Men At Work – Business As Usual (180g Vinyl LP)

Business As Usual is the landmark debut studio album from iconic Australian rock band Men At Work, originally released in November 1981. Combining infectious new wave melodies, reggae-influenced rhythms, distinctive saxophone arrangements and sharp, witty songwriting, the album became one of the biggest international success stories in Australian music history. With its unmistakable sound and timeless songs, Business As Usual remains an essential recording from the early 1980s.

The 10-track album features two of the most recognisable Australian songs ever recorded: Down Under and Who Can It Be Now?. Both became major international hits, introducing Men At Work to audiences around the world. Other highlights include the playful Be Good Johnny, the energetic Underground, I Can See It in Your Eyes and the atmospheric closing track Down by the Sea. Throughout the album, catchy guitar riffs, memorable melodies and inventive arrangements create a distinctive blend of pop, rock and new wave.

Fronted by singer-songwriter and guitarist Colin Hay, Men At Work also featured Greg Ham on saxophone, flute and keyboards, Ron Strykert on guitar, John Rees on bass and Jerry Speiser on drums. The group's unique musical chemistry, combined with Hay's expressive vocals and observational lyrics, helped establish a sound that stood apart from many of their contemporaries.

Produced by Peter McIan, Business As Usual achieved extraordinary international success. The album spent 15 consecutive weeks at number one on the US Billboard 200 and five weeks at number one on the UK Albums Chart, becoming one of the most commercially successful Australian albums of its era. Its combination of accessible pop songwriting, reggae-inspired grooves and distinctive instrumental performances helped define the sound of early-1980s Australian rock.

More than four decades after its original release, Business As Usual remains a celebrated classic, with Down Under continuing to hold a special place in Australian popular culture. The album's enduring appeal lies in its instantly recognisable songs, inventive musicianship and the unmistakable character of Men At Work's performances.

This official 2017 Music On Vinyl reissue presents the complete original 10-track album on a single 180g heavyweight black vinyl LP. Featuring the original Australian black-and-white sleeve artwork rather than the more familiar international black-and-yellow design, this edition also includes a printed insert. It is an excellent addition to any collection of classic Australian rock, new wave and 1980s vinyl.

Supplied brand new and sealed.

Available from Heathen Records, your independent Australian online record store specialising in new and collectible vinyl.

Details

• Artist: Men At Work
• Album: Business As Usual
• Format: 180g Vinyl LP
• Genre: New Wave / Pop Rock / Reggae Rock / Australian Rock
• Original Release: 1981
• Vinyl Reissue: 10 March 2017
• Edition: 180g Heavyweight Vinyl Reissue
• Vinyl Colour: Black
• Vinyl Weight: 180g
• Number of Records: 1
• Number of Tracks: 10
• Packaging: Original Australian Black-and-White Sleeve Artwork with Insert
• Producer: Peter McIan
• Label: Music On Vinyl
• Catalogue Number: MOVLP1452
• Barcode: 8718469539444
• Condition: Brand new & sealed

Track List:

Side A
A1 Who Can It Be Now?
A2 I Can See It in Your Eyes
A3 Down Under
A4 Underground
A5 Helpless Automaton

Side B
B1 People Just Love to Play with Words
B2 Be Good Johnny
B3 Touching the Untouchables
B4 Catch a Star
B5 Down by the Sea