat".[3] "Face to Face" was taken from a show in St Albans City Hall. The complete show was released on the 40th anniversary Vienna box-set 2020.[4]

Track listing

7" version

  1. "Passing Strangers" – 3:48
  2. "Face to Face (Live 16 Aug 80 at St Albans City Hall)" – 6:04

12" version

  1. "Passing Strangers" – 3:48
  2. "Face to Face (Live 16 Aug 80 at St Albans City Hall)" – 6:04
  3. "King's Lead Hat (Live 17 Aug 80 at Lyceum)" – 4:06

References

  1. "officialcharts". Official Charts. 1 August 2021.
  2. Ultravox Rare 1 CD sleeve notes. Chrysalis Records 1993
  3. "allmusic". AllMusic. 1 August 2021.
  4. "vienna-40th-anniversary". 1 August 2021.


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.