Strange Advance | Rave and Roll Blog

Before I embark down this slippery slope, I want to preface it with the caveat that this is a purely subjective list. Anytime anyone is asked to come up with favorite *anythings* the resulting list must be viewed from the perspective of my mother, whose favorite saying is, “Everybody’s taste is different. That’s what makes the world go ‘round.” Well put, Mom.

This was a difficult task, indeed. Ask any audiophile to pare their list of favorite music collections down to a mere 10, and the frustration level is sure to climb quickly. It’s tantamount to asking a long-distance runner which leg they’d like to sacrifice, or a hoarder which pet they’d like to keep. OK, maybe it’s not all that bad, but it’s certainly not a walk in the park.

After much consideration, I have narrowed my list of well-loved 80’s LPs to the very paltry ten listed below. This was a thought-provoking and extremely painful process. There are no explanations (excuses) as to why, only a profound sense of loss when imagining not being able to hear these treasures again. Yes, I know the Gary Numan selection missed the 80’s by a year….but it’s my blog and my rules. Feel free to chime in with your own list – I’m always happy to see what floats someone else’s boat.

Armoury Show – Waiting For The Floods (1985)
“Waiting For The Floods” via YouTube user RNregina:

Chameleons – Strange Times (1986)
“Soul In Isolation” via YouTube user LefthandOfDarkness:

Gary Numan – The Pleasure Principle (1979)
“Metal” via YouTube user amenka:

Japan – Quiet Life (1980)
“All Tomorrow’s Parties” via YouTube user ghostsonatasong:

The Lucy Show – Undone (1985)
“This Is No Heaven” via YouTube user Robertpere1:

Peter Murphy – Wild Birds (1985-1995)
“Indigo Eyes” via YouTube user sweatingfretboards:

Roxy Music – Avalon (1982)
“Avalon (Live)” via YouTube user higmadon:

Simple Minds – Sons & Fascination (1981)
“Love Song” via YouTube user Dexbam:

Strange Advance – Worlds Away (1982)
“Worlds Away” via YouTube user mysweeteventhorizon:

Vis-A-Vis – Heart and Soul (1985)
“I Am The Night (Colour Me Black)” via YouTube user JAMR1977:

SA_a Strange Advance was another uniquely talented band to begin life in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. Recognized as Canada’s west coast hotbed of talent, Vancouver boasts a solid play list of musicians from the 80’s and beyond. Strange Advance is no exception.

One of Strange Advance’s identifying traits is the ethereal, otherworldly use of synthesizers to enhance their sound. My favorite track is “Worlds Away” from their 1983 album of the same name. It reminds me of the background music from the PBS series “Cosmos” starring the late Dr. Carl Sagan. SA_c I have such fond memories of being mesmerized by the hourly show, and “Worlds Away” transports me straight back to that captivating, yet comforting time.

The band began as Drew Arnott (keyboards, percussion, vocals), Darryl Kromm (lead vocals, guitars), and Paul Iverson (bass). Ric deGroot (keyboards), Ian Cameron (guitar, violin), Joey Alvero (bass), and David Quinton (drums) were brought on board to tour in support of Strange Advance’s first two albums.

As with many of the bands I feature here, I only learned of this group in recent years after being bowled over by “Worlds Away.” The band is also known for a hit single “We Run,” a vocally emotive 80’s anthem song. In all, this was a solid band that had everything necessary to take the world by storm, but instead was relatively short-lived. The music world can be a completely mystifying and unfair environment. Strange Advance’s limited success underscores what a tough world it truly is.

“We Run” via YouTube user wormguy119: