Category: Thompson Twins

You reach that age… I’ve been meaning to do this for a while. The Thompson Twins were one of those bands that everyone knows, but their early stuff is somewhat neglected (possibly rightly). The Indie kids never really liked them as a trio, but their first albums remain something of a record of the concerns of the early 80s.

Squares and Triangles – 1980 Single

The first single. Ho, and indeed, hum. An extended jam that at least proved that the four-piece (called after some TinTin characters) could play. Having moved from Sheffield to London, their musical tastes were to be changed within the squatting ‘community’: leading to singles and a first album very much of it’s time. Oddly, this came with a multitude of coloured sleeves (me neither…)

Perfect Game – 1981 (from ‘A Product of…’)

Still a four piece, but with a half decent producer, the sound becomes more mature. The theme of the sound is in the vein of lots of ‘angst’ lyrics of the time (think ‘Vienna’ by Utravox). Still; half decent.

Politics – 1981 (from ‘A Product of…’)

A perfect piece of its time: ‘the personal is political’. Now a six-piece, the sound is fuller. At this time, they would light incense on the stage when they played: proto-crusties. The first thing of theirs I bought, having seen them supporting U2.

A product of… – 1981 (from ‘A Product of…’)

Using the expanded line-up with a big brassy sound. God knows what it’s about; but a cracker live.

Oumma Aularesso (‘Animal Laugh’) – 1981 (from ‘A Product of…’)

Apparently a folk song from Sierra Leone. Everyone was going wild about Womad: a time when South America could seem exotic. A Product of…it’s time.

Living in Europe – 1981 (from ‘Set’)

An anti-nuke song: “yeah, yeah”. As they all did. Steve Lillywhite production; and it shows.

Bouncing – 1981 (from ‘Set’)

Thomas Dolby synth (Alannah couldn’t play yet…). Perfectly acceptable pop that works.

Runaway – 1981 (from ‘Set’)

Showing a more mature and reflective sound; one of the reasons the album got a positive reception.

The Rowe – 1981 (from ‘Set’)

“In a birds’ nest, I find an egg Well I break it up and rub it all over my head And I wonder should I do this or should I do that And does it matter if this whole story is a matter of fact”

Who knows? I love the feel of this track: melancholy at its best.

In the Name of Love – 1981 (from ‘Set’)

Originally a filler; this was a big hit in the States. Infuriating as hell.