The Teardrop Explodes
Wilder from The Teardrop Explodes, released in 1981, is widely regarded as a post-punk classic, presenting us with the second and final album from The Teardrop Explodes, and offering up radical post-punk and ambitious tracks which are ripe for a resurgence given the current musical climate. Originally confusing some with the audacity of the band who chose to combine their post-punk outlook with catchy vibes and hooks as well as multiple outlooks on music, Wilder only over reached 29 in the charts and eventually, signalled the end of their career as soon after, the band split.
Fast forward to the present day and we’re finally being given another opportunity to listen to the album in all its glory, accompanied by a second disc compiled and sequenced by Julian Cope containing all of their related singles, b-sides, and BBC radio sessions, as well as a revealing and insightful write up courtesy of Cop, Dave Balfe (keyboards) and Troy Tate (guitar).Designed as almost an alternative version of the album, the second disc on offer on this new release presents songs which are sure to be recognised, but in a different form in order to evoke memories of the band on the live scene. Also including tracks which didn’t make it onto the final version of the album, including their take on John Cale’s ‘I’m Not The Loving Kind’ and their own ‘Screaming Secrets’, the collection is one which fans will want to make sure they hear to fully experience the provenance of this post-punk group.
Listening through the original album, it’s impossible to resist tracks such as ‘Bent Out Of Shape’ and ‘Pure Joy’, both tracks displaying the bands post-punk outlook but with an almost new-wave and electronic approach incorporated throughout. Unmistakeably 80’s in its sound, the complex approach to music is packed with hooks and moments that will lure you in before offering up yet another twist, developing the listeners understanding of what’s on offer and proving once and for all that Wilder really was the bands pinnacle achievement.
Reaching ‘Passionate Friend’, a track performed on Top of the Pops on more than one occasion, it’s impressive how fresh and current a sound The Teardrop Explodes have on offer now, demonstrating that perhaps they were ahead of their time, envisioning what was to come rather than what people were looking for at that particular moment. Catchy and packed with deep and moving elements, the upbeat nature of the track is almost lost to the depths of the number of elements incorporated, yet through sheer song writing genius, the band manage to still get the point across.
Presenting an altogether different outlook for disc 2, the different versions of the tracks across this disc paint a different picture of the band, demonstrating an almost progressive outlook towards music mixed with their own unique stylings. ‘Christ Versus Warhol’ (b-side to Passionate Friend) is a prime example of this, showing us a darker and more foreboding sound, yet still managing to craft an outlook which lures you in and forces you to listen, just to make sure you don’t miss anything that’s going on.
Going on to present familiar tracks such as the afore mentioned ‘Pure Joy’ from their BBC session, once again we’re presented with a different outlook, with the band showing off their solid post-punk roots whilst capturing the live essence of their stage show, reminding fans of what it was like to be there, and giving the rest of us the chance to gather an insight into what we might have missed. Bringing the second disc to a close, it’s a foray that few bands dare to attempt, yet one which The Teardrop Explodes seem to have pulled off with aplomb.
Whilst post-punk in essence, it would be wrong to stamp a single genre upon a band with such a diverse outlook as quite simply, there’s far more to it than a simple tag. With a double album re-release that’s sure to appeal to old and new fans alike, The Teardrop Explodes have put together something special here, and something which is sure to keep you coming back for one more taste of the 80’s.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Fast forward to the present day and we’re finally being given another opportunity to listen to the album in all its glory, accompanied by a second disc compiled and sequenced by Julian Cope containing all of their related singles, b-sides, and BBC radio sessions, as well as a revealing and insightful write up courtesy of Cop, Dave Balfe (keyboards) and Troy Tate (guitar).Designed as almost an alternative version of the album, the second disc on offer on this new release presents songs which are sure to be recognised, but in a different form in order to evoke memories of the band on the live scene. Also including tracks which didn’t make it onto the final version of the album, including their take on John Cale’s ‘I’m Not The Loving Kind’ and their own ‘Screaming Secrets’, the collection is one which fans will want to make sure they hear to fully experience the provenance of this post-punk group.
Listening through the original album, it’s impossible to resist tracks such as ‘Bent Out Of Shape’ and ‘Pure Joy’, both tracks displaying the bands post-punk outlook but with an almost new-wave and electronic approach incorporated throughout. Unmistakeably 80’s in its sound, the complex approach to music is packed with hooks and moments that will lure you in before offering up yet another twist, developing the listeners understanding of what’s on offer and proving once and for all that Wilder really was the bands pinnacle achievement.
Reaching ‘Passionate Friend’, a track performed on Top of the Pops on more than one occasion, it’s impressive how fresh and current a sound The Teardrop Explodes have on offer now, demonstrating that perhaps they were ahead of their time, envisioning what was to come rather than what people were looking for at that particular moment. Catchy and packed with deep and moving elements, the upbeat nature of the track is almost lost to the depths of the number of elements incorporated, yet through sheer song writing genius, the band manage to still get the point across.
Presenting an altogether different outlook for disc 2, the different versions of the tracks across this disc paint a different picture of the band, demonstrating an almost progressive outlook towards music mixed with their own unique stylings. ‘Christ Versus Warhol’ (b-side to Passionate Friend) is a prime example of this, showing us a darker and more foreboding sound, yet still managing to craft an outlook which lures you in and forces you to listen, just to make sure you don’t miss anything that’s going on.
Going on to present familiar tracks such as the afore mentioned ‘Pure Joy’ from their BBC session, once again we’re presented with a different outlook, with the band showing off their solid post-punk roots whilst capturing the live essence of their stage show, reminding fans of what it was like to be there, and giving the rest of us the chance to gather an insight into what we might have missed. Bringing the second disc to a close, it’s a foray that few bands dare to attempt, yet one which The Teardrop Explodes seem to have pulled off with aplomb.
Whilst post-punk in essence, it would be wrong to stamp a single genre upon a band with such a diverse outlook as quite simply, there’s far more to it than a simple tag. With a double album re-release that’s sure to appeal to old and new fans alike, The Teardrop Explodes have put together something special here, and something which is sure to keep you coming back for one more taste of the 80’s.
Words: Dave Nicholls