Few bands epitomize the 1980s like Men At Work did. Out of nowhere (well okay, Austraila), the Men burst open the scene with funny videos and songs with irresistible hooks. I was a fan from the first time I heard Greg Ham's sax intro into "Who Can It Be Now?" But buried under the amusing visuals and catchy hooks were underlying themes of fear and isolation -- prevalent attitudes during a decade in which we lived under the threat of nuclear war (expressed well in "It's a Mistake"). All of the best are here, including "Dr. Heckyll & Mr. Jive," "Overkill" and "Down Under." However, one of the strongest tracks is the overlooked "Hard Luck Story," a song about a man who's experienced the ways of the world -- and doesn't like what he's seen. It's a reminder that we create our own misery by persecuting and rejecting others. Other favorites include the beautiful ballad "Maria," the goofy "I Like To," and the wistful "Still Life." An all-around good collection of one of the best bands to emerge from the outbacks of Austraila -- or anywhere. Would love to see a reunion.
Track | Duration |
---|---|
Who Can It Be Now? | |
Down Under | |
It's a Mistake | |
Hard Luck Story | |
Still Life | |
Underground | |
Upstairs in My House | |
I Like To | |
High Wire | |
Maria | |
Be Good Johnny | |
Dr. Heckyll & Mr. Jive | |
Overkill | |
Man With Two Hearts | |
Snakes and Ladders | |
Down by the Sea |