Hunting High And Low - A-Ha

[lbworshiper]

Well, from Xtc to A-ha....

A pretty, but frazzled looking Scandinavian girl goes to a local greasy spoon, and while waiting for service, flips through a comic book. Soon, she becomes involved in the story, as an animated hand reaches out of the book to invite her in. She takes the heroes hand, and joins him in his comic book world. And man, is he gorgeous! Cheekbones? To die for. And that pouty little voice with the vaguely British accent, and the swoon-worthy falsetto. But, all is not well in Comic Book Land, as two weird guys chase hero and girl with big monkey wrenches. The girl makes a narrow escape, leaving Hero to his own fate. Will he survive. She rescues the comic book (and herself) from a waste paper bin a waitress has unceremoniously deposited the book in, and heads home where she flips to where she left off. But then she discovers, the hero in her doorway, half-animated, half-real, trying to break through into the real world. Finally he does, landing on the floor exhausted, spent, sweaty, and super-cute, looking up at her with an innocent “honey, I’m home” smile.

The video for “Take on Me” is sort of a “Casablanca” for the genre. Instantly memorable, utterly romantic, with some lovely bits of humor. And Morten Harket’s Nordic good looks didn’t hurt either. A strong argument could be made that the video made the song a hit. But that would be an underestimation of the song – a charmingly chirpy chunk of mid-80s synth pop culminating in one of pop music’s most ecstatic choruses. “Take on Me” might have been a hit without the video, but the video made “Take on Me” an icon of MTV’s “Golden Age”.

The Norwegian trio of Morton Harket, Magnus “Mags” Furuholmen, and Pal Waaktaar, known as “a-ha” are commonly regarded as a one-hit wonder, but in fact, followed-up “Take On Me” with “The Sun Always Shines On TV” which landed itself briefly in Billboard’s Top 20 in 1986. It’s a much better song, with a much less captivating video, and perhaps that is why it is now pretty much forgotten. It’s a shame though, because “The Sun…” is a-ha’s greatest triumph: five glorious minutes of high New Romantic drama with a driving guitar attack, a pulsing synth bass line, and Harket’s desperately pleading chorus. “The Sun Always Shines on TV” is truly one of the 80s great forgotten hit singles.

Both songs can be found on a-ha’s debut album “Hunting High and Low”, along with the other singles, “Train of Thought” and the haunting title track (which itself was nominated for MTV’s Best Video award in 1987). Though tracks like “Take on Me” and the super-bouncy “Love is Reason” are bright and poppy, much of the album is quieter, more reflective, verging on melancholy. This is especially true of “Living A Boy’s Adventure Tale” which has an oboe hook (!) provided by the Dream Academy’s Kate St. John, and “Here I Stand and Face the Rain”, which gives both a titular and tonal nod to the Eurythmics. “I Dream Myself Alive” and “The Blue Sky” are both harmony drenched reflections of lost love. “And You Tell Me” is a spare, brief pleasant ballad.

All of these songs are pleasant to listen to, but rarely very memorable. Yes, it’s atmospheric and haunting in some places, but there were other groups doing atmospheric and haunting better in 1985 (like the Dream Academy and the Cocteau Twins). It’s also dramatic and full of romantic notions of heroism, solitude, loneliness and longing.

The best musical point of reference for the album is early 80s New Romantics such as Ultravox and Duran Duran. But by the time a-ha came along in 1985, Ultravox had pretty much broken up and Duran Duran were splintering apart into funkified side projects. In other words, a-ha were late for their boat, and the boat eventually left without them. Though “Hunting High and Low” was one of the best-selling albums in the U.S. when it came out, a-ha would never be able to come close to matching it’s commercial success. They released four more albums here, each one, a bigger punchline than the one before. The story was quite different overseas, where they maintained a hold on the European (and South American) singles charts well into the 90s. But when their greatest hits compilation “Headlines and Deadlines” was released in 1992, it never saw the light of day Stateside.

Still, “Hunting High and Low” is a nifty mid-80’s, not quite new wave, but not quite “alternative” pop album, with or without the snazzy accompanying videos, and should find a home in the collection of any serious 80s collector.

[Bitter Almonds]

Ironically (or not), "Hunting High And Low" is better than "Take On Me". There is a bit near the end of the song that I like which is reminiscent of Alphaville's "Forever Young" (at the end as well).

[WolverineSyr]

When this album was released I working in a record store in Cambridge, MA called Strawberries. It was in a basement, no windows, no escape, and we had to wear tight, polyester, red vests with singing strawberries on the back. They had 3 songs from "Hunting High & Low" on a corporate promotional tape that we had to play over & over & over, and then over again. The minute I hear the opening notes from "The Sun Always Shines on TV" I am taken back to those moments during the day when we would all stop working and stare at the speakers fixed to the ceiling and wished we had a gun. (Our other choice was Katrina & the Waves...)

With that said lb - another great review - one that I wanted to read, even if it did bring back memories of too tight vests and corporate brainwashing through nordic pop. You do a great job!!

[Oslo]

Well, I have to mention that the follow up album SCOUNDREL DAYS (1986), is by far the best album.
It's a shame it did not get no big attention in the US.
I recomend it to every user on this site.
It's high quality.
Just at least listen to the first single from this album: I've Been Losing You. It's a killer!!

[Sean]

I totally agree with Oslo. Hunting High & Low is a great album especially the title track and Living A Boy's Adventure Tale. Scoundrel Days though is amazing from beginning to end. One of my top 10 favourite albums of all times, it's got quite the staying power. It is a total shame that the US never embraced this album. Then again, the US never embraced Alphaville's sophomore album "Afternoons In Utopia" which has some of most well-written songs ever. The US has also ignored all of the Hubert Kah albums which just baffles my mind. Sometimes, I think when it doesn't make or get very high on the US charts, it's a good sign to buy the album. [;)]

[A2sportsguy]

Let's not forget aha's other claim to fame: The title theme to the first James Bond film with Timothy Dalton, "The Living Daylights." One of the better Bond theme songs, I thought, and one that unfairly never became a hit.

Oh, yeah. And I agree. That final part of "Hunting High and Low" makes the song.

[TheMunDial]

Two things: Magnus? It's just Magne...ISN'T IT?!

And how is "Living A Boy's Adventure Tale" the TITLE track? It's obviously "Hunting High And Low"...

And the video for "The Sun Always Shines On TV" is what pretty much captivated me about a-ha: how can the perfect music video love go bye-bye? If those two couldn't make it, what chance did the rest of us have?

I blame Billy Idol. [;)]

[Berserker]

[quote][i]Originally posted by TheMunDial[/i]
<br>Two things: Magnus? It's just Magne...ISN'T IT?!

And how is "Living A Boy's Adventure Tale" the TITLE track? It's obviously "Hunting High And Low"...

And the video for "The Sun Always Shines On TV" is what pretty much captivated me about a-ha: how can the perfect music video love go bye-bye?[/quote]Yes, it's just Magne. And he said "the title track AND Living A Boy's Adventure Tale", meaning two different songs.

I think very few people realize that the story from the "Take On Me" video is finished during the intro part of the SASOTV video. Also, the video for "Train of Thought" is also done in rotoscope (like "Take On Me") and is quite excellent.

Here's a little trivia concerning just how big a-ha is outside of the US: They hold the record for the most paying attendees at a music concert for a musical group, ever - 200,000 people in Rio, 1991.

[Jeanette]

I just bought this album on cassette for 99 cents at a thrift store. LOVE it. You'd be surprised at how many new wave tapes you can find at thrift stores...I love it. Especially ones that were never rereleased onto cd....

[TheMunDial]

[quote][i]Originally posted by Berserker[/i]
<br>[quote][i]Originally posted by TheMunDial[/i]
<br>Two things: Magnus? It's just Magne...ISN'T IT?!

And how is "Living A Boy's Adventure Tale" the TITLE track? It's obviously "Hunting High And Low"...

And the video for "The Sun Always Shines On TV" is what pretty much captivated me about a-ha: how can the perfect music video love go bye-bye?[/quote]Yes, it's just Magne. And he said "the title track AND Living A Boy's Adventure Tale", meaning two different songs.

I think very few people realize that the story from the "Take On Me" video is finished during the intro part of the SASOTV video. Also, the video for "Train of Thought" is also done in rotoscope (like "Take On Me") and is quite excellent.

Here's a little trivia concerning just how big a-ha is outside of the US: They hold the record for the most paying attendees at a music concert for a musical group, ever - 200,000 people in Rio, 1991.

[/quote]

D'oh! I totally missed that "AND". I feel like such a tool.

Yes, the rotoscope is repeated in "Train Of Thought," but I wish they had the black and white inverted during the whole video instead of just the end.

Not only do they hold the attendance record, but Morten also has the longest singing note held ("Summer Moved On"). Add to that the fact that they sometimes end concerts with that song...Wow.

...And they came up with the whole ripped jeans look. Yeah. By accident.

People (especially kids my age) (scratch that -- I live in Miami, FL, so it's EVERYONE) are surprised when I tell them all these bits of info. "Didn't they only do 'Take On Me'?" is there response. Mine? -_-

[jaybag]

Had to respond to this having just come back from the a-ha concert at Wembley Pavilion in London (blind sh*thouse luck got me sent here on business this week - good times!).

It's official - a-ha is now my favorite band. This discussion doesn't even belong on the NW board because these guys are officially a rock band - and that's a GOOD thing. They were never really a NW band to begin with (as lbworshiper pointed out). Here was the set list from the show tonight which I geekily (huh?) wrote down:

Celice
Move To Memphis
Stay On These Roads
The Weight Of The Wind
Cozy Prisons
Manhattan Skyline
Scoundrel Days
Keeper Of The Flame
Living A Boy's Adventure Tale
Hunting High And Low
Take On Me
Crying In The Rain
I Call Your Name
I've Been Losing You
Summer Moved On
The Living Daylights
(encore:)
Analogue
The Sun Always Shines On T.V.
Dark Is The Night For All

I was surprised how much of the concert was from early in their career, and how little was from their two albums prior to Analogue - they only played one song from Minor Earth Major Sky and NONE from their last album Lifelines. I knew they weren't pleased with how it came out but it seems as if they've totally disassociated themselves from it, which is a shame because I actually love it.

I didn't think it was possible, but Morten actually sounded better live than he does on the albums. Mags is clearly the comedian of the group but the funniest part of the night was when some girl threw her bra on the stage between songs (a big pink one!) and Morten tucked it in his belt, letting it dangle between his legs for half of the next song.

Well it's such a crying shame a-ha disappeared in the U.S. after the first album. Anyone who only knows "Take On Me" would be amazed by how much their show rocks. They're supposedly coming to the U.S. next year - I really hope they don't wind up opening up for a "bigger" group and instead headline at the smaller clubs like House Of Blues.

Nice to know I'm not the only a-ha fan around!

[Sean]

Oh my gosh, was that the playlist? Wow!!! I hope this gets released on dvd. I can't believe they did Living A Boy's Adventure Tale, one of my all time favourite songs. I'd probably have goosebumps on my goosebumps if I ever heard that live. Too bad they never made a video for it. I can imagine how good it would have been.

[schwenko]

[quote][i]Originally posted by jaybag[/i]
<br>Had to respond to this having just come back from the a-ha concert at Wembley Pavilion in London (blind sh*thouse luck got me sent here on business this week - good times!).

It's official - a-ha is now my favorite band. This discussion doesn't even belong on the NW board because these guys are officially a rock band - and that's a GOOD thing. They were never really a NW band to begin with (as lbworshiper pointed out). Here was the set list from the show tonight which I geekily (huh?) wrote down:

Celice
Move To Memphis
Stay On These Roads
The Weight Of The Wind
Cozy Prisons

Manhattan Skyline
Scoundrel Days
Keeper Of The Flame
Living A Boy's Adventure Tale
Hunting High And Low
Take On Me
Crying In The Rain
I Call Your Name
I've Been Losing You
Summer Moved On
The Living Daylights
(encore:)
Analogue
The Sun Always Shines On T.V.
Dark Is The Night For All

I was surprised how much of the concert was from early in their career, and how little was from their two albums prior to Analogue - they only played one song from Minor Earth Major Sky and NONE from their last album Lifelines. I knew they weren't pleased with how it came out but it seems as if they've totally disassociated themselves from it, which is a shame because I actually love it.

I didn't think it was possible, but Morten actually sounded better live than he does on the albums. Mags is clearly the comedian of the group but the funniest part of the night was when some girl threw her bra on the stage between songs (a big pink one!) and Morten tucked it in his belt, letting it dangle between his legs for half of the next song.

Well it's such a crying shame a-ha disappeared in the U.S. after the first album. Anyone who only knows "Take On Me" would be amazed by how much their show rocks. They're supposedly coming to the U.S. next year - I really hope they don't wind up opening up for a "bigger" group and instead headline at the smaller clubs like House Of Blues.

Nice to know I'm not the only a-ha fan around!



[/quote]

Wembley Pavillion... Is that different from Wembley Stadium? I don't think A-Ha could fill a stadium in the USA.

[TheMunDial]

[quote][i]Originally posted by TheMunDial[/i]
<br>[quote][i]Originally posted by jaybag[/i]
<br>Had to respond to this having just come back from the a-ha concert at Wembley Pavilion in London (blind sh*thouse luck got me sent here on business this week - good times!).

It's official - a-ha is now my favorite band. This discussion doesn't even belong on the NW board because these guys are officially a rock band - and that's a GOOD thing. They were never really a NW band to begin with (as lbworshiper pointed out). Here was the set list from the show tonight which I geekily (huh?) wrote down:

Celice
Move To Memphis
Stay On These Roads
The Weight Of The Wind
Cozy Prisons
Manhattan Skyline
Scoundrel Days
Keeper Of The Flame
Living A Boy's Adventure Tale
Hunting High And Low
Take On Me
Crying In The Rain
I Call Your Name
I've Been Losing You
Summer Moved On
The Living Daylights
(encore:)
Analogue
The Sun Always Shines On T.V.
Dark Is The Night For All

I was surprised how much of the concert was from early in their career, and how little was from their two albums prior to Analogue - they only played one song from Minor Earth Major Sky and NONE from their last album Lifelines. I knew they weren't pleased with how it came out but it seems as if they've totally disassociated themselves from it, which is a shame because I actually love it.

I didn't think it was possible, but Morten actually sounded better live than he does on the albums. Mags is clearly the comedian of the group but the funniest part of the night was when some girl threw her bra on the stage between songs (a big pink one!) and Morten tucked it in his belt, letting it dangle between his legs for half of the next song.

Well it's such a crying shame a-ha disappeared in the U.S. after the first album. Anyone who only knows "Take On Me" would be amazed by how much their show rocks. They're supposedly coming to the U.S. next year - I really hope they don't wind up opening up for a "bigger" group and instead headline at the smaller clubs like House Of Blues.

Nice to know I'm not the only a-ha fan around!



[/quote]

Man, that's awesome. I wish they would come visit us here in South Florida...

And I don't think they should turn their backs on the two albums prior to Analogue. Songs like "Summer Moved On," "Minor Earth Major Sky," "Forever Not Yours," and "Lifelines" are a-ha classics if ever there were a-ha classics. Or something.

...I just think its awesome that there are people out there in the world who shares an interest in my favorite band.

[jaybag]

Wembley Pavilion is a smaller venue next to the stadium, which is being renovated. It holds 10,000 and the show was nearly sold out. Because I didn't know 'til late that I was going to be there, I was in nearly the back row. There were maybe 20 people sitting behind me!

That was in fact the playlist. They played for a good 2 hours, including encore. Sean, you'd have gone nuts when Morten hit that high note to open "Adventure Tale". Seriously, he was fantastic (they ALL were) even if he didn't quiiiite make it to the end of the 22-second high note at the end of "Summer Moved On" (he fell maybe 2 seconds short). The new arrangements of the old songs are killer. They rock but not in a grungy way.

I don't know if they've entirely turned their backs on their last two albums. I know they've said some bad things about "Lifelines" but maybe none of the songs were hits in the UK and they figured why bother. But then I've seen the set lists from their other shows and they don't really seem to deviate much from the one I saw (I've seen Holy Ground on a few but that's about it).

I really hope a-ha comes to the States and that they aren't just an opening act. I just worry about Analogue selling well - it's a fantastic album but will it play in Peoria?