Coldwave/Synth charts

Review: First released in 1981, and garnering the 100,000-plus sales needed to hit Gold certification pretty quickly after arrival - a feat which, back in the glory days of charts, was still only enough for you to peak at #4 in the albums league - at the time this was a case of Ultravox, here in the height of the Midge Ure years, taking the electronic explorations that defined the previous two full-length records, Systems of Romance and Vienna, even further, returning to the same Cologne studio to achieve that quality and feeling.

Of course, there are still shades of the band as they were in formative, mid-1970s years, which many still forget was a far (far) rockier beast. Nevertheless, the synths make the most lasting impression here, with the LP somehow sounding kind of stark, a little cold and distant, perhaps even enigmatic, yet full and in many ways fun.

Review: This Ultravox classic gets a special release for Record Store Day Black Friday 2024 on double vinyl complete with a stunning stereo mix by Steven Wilson. This version offers a refreshed take on the iconic album and is a fine homage to one of the band's most defining works. It reminds just how groundbreaking their sound was at the time and it still has a modern twist that makes it feel relevant now. Instrumentals are all included next to the originals for added depth.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Creasing to corner of outer sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition***


The 40th Anniversary Edition of Ultravox's Lament offers a fresh perspective on a seminal album from 1984. The album, produced by Ultravox ithe preceding year, is a defining moment in their career, marked by the UK Top 10 hit 'Dancing With Tears In My Eyes' and notable singles like 'One Small Day' and the title track 'Lament.' Musically, Lament stands as a sophisticated blend of new wave and synth-pop with a darker, introspective edge, the tracks exhibiting a polished yet emotionally charged sound, driven by Midge Ure's poignant vocals and the band's intricate arrangements and the album's themes of emotional turmoil and societal commentary are given new life through this comprehensive reissue.