Album Info
| Artist: | Ultravox |
| Album: | Vienna |
| Released: | Australia, 1980 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Astradyne | 7:07 |
| A2 | New Europeans | 4:00 |
| A3 | Private Lives | 4:06 |
| A4 | Passing Strangers | 3:49 |
| A5 | Sleepwalk | 3:10 |
| B1 | Mr. X | 6:33 |
| B2 | Western Promise | 5:44 |
| B3 | Vienna | 4:52 |
| B4 | All Stood Still | 4:32 |
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
Ultravox's "Vienna," released in 1980, is a seminal album in the New Wave genre, marking a significant turning point in the band's career and in the broader landscape of 80s music. With the addition of Midge Ure as the new frontman, Ultravox crafted an album that blends synthesizers and electronic elements with traditional rock instrumentation, creating a sound that is both atmospheric and emotionally charged.
The title track, "Vienna," stands as the album's centerpiece and one of the defining songs of the era. The track's haunting melody, combined with Ure's powerful vocals and the iconic synth riff, create a sense of longing and melancholy that resonates deeply with listeners. The song's dramatic, cinematic quality is further enhanced by the accompanying music video, which helped to solidify Ultravox's image and the song's place in music history.
"Sleepwalk," the album's opening track, sets the tone with its driving rhythm and intricate synthesizer work, showcasing Ultravox's ability to merge the energy of punk with the sophistication of electronic music. The song's urgent tempo and layered textures demonstrate the band's musical prowess and their knack for creating compelling, synth-driven rock.
The album also features tracks like "Passing Strangers" and "All Stood Still," which further exemplify Ultravox's blend of electronic and rock elements. These songs, characterized by their melodic hooks and dynamic arrangements, highlight the band's ability to craft songs that are both accessible and artistically ambitious.
The production of "Vienna," led by Conny Plank, is notable for its clarity and depth, allowing the band's innovative use of synthesizers and electronic effects to shine through without overshadowing the traditional rock elements. Plank's expertise in electronic music helped to shape the album's distinctive sound, balancing the warmth of the analog instruments with the precision of electronic production.
Critically, "Vienna" was lauded for its artistic vision and the band's successful reinvention, with many praising the album's sophisticated sound and emotional depth. The album's blend of genres and the cinematic quality of tracks like "Vienna" were seen as groundbreaking, influencing a generation of musicians and shaping the direction of 80s music.
Commercially, the album was a significant success, particularly in the UK, where "Vienna" the single reached number two on the charts, becoming one of Ultravox's most iconic tracks. The album's success helped to establish Ultravox as a leading force in the New Wave movement, contributing to the genre's popularity and evolution.
In retrospect, "Vienna" is considered a classic of the New Wave genre, celebrated for its innovative blend of electronic and rock music and its lasting influence on the sound of the 1980s. The album's emotional resonance, combined with its musical sophistication, makes it a landmark release in Ultravox's discography and a defining work of its era.