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1054
Contraband: The Best of Men at Work
(1996)
Men at Work
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Label: Sony
Duration: 1:04:05
Genre: Rock

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.


TrackDuration
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
Original Release: 1996-04-02
Composer: Greg Ham, Colin Hay, Jerry Speiser, Ron Strykert
Producer: Greg Ham, Colin Hay, Peter McIan
UPC: 74646479124