Men At Work - Business As Usual

Numbered, Limited Edition! Pressed at RTI!

• 1982 Set Shattered Records for Most Weeks Spent at Top of Charts by a Debut
• Contains Smash Hits “Who Can It Be Now?” and “Down Under”
• New-Wave Classic Tinted With Quirky Rhythms, Guitar Hooks, Brassy Saxophones

They came from the land down under. And they conquered the charts like no band before or since, with a 1983 debut that shattered records by staying for 15 consecutive weeks at the pole position on the Billboard Top 100. They were Men at Work, a quirky bunch led by a Scottish-born vocalist whose humor, style, and distinguished singing helped the quintet become one of the 1980s’ definitive new-wave acts. And it all started with the irresistible Business As Usual.


Anchored by two ubiquitous singles, “Who Can It Be Now?” and “Down Under,” both still FM radio staples, Business As Usual signified a changing of the guard on the new-wave landscape. With leader Colin Hay’s vocals bearing a passing resemblance to those of Sting, and his mates supplying what seems like a constant stream of keening pop-rock hooks, dance-baiting grooves, and brassy rejoinders, the record transcends any limitations and showcases a creative depth that extends to the album cuts. No wonder Men at Work soon shared stages with the likes of the Clash.

Further separating the group from the pack is its wit. Playful, carefree, and exuberant, the songs resonate with a looseness and joyousness with which the decade is forever associated. No deep thinking or profound analysis — just as the best pop tends to be!

"Business as Usual became a surprise international hit on the basis of 'Who Can It Be Now?' and 'Down Under,' two excellent singles that merged straight-ahead pop/rock hooks with a quirky new wave production and an offbeat sense of humor. Colin Hay's keening vocals uncannily recall Sting, and the band's rhythmic pulse and phased guitars also bring to mind a bar band version of the Police. And that helps make the remainder of Business as Usual enjoyable. There's a fair amount of filler on the record, but 'Be Good Johnny,' 'I Can See It in Your Eyes,' and 'Down by the Sea' are all fine new wave pop songs, making Business as Usual one of the more enjoyable mainstream-oriented efforts of the era." - Stephen Thomas Erlewine, allmusic.com

Features:
• Limited Edition
• Numbered
• Gatefold jacket
• MoFi Silver Label Vinyl Series


Selections:
1. Who Can It Be Now?
2. I Can See It In Your Eyes
3. Down Under
4. Underground
5. Helpless Automation
6. People Just Love To Play With Words
7. Be Good Johnny
8. Touching The Untouchables
9. Catch A Star
10. Down By The Sea