“Men at Work” – one of the most underrated of bands? I read this comment somewhere, and realized there might just be some truth to it. Incredibly talented, some unforgettable songs, and tunes; “Men at Work” definitely need to be appreciated more. This time, I’m pulling out of my Music Vault, not one or two, but three of “Men at Work” albums.
Thapson
So, let’s celebrate the music of this wonderful band from “down under” and play another batch of music that formed the soundtrack of our lives.
My Introduction to Men at Work
The music blasted away as I climbed the steps to Neil’s apartment. As the door gave way, I was immersed in music. Whenever he got new music, he would pop the tape in the player, to which were plugged a pair of specially designed speakers. With a cup of tea, a cigarette, his favorite seat, he listened while the music pounded away. This day was no different as he sat surrounded by smoke, lost in thought, his photo chromatic glasses darkened.
Fast tempo drums, heavy bass, quick guitar riff, and saxophone blared away. It was topped off by Colin Hay’s rich vocals. I gave a thumbs up, while raising my eyebrows inquiringly. Neil pointed to a cassette cover, which said “Men at Work – Business as Usual.” I liked what I heard, and it wasn’t even their biggest hit! Which one was it? This one:
YouTube / Men at Work
“Underground”
Taken from the album “Business as Usual,” it was my introduction to Men at Work. While Neil explained it wasn’t their hit, I felt the quick up-tempo music was good enough for me. Also, I have a personal quirk that tends to favor the underdog, which includes some the lesser played tracks. And this one was one of them. Forty years later, I still love it.
“Men at Work” – A Quick History
In 1979, a group of talented Aussie musicians came together to form what would be “Men at Work.” They include Colin Hay (vocals and guitar), Jerry Speiser (drums), Ron Strykert (bass, later guitar with the addition of bassist John Rees). The band later had the services of multi-talented musician in Greg Ham on saxophone, flute, keyboards, you name it! It’s impressive to see the volume of musical talent to come out of Scotland, and one of them would be the incredible Colin Hays. Despite all his years in Australia, he still has a slight Scottish accent which makes his vocals so endearing. Apparently, they took their name from a construction site warning.
The lineup would change over the years, but this original lineup is what puts the band on the international landscape.
First Album: “Business as Usual”
The release of some singles, including an earlier version of “Down Under,” caught the attention of some record producers. The clean, melodic sounds did their magic, and “Men at Work” were working on an album including a reworked “Down Under,” and some new songs. The result was their new album entitled “Business as Usual” released in late 1981. It soon reached top of the charts starting from Australia/New Zealand, on to Canada, the US, Europe, and beyond. The album’s “simple” upbeat, eclectic sounds, emblematic of the 80s helped.
One of the numbers on this album was to create copyright issues for Men at Work, and likely lead to the death of one of their key members. More on that later. For now, lets check out some of the numbers from the album.
“Down Under”
This was the mega hit, with a reggae beat, that Men at Work were most recognized for the world over. While providing them the recognition, the tune they used is controversial for leading Men at Work afoul of a copyright issue. Something they vehemently denied.
YouTube / Men at Work
“I Can See it in Your Eyes”
One of the lesser-known versions, but a wonderfully crafted number nevertheless. While many might think of the one or two songs from this album, I think these numbers need to be listened to truly appreciate Men at Work’s talent.
YouTube / Men at Work
“Helpless Automaton”
Another of my favorites from the album, “Helpless Automaton” has a very 80s new wave beat to it. Check out the bass and guitar riff – outstanding stuff!
YouTube / Men at Work
“Down by The Sea”
The album closes off with this somewhat haunting, melancholy number. Once you played the album, you know if they keep it up, there was great stuff to come from the band.
YouTube / Men at Work
Second Album: “Cargo”
With the tremendous success of “Business as Usual,” everyone waited expectedly for more from “Men at Work” – me included. Men at Work released their second album, “Cargo,” in 1983. This album too raced up the charts, thanks to yet another scintillating display of talent by the band. My friend felt the first album was better, but I think this was just as good, if not better.
Once again Men at Work displayed their versatility and talent with some memorable hits. Let’s check out some of my favorites.
“Dr. Heckyll & Mr. Jive”
Wonderful play on the title words, and Men at Work created a great up tempo, light-hearted, entertaining number. Incidentally a favorite of my son’s too, who was born in the late 90s. The cleverly made music video also helped popularize this.
YouTube / Men at Work
“Overkill”
Another great song by Colin Hay! Though already apparent, his explanation of the lyrics confirms the feelings expressed in the song. One of struggling and putting everything into achieving something, followed by an almost anticlimactic feeling upon obtaining that success. A feeling of apprehension and dread as your newfound success leads you into a new unanticipated reality.
YouTube / Men at Work
“It’s a Mistake”
Written in the days of the Cold War, this is an interesting offering from Men at Work on the futility of the machinations of the parties on opposite ends of the Iron Curtain. Although it might have lost its impact by the end of the decade, the song likely makes sense again going by the state of affairs in the world again.
YouTube / Men at Work
Third Album: “Two Hearts”
Men at Work’s third album was released in 1985 to a mixed review. Differences between some of the band members was reflected in the new syle of music heard on this album. Some critics found it underwhelming. But not me. I think this album too has some very interesting works. But, I will admit, this was the last album from them that worked for me. I guess it is true, “all good things come to an end.” But I would like to think that my tastes, as well as new bands and offerings seemed to put Men at Work into the background going forward. Also, the breakup of the band as we had known also did some of the “damage.”
Some of the memorable numbers from this album include:
“Man with Two Hearts”
Once again, Colin Hay shows his song writing brilliance. He also sings this wonderfully and, at times, lightheartedly sung philosophical song. The sophistication of the music seems a long way from their original clean, almost reggae-inspired, beats. That’s not to say it loses its magic, only going into new musical territory.
YouTube / Men at Work
“Everything I Need”
Once again, Men at Work getting down to a simple message with this song. After the struggles, achievements, trials, and tribulations, it all comes down to his significant other half. Despite all the storms brewing around, and the frantic pace of life throwing one off balance, the love of a loved one is the one solid thing that sees him through everything. Both a love song, and a philosophical one at the same time. Wonderful beats, and apparently it was their last big hit on the Billboard charts.
YouTube / Men at Work
“Maria”
Let’s close off this sampling of Men at Work’s most memorable hits from where we began – Australia. “Maria” is a beautifully rendered song telling the struggles of many immigrants to Australia. Maria, a young girl from Europe marries a man from her country who already resides in Australia. The parents hope their daughter will fare a better life in the “land of plenty” as she settles there with her new husband. However, this is not the case with her, as her struggles continue there as she feels abused and abandoned in a strange environment. While Men at Work have sung other songs in praise of their country, this one also points to some of the darker sides of emigrating to their shores faced by new arrivals. Well written lyrics, accompanied by a very sophisticated music backup.
YouTube / Men at Work
Final Words
That was a quick look at Men at Work, some of their memorable hits, and why they became so big. Men at Work continue with a new lineup and Colin Hay is still active. But all eras come to a close. So is the case with Men at Work.
We, unfortunately lost the extraordinarily talented Greg Ham in 2012. Some claim the ruling against Ham and Men at Work regarding the alleged plagiarizing of the song “Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree” in their hit “Down Under” likely broke Greg Ham. Ham disagreed with the ruling, and was deeply disappointed that his legacy would be tarnished by it. In any case, we lost a wonderful member of the original Men at Work band with his death.
So are they an underrated band? Whatever the case, their music will ensure they will not be easily forgotten.
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