Men At Work
Biography
Men at Work were one of the more surprising success stories of the new wave era, rocketing out of Australia in 1982 to become the most successful artist of the year. With its Police-styled rhythms, catchy guitar hooks, wailing saxophones, and off-kilter sense of humor, the band's debut album Business as Usual became an international blockbuster, breaking the American record for the most weeks a debut spent at the top of the charts. Their funny, irreverent videos became MTV favorites, helping send "Who Can It Be Now?" and "Down Under" to number one. Men at Work's momentum sustained them through their second album, 1983's Cargo, before the bottom fell out of the band's popularity. After releasing Two Hearts in 1985, Men at Work broke up, becoming one of the better-remembered phenomenons of new wave.
Colin Hay (lead vocals, guitar), a native of Scotland who moved to Australia at the age of 14, formed Men at Work as an acoustic duo with Ron Strykert (guitar, vocals) in Melbourne in 1979. Within a few months, the duo had expanded to a full group with the addition of John Rees (bass), Greg Ham (saxophone, flute, keyboards), and Jerry Speiser (drums). Over the next two years, the band became regulars at the Cricketer's Arms Hotel bar and on Australia's pub circuit, eventually becoming the highest-paid unsigned band in the country.
Selected Discography
vegemite tastes like crap, but this was a really good band for the time.
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Still, to this very day, one of the best bands in the world. Unique in sound and writing, instantly recognizable . Such a shame they let it go sour so quickly. Looking on Ron Strykert's myspace page shows he's still holding some kind of grudge against Colin Hay over a small sum of money or something. Silly, and not adult. Such talent should have stayed together. What is it about fame? At least Colin Hay is still making great albums. Ron's new stuff sounds pretty good too.
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Awsome music. Love the "land down under" music video. BTW, did anyone else see the stuffed koala?
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Colin Hay is still going strong, and definitely puts on a great show. Go see him if you get a chance!
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To bad that M at W burn out from constant tour after their first album! That was a great band! Remember 'The Untouchables ' in a class by themselves! Thanks for the great memories!
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I agree with chriswneher. If it had been done by a band that wasn't erroneously considered an 80's novelty, it would be in the same Pantheon as many a U2 tune. An excellent marriage of music, and lyrics.
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OI MJS%(@ F**K YOU MEN AT WORK ARE THE S**T AND THE POLICE ARE One of the best bands EVER!!!!!!!
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I'm really starting to appreciate their music these days, especially since I've got to hear more than the normal radio tracks
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Men at Work is/was a very unique sounding band. They were the Supertramp of the 80's IMO. They did not put out enough music to have a seat at the big boys 80's table, but they certainly made a great contribution to an era that is very much underestimat e d . Business as Usual was one of my first albums (yes albums)and holds a place in my memory as one of the first records that I could play from beginning to end.
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I grew up in the 80's as well and listened to mostly hard rock/hair metal but of course, back then..... All MTV played was happy 80's music. Now that the times have changed over such a long period of time, It's odd how much I really did appreciate MTV playing this music.
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i agree, the police and men at work are similar and the 80s was awesome!!
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men at work sounded alot like the police when the police were in the Ghost in the machine and Synchronicit y days. if you are a police fan and have completed your collection, then collect men at work's stuff.
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I Love growing up in the 80's music was at it's best. This band was a lot of fun.
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I love this band I grow-up with this band thosewas the good days I miss those years I have so much fun and the tickets to see these bands were cheap too....
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One of my favorite insperations as young musician.
This sound is not done yet, we still got some stuff tadew, seen? Pacific Reggea still is pumping out some new talent. Try a band called "Katch a Fire" from New Zeland |
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Living in Australia through the first part of the 80s, we really weren't aware whether Oz bands such as 'Men at Work' were internationa l l y huge, or just popular on a local level.
Upon returning to the U.S. in '86 we found out just how much impact M.A.W. had on the global market. We also realized the internationa l pull of MTV at helping to create global musical tastes. Can the charm of that era be duplicated again? Probably not. (at least not with the youthful innocent enthusiasm) Maybe darker. |
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------This is an 80's band----and I still Love them ,,,,"Rock on ....Men at Work"!!!!!! X.O p.s. I love "be good Johnny!"---- L u v c h i c
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Being in my late teens and early twentys during the 80's I remember this band fondly and had the opportunity to see them in concert. It was a great night.
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Great band! That first album make me think of 4th grade. What a year! :)
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