Ultravox “Vienna”

Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#125 in the Series) is Ultravox, Vienna

Ultravox was one of my favorite bands in the 80s.

Great albums, great live shows.

I was lucky enough to see them at the Aragon Ballroom when they toured a few years after this release. They were out on the road for “Quartet” when I saw them. A real interesting show. EVERYTHING was gray. The guitars the backdrop, the amplifiers, the guitar chords, the drums, the clothes. I don’t know what they were trying to say, but the music was superb!

“Vienna” housed some of Ultravox best songs. “Quartet” had the hottest single, ‘Reap the Wild Wind’ so it sold the most. But give me “Vienna.”

Highlight for me included ‘New Europeans, Passing Strangers, Sleepwalk, All Stood Still’ and of course the classic epic song, the title track, “Vienna,”

This was the first album that included new lead vocalist, Midge Ure. Almost all the bands success was after Midge joined. He also released a great solo album called “The Gift” which included the single ‘If I Was.’

I’ve read that the band got together for a reunion tour this year. All the shows were overseas so no good for us here in the States.
“
Vienna” peaked at #164 on the Billboard Top 200.

‘Sleepwalk’ reached #24 on the Dance Charts.

Track Listing

Side A:

“Astradyne” – 7:07

“New Europeans” – 4:01

“Private Lives” – 4:06

“Passing Strangers” – 3:48

“Sleepwalk” – 3:10

Side B:

“Mr. X” – 6:33

“Western Promise” – 5:18

“Vienna” – 4:53

“All Stood Still” – 4:21

Personnel

• Warren Cann – drums, percussion, backing vocals, lead vocals on “Mr. X” and “Herr X”
• Chris Cross – bass, synthesizer, backing vocals
• Billy Currie – keyboards, violin, synthesizer
• Midge Ure – guitar, synthesizer, lead vocals (except “Mr. X” and “Herr X”)

See our feature on Midge Ure solo album ‘The Gift’

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