Album Info
| Artist: | Midnight Oil |
| Album: | Red Sails In The Sunset |
| Released: | Australia, 15 Oct 1984 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | When The Generals Talk | |
| A2 | Best Of Both Worlds | |
| A3 | Sleep | |
| A4 | Minutes To Midnight | |
| A5 | Jimmy Sharman's Boxers | |
| A6 | Bakerman | |
| B1 | Who Can Stand In The Way | |
| B2 | Kosciusko | |
| B3 | Helps Me Helps You | |
| B4 | Harrisburg | |
| B5 | Bells And Horns In The Back Of Beyond | |
| B6 | Shipyards Of New Zealand |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne's North (Australia)
- We buy and sell new and used vinyl records - if you have a collection you'd like to sell please click here.
- All pictures of the second hand/used vinyl records are actual pictures of the album in stock.
- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $125 and over.
- You can also pick up your order in store, just select Local Pickup at the checkout.
- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
- We ship vinyls in thick, rigid cardboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records.
- We almost always ship in stock vinyl next business day (excluding pre orders)
- We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn't arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record.
- If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store.
- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
1984's "Red Sails In The Sunset" by Midnight Oil remains one of the band's most ambitious and politically-charged releases. Featuring the fervent energy of Peter Garrett and the band's relentless passion for sociopolitical issues, this album epitomizes the spirit of 1980s rock fused with activism. It's a dense, thought-provoking work that never shies away from addressing controversial topics, all the while maintaining a compelling musicality that keeps listeners hooked.
The album cover itself, depicting a post-apocalyptic Sydney destroyed by nuclear warfare, immediately sets the tone. It's a bleak, haunting image that reflects the concerns and anxieties of the Cold War era, a theme which permeates many of the album's tracks.
Songs like "Short Memory" delve deep into the darkness of history's repeated mistakes, critiquing society's tendency to forget its past transgressions. The track offers a blistering commentary on colonialism, warfare, and historical amnesia, underlined by an eerie yet catchy tune.
"Kosciusko," named after Australia's highest mountain, pulsates with intense drumming and a driving rhythm, addressing themes of land rights and indigenous issues—a subject the band would explore further in their later works. Its anthemic chorus showcases the band's ability to meld the political with the accessible, creating tracks that make you think as much as they make you move.
The somber "Jimmy Sharman's Boxers" paints a picture of a traveling boxing troupe, touching on issues of exploitation and hardship. It's a track that, while less direct in its messaging than others, offers a poignant narrative that resonates deeply.
However, it's not all darkness and intensity. "Best of Both Worlds" offers a slightly more upbeat, almost hopeful tune, while still carrying the album's overarching themes of reflection and resistance.
One of the standout elements of "Red Sails In The Sunset" is its production. The band worked with producer Nick Launay, known for his collaborations with bands like Public Image Ltd and The Birthday Party. The result is a sonic landscape that's both expansive and detailed, capturing the raw energy of Midnight Oil while offering a polished, refined sound.
While "Red Sails In The Sunset" received critical acclaim, it was also, unsurprisingly, divisive. The band's unapologetic political stance, combined with their experimental approach to rock music, meant that the album wasn't universally embraced. However, in hindsight, this is precisely what makes it such an essential listen. It's a fearless, uncompromising work that captures a moment in time and a band at the peak of its powers.
In conclusion, "Red Sails In The Sunset" stands as one of Midnight Oil's most significant achievements. It's an album that challenges, provokes, and inspires, pushing the boundaries of what rock music can be and what it can achieve. For those keen to explore the intersection of music and activism, this album is a masterclass.