A Flock Of Seagulls - A Flock Of Seagulls

[lbworshiper]

A Flock of remarkable 80’s New-wave dance songs

History of A Flock of Seagulls (AFOS):

Original Band Line-Up:

Lead Vocal/ Keyboard = Mike Score
Drums = Ali Score
Bass = Frank Maudsley
Guitar = Paul Reynolds

In 1980 a small band known as A Flock of Seagulls was formed that would lead the New-Wave dance club music to an ultimate new level. Although they released a poorly marketed and produced EP in 1981, they hit a gold mine with their major label debut in 1982. The first single and most memorable song of the album, “I Ran”, was a hit combining retro rock and New-Wave techno beats. While not hugely popular when it came out, younger generations were introduced to AFOS by “I Ran” being the theme song of the popular 80’s gangster simulation, “Grand Theft Auto: Vice City”. This is actually the method of how I heard of the band, considering I am 16. A Flock of Seagulls is seen as some of the innovators of New-Wave techno. With other hit songs such as “Space Age Love Song” and “Standing in the Doorway” AFOS’s debut album can be seen as both unique and maybe even having the best New-Wave hit to current times. Although the band split up in 1989, VH1 got the New-Wave masterminds, back together to play one more concert in their original lineup. Even though there were a little out of tune and tempo, it was awesome to see them up on stage again. But it was a major let down not to sea Mike’s “seagull” shaped hair.

Key Tracks of Album:

Track 1: I Ran

The first single and track on this album is the hit “I Ran”, with its “seagull-like” techno intro the drums, and bass add in accompanying the seagulls with a light little riff. At about one minute the synthesizer hold a chord and Paul Reynolds adds in with delayed and clean chords that introduce the vocals of Michael Score. This track is basically just synthesizer driven like almost all of their songs, but Paul adds quick staccatos, while Frank and Ali keep the beat at a great pace that allows Michael and Paul to thrive. Score’s mediocre vocal are backed up by the band and the harmony sounds great because of the echo based techno beat. The verses are more of a time for Paul and Mike to show off their skills, but during the chorus Ali and Frank really pull through to improve the sound. While the solo sounds as if the whole band will go into an instrumental, only Paul goes into a pretty cool solo for how old he was at the time. With the delay and faded guitar effects he used it dramatically added to the general feeling of the solo. Instead of shredding he had the knowledge of guitars, to improve the song rather that show off. When going back into the vocals you crave Reynolds solo, but still enjoy the techno vocals of Mike Score. The same old verse with Mike and Paul in the lead, but instead of a chorus Reynolds goes into another solo. This actually sounds more like a solo of him being able to blend and show off skill at the same time. Reynolds great guitar talent is something to be reckoned with and if I was in a band with him, I would be glad if he wanted to take two solos. Overall this song is the great New-Wave anthem of all GTA gamers around, and I am glad that this appealing song is getting some well-earned popularity.

Track 2: Space Age Love Song

Ali’s drum intro is truly a great use of his drumming capabilities, a drummer that can hold back and act as a “human metronome” is a reasonably good musician just because of that. This song started off very lightly with again quick little staccatos from Paul and an almost inaudible bass line from Frank Maudsley. This airy feeling makes you really feel the title, and its space age qualities. With techno noises, that sound like intergalactic voyages, I feel like I am riding through the universe listening to the weightless lyrics of Mike Score. Even though he styles one of the strangest haircuts in all of music, he can be delicate and light when he wants. Paul Reynolds never ceases to impress me with his ability to soothe the ear and add effect to the songs theme. This is one of my favorite songs on the album, because it is slow and perfect. The effects and talent all roll up into a great globule that satisfies the ear, like listening to smooth jazz on a beach, while the sun is setting on the Caribbean Islands.

Track 8: Standing in the Doorway

Unlike many of the other songs by AFOS this track is driven more by guitar and bass, which is actually a welcomed change-up to Score’s domination over every song. For the first minute and a quarter Maudsley and Ali Score are holding a constant beat while techno sounds and rhythms are rolling around in the background. When the track reaches 1:14, there is an explosion, that yields birth to an awesome new variation on the riff. The driving new pattern features the whole instrumental section creating an awesome riff. Now me being a guitarist myself, I am always critical on the difficulty, compatibility, and sound of the riff, but I am happy to report this is one of my favorite guitars riffs of all time. Its pretty cool and throws a huge curve ball at the listener, who has been listening to synth-driven songs the whole record. When Mike Score eventually joins in his voice is not as light and airy as usual, but this change in vocal style changes the feeling of the song for the better. This heavier song keeps the New-Wave band tied into their rock roots, but also allows them to try new techno beats. Mike Score does not dominate the song as much as usual, but rather lets the rest of the band show of their talent to the world. This is definitely my favorite song of the whole album. Partially, because the band is in full unison, in the matter of volume, and also the rock adds another façade to their debut album.

THE VERDICT: In my eyes this is one of the better techno and New-Wave albums of the 80’s and maybe overall. The popularity of “I Ran” drew public eyes to this great band. Finally AFOS gets the respect they deserve from their multifaceted debut album, that solidifies their spot in the New-Wave/ Dance Hall of Fame for all time. So if you like techno or enjoy "I Ran”, I recommend going to pick up the techno treasure from your local record store.

[Ollie Stench]

The first AFOS LP, while scorned by the masses for little more than goofy haircuts, is a great album. There are some definately creepy songs on there. One of my faves.

[2Nu]

IMO, AFOS is the <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/search?r=2&q=Epitome" target="blank">IPITOME</a> of 80's New Wave.. In Looks, Sound and Execution.

[lbworshiper]

AMEN to that. [:D]

[Grunch]

I certainly think of them when I think of New Wave music and style. They epitomized the genre in many ways. Man, the great songs they released.

[KYYX4ever]

I love these guys, I admit it. Their 1st 2 albums were terrific; underrated in a way, as they were disparaged in a big way. But it is REALLY good stuff. Ollie is right: there are some creepy themes and moods on that early stuff!

[edisonoside]

A Flock of Seagulls recieved a Grammy win for best rock instumental performance in 1982 for the track D.N.A!!!

I remember when I first palyed that album, It blew me away!...It still does.

[bpdp3]

My god, we're NEW WAVE fans. Do we have to JUSTIFY liking this album?? It is a great one, one of the classics of the genre. Nothing to be embarrassed about if you ask me!! I think my favorite track is probably 'Space Age Love Song', but 'Telecommunicati

[Odessey]

I love their first 2 lps. Absolutely classic new wave, IMO...

[WoodlandParkPunk]

Love em'
Saw them last year in Glendale AZ playing at a chocolate festival. There was no promotion at all and maybe a crowd of about 25 showed up. They were very professional about it and sounded great.

[edisonoside]

I remember seeing a flock of seagulls open for the Police back in 83 at Foxboro stadium... The fix were the first to go on and they were received well but, when a flock of seagulls came on they where nearly booed off stage which was pissing me off cause I

[NuWaveRx]

A number of posters have mentioned the first two AFOS albums, which I agree are both great. The Eponymous debut has several standout tracks. DNA is one of the best instrumentals in the New Wave genre, and other great songs include Man-Made, Messages, and

[dearly beloved]

Good write-up, Worship. Although I have to disagree with where it says "I Ran was not hugely popular when it came out".
That single was all over MTV and major market radio when it was released, and probably at least broke the Billboard top 40.....but I'

[dtradio]

I used this LP as the feature for last week's radio show on WEVL Memphis. It is easy to forget how interesting this album was.

AFOS played at a small bar here called Neil's last Saturday (the 14th).

[cubby]

I really wish someone would reissue this with bonus tracks. My album is so scratched up.