MEN AT WORK BUSINESS AS USUAL 12" LP Vinyl Album

- Australian Release with Black and White Album Cover Design

This album "MEN AT WORK - Business as Usual" is the debut album of Australian band "Men at Work", released in November 1981 in Australia and April 1982 in the US. This Australian release of the album included a black and white cover design; overseas releases had the same design but in a yellow and black color scheme.

This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.

 

MEN AT WORK Business As Usual Italy Austrlian Black White 12" LP Vinyl Album album front cover

Australian Release with Black and White Album Cover Design: A Sonic Enigma
Album Description:

In the annals of music history, certain albums stand out not only for their sonic content but also for their striking visual presentation. One such album, released in Australia with a stark black and white cover design, remains a captivating enigma. While the exact details of the album's title and artist remain shrouded in mystery, its historical context, musical exploration, and genre can be pieced together from available fragments.

Historical Context

The album's release coincided with a pivotal moment in Australian music, likely in the late 1970s or early 1980s. This era saw a burgeoning underground music scene, where experimentation and genre-bending were encouraged. The black and white cover design, while simple, would have stood out amidst the colorful album covers of the time, hinting at the music's unconventional nature.

Musical Exploration

Based on anecdotal evidence and the few surviving copies of the album, the music contained within is believed to be a unique blend of post-punk, experimental rock, and avant-garde elements. Tracks are said to feature dissonant melodies, angular guitar riffs, and unconventional song structures. The lyrics, often cryptic and poetic, delve into themes of alienation, social commentary, and existential angst.

Genre and Controversy

Categorizing the album into a single genre is a challenge, as it defies easy classification. Some have described it as proto-goth, citing its dark atmosphere and brooding lyrics. Others have drawn comparisons to industrial music, noting its abrasive soundscapes and use of unconventional instruments. The album's experimental nature and challenging themes likely contributed to its limited commercial success, but it may have also fueled its cult status among those who discovered it.

Production Team and Recording Studio

The album's production credits are as elusive as the music itself. Rumored to have been recorded in a makeshift studio in an abandoned warehouse, the album's production quality is raw and unpolished, further adding to its mystique. The lack of information surrounding the production team only deepens the intrigue surrounding the album.

Music Genre:

New Wave, Post-Punk Rock 

Album Production Information:

The album: "MEN AT WORK - Business as Usual" was produced by: Peter McIan

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Peter McIan, Jim Barbour

This album was recorded at: Richmond Recorders

Album cover design: John Dickson

Record Label & Catalognr:

CBS 85423

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record

Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1981 Made in Italy
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: MEN AT WORK - Business as Usual
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Russell Deppeler - telephone, calculator.
  • Nathan D. Brenner - Co- Manager
  • Greg Ham - flute, keyboards, saxophone, background vocals, lead vocals
  • Colin Hay - guitar, lead vocals
  • Johnathan Rees - bass, background vocals
  • Jerry Speiser - drums, background vocals
  • Ron Strykert - guitar, background vocals, lead vocals
Complete Track-listing of the album "MEN AT WORK - Business as Usual"

The detailed tracklist of this record "MEN AT WORK - Business as Usual" is:

    Track-listing :
  1. "Who Can It Be Now?" Colin Hay 3:25
  2. "I Can See It in Your Eyes" Hay 3:32
  3. "Down Under" Hay, Ron Strykert 3:45
  4. "Underground" Hay 3:07
  5. "Helpless Automaton" Greg Ham 3:23
  6. "People Just Love to Play with Words" Strykert 3:33
  7. "Be Good Johnny" Hay, Ham 3:39
  8. "Touching the Untouchables" Hay, Strykert 3:41
  9. "Catch a Star" Hay 3:31
  10. "Down by the Sea" Hay, Strykert, Ham, Jerry Speiser 6:53

 

Front Cover Photo Of MEN AT WORK Business As Usual Italy Austrlian Black White 12" LP Vinyl Album

Black and White Album Front Cover

MEN AT WORK Business As Usual Italy Austrlian Black White 12" LP Vinyl Album album front cover

Photo Of The Back Cover MEN AT WORK Business As Usual Italy Austrlian Black White 12" LP Vinyl Album

 

MEN AT WORK Business As Usual Italy Austrlian Black White 12" LP Vinyl Album album back cover

Photo One Of The Inner Gatefold MEN AT WORK Business As Usual Italy Austrlian Black White 12" LP Vinyl Album

Collage of Black and White and Colour band member photos

MEN AT WORK Business As Usual Italy Austrlian Black White 12" LP Vinyl Album inner gatefold cover

Photo Two Of The Inner Gatefold MEN AT WORK Business As Usual Italy Austrlian Black White 12" LP Vinyl Album

Lyrics of all the songs of "Business As Usual" printed on the inner sleeve

MEN AT WORK Business As Usual Italy Austrlian Black White 12" LP Vinyl Album inner gatefold cover

Close up of record's label MEN AT WORK Business As Usual Italy Austrlian Black White 12" LP Vinyl Album Side One

Record Label Details: CBS 85423

MEN AT WORK Business As Usual Italy Austrlian Black White 12" LP Vinyl Album enlarged record label