Penthouse And Pavement

Bem crítico, algumas dançantes, até que gostei

goodbye to the pavement, hello to the soul

Not usually my thing, but this had some cool moments. Little uneven, first half was definitely stronger.

Interesting music, does not sound dated..

A synth album, cool! Read that a member was a past member of Human League, which is interesting trivia. I think this is an OK album, but not much more. The beginning of the album with 'Penthouse and Pavement', is decent, and so is the ending with 'The Height Of The Fighting' (which might be the best song of the album) and 'Song With No Name'. The rest was more of a necessary evil. Overall I find the beats a bit too much raw drum machine for my taste, and the album in general is decent, but not more. Weak 3.

This was a fun album. Felt a bit like a more disco version of Human League. A few tracks stood out, Penthouse and Pavement was a good track but the winner goes to "The Height of The Fighting". The rest weren't all that interesting. I like the general sound but found myself a bit bored. Strong 2 or weak 3. Listening again while writing this to "The height of the fighting" pushes it to a 3.

It's alright but it all started to sound the same real quick.

Ah, 1981. Une époque bénie où les groupes de musique se détestaient avec une passion qui forçait l'admiration. On n'envoyait pas des SMS passifs-agressifs, on claquait la porte pour aller former un groupe concurrent, histoire de bien montrer à l'autre con qui était le patron. Et en matière de divorce fracassant, la séparation de The Human League se pose là. D'un côté, le chanteur Phil Oakey, qui garda le nom et partit conquérir le monde avec les tubes pop de "Dare". De l'autre, les architectes sonores, les cerveaux électroniques Martyn Ware et Ian Craig Marsh, qui, vexés comme des poux, fondèrent Heaven 17. Leur premier album, "Penthouse and Pavement", n'est pas juste un disque. C'est une déclaration de guerre, un manifeste et c'est surtout un disque complètement schizophrène, à l'image de son titre. La pochette : d'un côté, des businessmen proprets et ambitieux (le Penthouse), de l'autre, des prolos rebelles et arty (le Pavement). Cette dualité, c'est l'ADN même du disque. La Face A (sur le vinyle d'origine) est l'album "fini", la vitrine pop, la tentative de prouver au monde (et à leur ex-chanteur) qu'ils pouvaient aussi écrire des tubes. Et quels tubes ! C'est froid, c'est dansant, c'est intelligent. C'est de la synthpop pour les gens qui ont un cerveau. Cette première face est une collection de singles potentiels, une démonstration de force de ce que le futur de la pop pouvait être : électronique, engagée et terriblement chic. Et puis... on retourne le disque. Et là, c'est une autre histoire. Bienvenue sur le "Pavement" et fini les structures couplet-refrain, fini le vernis pop. Ici, on est dans le laboratoire, c'est la partie expérimentale, le terrain de jeu où Ware et Marsh laissent libre cours à leur amour pour les sons synthétiques bruts, les rythmes déstructurés et les collages sonores. On est plus proche de Kraftwerk ou de Cabaret Voltaire que de Duran Duran. C'est plus aride, plus difficile d'accès, ça sonne parfois comme une démo, comme une collection d'idées jetées sur bande. Au final, "Penthouse and Pavement" est un disque plus intéressant qu'agréable. Son intérêt historique est immense. Il capture un moment charnière où la synthpop hésitait encore entre la conquête des charts et l'expérimentation avant-gardiste. C'est un document fascinant sur la créativité de deux pionniers de la musique électronique. On entend les fondations de tout ce qui allait suivre, de la new wave la plus pointue à la techno. Mais est-ce que c'est un album que je mets sur ma platine pour passer un bon moment du début à la fin ? Franchement, non. La Face A est brillante, mais la Face B demande un effort, une concentration qui n'est pas toujours récompensée. On a l'impression d'écouter deux disques différents collés ensemble. L'un est un costard bien coupé, l'autre est une salopette de travail pleine de cambouis. Les deux sont de qualité, mais ils ne vont pas très bien ensemble. À l'époque, j'étais gamin, mais quelques années plus tard, en découvrant la new wave, ce disque m'a fasciné. Il avait un côté "cérébral" qui le distinguait de la masse. C'était la preuve que les synthés n'étaient pas juste des jouets pour faire danser les filles, mais de véritables outils de création, capables du meilleur comme du plus abscons. C'est donc un album que je recommande chaudement... aux curieux. À ceux qui aiment comprendre comment la musique se fabrique, à ceux qui aiment les disques qui posent des questions plus qu'ils n'apportent de réponses. Pour les autres, ceux qui cherchent juste une collection de tubes parfaits, je leur conseillerais plutôt d'aller voir du côté de "Dare" de The Human League. Un 3 sur 5. C'est la note parfaite. La note d'un album à moitié fini, à moitié expérimental. Un disque bancal, frustrant par moments, mais absolument essentiel pour comprendre la richesse et les contradictions d'une époque formidable.

Never heard of these folks. I love the song titles. Very synthie. It isn't something I would seek out to listen to, but this album is growing on me as it goes on. Kind of a post Krafterk, but somehow nerdier. We'll, I'm glad I heard it. It gets a 3.

I'm generally a big fan of 80's synth pop, but this album served as father for contemplation about why I enjoy some of it and don't others. Had never heard of these guys before and I feel like it doesn't stand shoulder to shoulder with some of my favorites from this genre. It a'ight.

The cover artwork of Heaven 17's Penthouse and Pavement presents a striking visual commentary on the rise of yuppie culture and capitalism. The design is both bold and ironic, encapsulating the duality of aspiration and reality. However, while the concept is intriguing, the execution may feel somewhat dated to contemporary audiences. The logos and text add an additional layer of meaning but can also clutter the visual impact. Overall, it's a thought-provoking piece that captures the essence of its time but may not resonate with all viewers today. Album artworks rated: 8/1001 Music's actually not that great..

The first half is pretty good

It has 'Fascist Groove Thang' on it...that's worth a boost at a minimum.

Fun music. Surprised there weren’t any big hits off of the album. Just a regular pop/ dance album though.

Favorite Track: Play To Win

Enjoyed it decently enough for a synth-pop album. One song was straight-up a Buzzcocks song, though I don't know which one came first. 6/10

I can't say a lot about this album and not sure it's a must listen but I did like it. A bit of a Gary Newman sound from this Krafty crew. Nothing ground breaking but "I'm Your Money" is a good one. Another one is expect Uncle Rick to have in his collection. Intrigued enough to check out their second album...2.9.

If Devo and the Talking Heads had a baby and raised it on The Human League. I honestly didn't (and still don't) know what to make of this. Innovative, for sure, especially for its time. Frenetic at times, lacking direction, and yet in its own way feeling pretty cohesive in style and form. It's all over the place in a way that's almost charming and sometimes slightly frightening. If these sound like contradictory or vague lines of a review, it's because they are. This is definitely a difficult album to nail down in one listen, and I regret that that's all I gave it. Three stars. Standout Tracks: Penthhouse and Pavement, Soul Warfare, Let's All Make a Bomb, We're Going to Live for a Very Long Time

Итс окэй. Мутант-диско в концептуальной обертке. Хорошие, доступные песни. Может понравиться больше после нескольких прослушиваний. Лучшая песня - Let's All Make a Bomb.

Synth pop With a cutting edge wish it was something people would do now.

This is a strong representation of English synth-pop/new wave from the early 80s. https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/penthouse-and-pavement-by-heaven?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

I weirdly enjoyed the first half of this, felt like the missing link between 80s pop and 90s dance, the songs developed in interesting ways, had lots of little hooks. The second half was a bit more monotonous and less clever and I found myself zoning out a bit. I think it balances out to about 3.5 but more a 3.

Hmm..... Somehow very 80s but equally quite unique. I'm not really sure how to rate this, was pretty interesting in parts. Didn't realise this was the guys who did temptation until Spotify played it after the album. I'm going to sit on the fence and say it's on the 2.5 side of 3

Pretty interesting political rock. It didn’t grab me but I enjoyed it. I’m glad it was a short album.

Not bad. Great example of early 80s new wave

Groove Thang is the highlight here. And I felt faint shades of Devo in terms of some humor on a couple tracks, which helped. I think the humor was intentional. It was kind of fun.

You can only listen to 5 songs on Spotify, and even less on Youtube. Lets go, less songs for me to listen to. Pretty 80s with some catchy repetitive choruses, but some more adventurous sounds that don't always hit. High 3. Edit -- Not a high 3

6/10 - There was some interesting background parts but the lyrics were weird. Definitely an interesting album but not something I am likely to come back to.

I'm not a big fan, but I can see where others might be. The bass lines were especially fun.

This is what the 80's sound like in movies made about the 80's.

Favourite track: Geosha Boys and Temple Girls.

Not too bad, synth beats used in a quite funky and playful way. Some tracks are quite repetitive (the last for example) and abit boring.

This is not my favorite genre - but if we’re at least catchy it could be enjoyable. New wave electronic pop bores me. It’s fine, I have heard worse on this list of records to listen to before I die.

I understand the hate this album gets, but it's actually surprisingly inventive. I was shocked that some of these electronic sounds were coming from the 80s and not the 2010s. It's definitely a product of it's time vocally though. Best Songs: Penthouse and Pavement, Let's All Make A Bomb Worst Songs: Geisha Boys and Temple Girls, We're Going To Live For A Very Long Time

Groovy ahh '80s synthpop. Kinda liked it in some places

Surprised there are so many new wave albums on this list. I don't dislike Heaven 17. It's fine. Just makes me want to see the album selection process.. like what didn't make the cut and why? Also, it seems like the albums are at random.. I'd like to see where exactly this album falls compared to others. 2.5

I’ve got this sudden urge to buy a Filofax and get on the property ladder.

fun, dancey, anti reagan, what can you complain about

started off strong but I fell off a lot after the first 3 songs

He ovat kekseliäämpiä säveltäjiä kuin moni suostuisi myöntämään. Toisaalta he kokevat tarpeelliseksi koristella biisejään hupsuilla kokeiluilla ja laserefekteillä ynnä muulla. Ja lopulta heillä on ihailtavaa tajua pelastaa se, mitä pelastettavissa on.

Quite weird

Good fun, this. Not loads to say about it really, except that I enjoyed it and wouldn't turn it off if it came on, but nor do I think I'll ever agonise over what to listen to and end up with Heaven 17.

I had fun with this, but would I listen again? Probably not ..

Interesting album, I like it. A bit hectic in places so it wouldn't become a mainstay for me, but glad I gave it a few listens.

Nice easy album to get into

3 out of 5. A lot of these songs are catchy and easy to dance to.

Un album assez spécial. Je ne pense pas avoir tant embarqué, mais c'était assez unique et originale, surtout pour l'époque, mais même considérant ce qui se fait aujourd'hui. C'était quand même assez avant-gardiste. 7/10

Sounds very 1980’s new wave

Thos is so absurdly 80s that its actually enjoyable.

kinda pretty good for very synth-driven early 80s pop

I listened to the 12 song Special Edition version with B.E.F. included. The original one linked had a few songs that were not accessible via spotify. (We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang is interesting. You can tell it's from the 80s given the usage of synths and processed drums from that era. The usage of distortion throughout was neat. It's got a pretty decent grove though and I like the message, especially given this was in the context of Reagan being a foray into fascism in the US, and look at where we're at now in 2024. Overall the album was very mediocre, something that can definitely be assumed to have been from that era both in instrumentation as well as recording/mixing techniques. It's dated and the remaster doesn't really do it justice I'm sure. I do like the synth work, but the vocals and chord structures are nothing to write home about I think. I'd give it maybe a 3 or so.

That was nice. Didn't know the human league connection.

Not great

Good groovy vibes, but beats got somewhat repetitive throughout the songs

why do people hate this so much in the reviews? Its a bit weird but in a good way

This is fine but A Certain Ratio are the Brit Funk/ Post Punk crossover band that should feature on this list.

Un album inclassable et surprenant, dont les claviers pop-rock donnent aux textes les accents d’une révolte manufacturée

I could never truly dislike an album whose opening track explicitly decries fascism. Some great funk on this one!

This might not be the greatest work of synth-pop of all time, but I don’t believe this record is nearly as abysmal as many of these reviews aver. The first half of this record has some funk in it which is evidenced by the very prominent bass. Truthfully, the bassist is what makes this first half interesting, but the songs sound the same. The band exchange the funkiness for a more electronic-influenced sound in the second half (starting with “Geisha Boys and Temple Girls”), and this is where the whole thing starts to pick up some steam, however, right as I’m getting invested, the record is over. I am not totally impartial as I have a fondness for electronic music, but this album would have benefited from sticking to electronic as opposed to having two distinct sounds. Ultimately, this album is a 3/5.

Understanding its early 80s ots cool for the time, dont think the music hold up. Most songs sounds like an 80s montage of a romantic comedy. I can see eddie murphy in beverly hills cop with any song. Its not bad for being brit pop and early synth pop it most have been great back then. Follow up acts were much much better but these guys paved the way for the better stuff so respect must be given at all time. Fu songs, happy songs but they lack something I cant pin point. The over use of the synth although part of the genere it gets boring. Still a strong 3 for the original music and for making something different at the time.

80s gubbins

No big hits, but sounds ok

Way better than I thought it would be. When the first notes of (We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thing played I thought it was going to suck and be too whimsical but it's not, it's really nice maybe synth pop music.

An interesting sound, certainly. Couldn't shake the feeling that the vocalist(s) lines amounted to them talking at the listener to a tune, more than actual singing or meaningful expression.

Cool album cover. The number of bonus tracks/alternate versions on the album was frustrating to navigate. Sound actually grew on me, crazy fast bass player if some of this is being player by a person and not a computer. The drum sample at 2:00 on "Fascist Groove Thang" is nice I like that it only shows up once, makes me miss that sound.

Luv 80s

I really dug some of the songs on this album — particularly the songs that seem to have been released as singles (Fascist Groove Thang, I’m Your Money, Let’s All Make a Bomb) so the band chose right. I will definitely be returning to some songs on this album (Fascist Groove Thang has already been on some of my playlists), but there are plenty of songs here I could do without.

British, quite fun, mostly uninteresting synthy music. Stand-out: We're Going To Live For A Very Long Time

I surprisingly enjoyed the record but do I see myself coming back again , Hell No!

It was pretty good. Duran Duran-y

un disci de su época; para bailar y poco más.

Good to listen to early synth material & some nice grooves though not really my thing.

Cool 80’s sound.

Starts strong , 80s electronic pop with very funky bass , slightly fizzles half way though . Five stars for side one though .

The album is consistent, but almost to the point of being repetitive. Hearing the themes against the upbeat 80s synth is really interesting, but overall I found the album uninspiring and repetitive.

Interesting

Pleasantly surprised, funky and groovy.

there are some very interesting ideas here but overall i dont think it achieves what it wanted. it feels like an inferior remain in light. ill be returning to this but it only gets a 6/10 for now

3.5 This may have been groundbreaking at the time, but it doesn't feel all that special now. If you're listening on Spotify and feeling inclined to skip the 50% of the album unavailable there, you've basically gotten the idea already. Half a star above average for Fascist Groove Thing and making me want to dance throughout.

Fun synth pop with a cool dual-genre concept. Lots of groovy keys and slapping bass, with pretty classic 80's drumming. Vocals are good, not great, but song concepts were pretty grounded and worldly, if not skewed a little cheesy by the new wave/pop arranging. I liked the pop "Penthouse" side more than the new funk "Pavement" side.

Not as bad as the other reviews make it seem. Was a fun listen but nothing crazy. Nice and short

It was about 3 on the scale

Interesting

nice synth pop album

Weird 80s mix of funk and electro. They made the song temptation from the trainspotting soundtrack but it's not on this album. 4/10

Pretty good Brit synthpop, tends a bit clangy sometimes.

Shake your fascist groove thing is a classic! I appreciate that this album is either an EP or just very short. I like it, but I don’t know how much I would listen to the whole thing on purpose. Maybe just some of their best of instead.

A bit too long maybe… never heard of them before!

Not bad.

Hipper than hip early 80s electronica

I'm down with this album's concept for sure - especially looking back on the early 80s this far into the future and realizing that yuppies still exist in the 21st Century. The synth grooves and hooks are solid but many of the songs don't quite hit for me. LCD Soundsystem fans will probably love Penthouse and Pavement.

I can't help but to think this album is on the list because the author had the lp in his collection rather than because this was culturally significant. Pioneering is a weird way to describe this. Doing something early is cool and all. But it would have to be also be coupled with good to be worthy of this list. Sadly this isn't good.

Bit scatty like

The album starts out quite strongly with the politically charged dance floor rave up of Fascist Groove Thang and the funk-inspired title track featuring some amazing bass playing. The first side is very strong but things start to unravel with side 2 which has trouble holding my attention. I think they shot at an update on Kraftwerk's sound but missed the mark. The idea is commendable the execution not quite there. 3.5 stars

Funky.

Favorite Tracks: Penthouse And Pavement Geisha Boys And Temple Girls The Height Of The Fighting

This album wasn't bad but it just didn't grab my attention

Me gustó bastante de a ratos, para tener en cuenta.

Interesting experiments but needed guest vocals, and better when it does. Also some sick session bass.

average Brit sound, will probably not listen again.

Based on the cities listed on the cover, looks like we have another UK album today. So often am I bewildered at songs 40 years ago so plainly stating concerns, struggles and issues that are still present today. "(We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang" plainly labels the GOP as fascist and racist in an almost joking manner that it's hard to tell if it's ironic that they were right, or just calling it like they saw it. The rest of the tracks could easily be used as a montage song throughout the decade and would fit right in. That upbeat synth has its charm, but it does kind of wonder around without much direction. Overall pretty interesting, but limited in lasting appeal. Favorite track "(We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang" 3/5

I’m getting post punk synth pop vibes on this one. This screams 80’s and not in a good way, it doesn’t age well because the synths are too obnoxious and it punches you upside the face and doesn’t let you forget. I understand this, Being that the genre was in its infancy (i think?) at this time, but to me the fun tapers off as it goes and I find myself bored.

Add this to the list of Title songs that go dummy hard. I love this not all the songs hit but this is so david bowie coded and I love it Geisha Boys and Temple girls is a highlight for me. Again it feels strange to have on this list like totally out of place imo. Fun techno vibe that doesnt have the worst parts of techno like a good 5/10 but i will give it a 3

Did not expect this synthpop/new wave album to be as enjoyable as it is. Give it a chance if you’re a fan of the genre

Interesting to hear such an early synth pop. A precursor to the better song writing of the Pet Shop Boys.

I like a lot of this, interesting anti-war lyrical content, and feels a lot like some fascinating beginnings of electronic work (Kraftwerk, OMD are good comps, and human league for 'former members of the band' reasons. The original pressing I guess played to the edge of the record and looped "for a very long time" as long as the record still went, which is a cool easter egg. Side 2 decidedly was my favorite. Only didn't fancy the title track. May rate higher as I revisit

The Fascist Groove Thang is nice funky song, real 80s synth with nervous singing, the bass in Play to Wind is great and more to enjoy. And then politics was everywhere, also in synth pop music. But sound bit outdated and slick, 3 stars

Not a good cover for this album. I saw the low cumulative score for this album and I get why many don't love it. I enjoyed the album fairly well the first time through, but the more I listened to it, the more repetitive it felt and I started to enjoy it less. This is so weird. This is so danceable. The repeated choruses over and over really started to wear on me. I just don't know when I would listen to this one again, but I didn't hate it. I'm concerned the more I listen to it, the more I may end up hating it.

I reluctantly really enjoyed this. Fun synth beats and very danceable. I do think you have to remember the 80s because this album feels very much of its time

It is a synth-pop album.Not exactly my style, but not bad either. I may give it a chance if I don't find anything good.

There’s nothing super special about this music for me.

It was ok. Typically 80s Sound and british too. Few Good Songs and some songs i dont need to revisit. Album Cover goes stupid hard tho ngl that sit brazy. 2.5/5.0

I liked Play to Win and especially Soul Warfare with its pianos and prominent bass. Lots of weird squelchy synth sounds. The Height of Fighting also fun to listen to. Overall... weird... I can't decide if this should be ** or **** so I guess it's in between.

Probably special back in the day, but I didn't really care for this a whole lot. Favorite song though: Let's All Make A Bomb.

I'm starting to learn how empty and dry some these 80's synth albums sound - I guess that's the reality of using analog electronic instruments. Darkly comic concept album, gotta love satire - capitalist systems, warmongering and yuppies galore. I don't think it's something to return to as it can get a little annoying with the constant nature of 80's synth drums, but it was a really interesting listen. It honestly started to lean on horror music elements, especially in the latter half of the album. Really happy to have given this a go. A creepy, satirical synth album!

Depeche Mode early in their basement with pre-loaded keyboard sounds. OK, but nothing special

Funky new wave from the wierdly prolific Sheffield post-punk scene. Lots of that Nile Rodgers-style strat rhythm guitar high in the mix alongside the synths and cheesy keyboard sounds. Sometimes crosses into Talking Heads territory, sometimes into Donna Summer remix land. The very heavy disco influence and a sing-songy vocal style make this feel really plastic and goofy - but the Clockwork Orange reference in their name and the gang of Patrick Batemans on the album cover hint at a level of playful post-industrial cocaine satire going on here alongside the earnest embrace of some of the most excessively silly in retrospect 80s excess that's part of a liberation from the tiresome self-seriousness of authenticity-punk/rock.

It was okay. A bit too synthy for my tastes

Back to December 30th, 2023 HL: “Play to Win”, “Geisha Boys and Temple Girls”, “Let’s Make a Bomb”, “We’re Going to Live for a Very Long Time” Like another synth-pop album I really love, Architecture and Morality, I need to remember there wasn’t much of a blueprint for this stuff that would be everywhere by the mid-80s. The reverb-less, dry production wasn’t something I cared for at first, esp. in “Fascist Groove Thing” & the title track. I was about to write the album off as an early British new wave relic, but then the 2nd half’s more avant-garde tracks were surprisingly tolerable. The pads in “Bomb” sound like something Aphex Twins or Boards of Canada would use

That was fun to listen to. Very dated.

Some of this is pretty good, but a lot of it is too similar to the rest and you really start to feel that to appreciate this you need at least some of the cocaine that was required to make it.

Beep boop 80’s music. It’s not a bad record but I need one or two big, bombastic dance hits to really breathe some life into it.

Was expecting an instant 1 star when seeing synth pop and 80s, but way more funky than expected. Not sure how quickly I'd come back, but I liked it.

When I got this I didn't know what to expect. I knew of Heaven 17 and assumed they were just very lightweight synth pop. Then I looked at the score and reviews, and was kind of dreading it - 1 and 2 star reviews, average below 3 ... but its really not as bad as that. It's not great, but it's perfectly pleasant and more political than I expected, but I quite enjoyed it. Not enough to seek them out again, but if I had to hear it again I wouldn't be upset.

It’s ok

Went back and forth listening to this. Very likable music, but I'm just not in a New Wave mood today. Might have to try it again in the future.

New wave synth-pop with a touch of funk. It's pretty decent, despite most songs going on for far too long. Title track is the best. 3 neon suits with oversized shoulder pads out of 5

Started as a 4 for me in the first few songs. The songs that weren't on spotify were notably worse and really brought this funky one down.

Far from heaven.

Enjoyed a couple songs.

Good new wave albun

flophouse and basement

Haven’t heard of these guys - described as early 80s pop. Quite a fun vibe right off the bat. It’s alright but nothing special imo, 3/5.

It's OK, elements of early alternative with the electric influence. Not something I think I'm going to listen to again. I did find a song or two by Heaven 17 I really like, however.

Goofy ahh synths 6/10

3 ? lets all make a bomb we're going to live for a very long time!!

Nunca tinha ouvido e gostei. Não é meu favorito, longe disso. Mas tem uma sonoridade legal com sintetizadores

it’s decent, if you don’t like synth and new wave, you won’t be liking this but, listen to what they are saying.

Hmm

it is fine

It fully is what it is. A snapshot of its time and cultural context. Clever, good songwriting with a message, and surprisingly funky (who's that BASSIST?).

Heard before: some Lots of these records have been reissued with bonus tracks and outtakes and extras, but frankly, I don’t have time for all of that. I base my reviews/ratings on the core tracks. But in this case, the bonus tracks are zany; electronic lunacy from the 1981, which helps inform the mindset of the band. For some reason they were lauded for their political lyrics (which are pretty toothless preaching to the choir), but their focus seems to be on goofy sounds, production, and hooks (which are top notch). And, despite some weird cases where the mix seems off, like in Play To Win, that’s where this album excels. Top tracks: Song With No Name, We’re Going To Live For A Very Long Time, Let’s All Make A Bomb

Although not my kind of music, there was something about the album. Each song had some catchy moments but just fell short for me.

Early 80s electronic. Sounds very similar to every other 80s New Wave.

Uplifting

Many good pop songs, but also some misses

If you ever wondered what a techo version of The Talking Heads sounded like. Look no further. Overall not bad. Very 80s techno.

Had to turn it off :/

Thought this would be more dogshit 80s synthpop with zero cultural relevance. I was wrong, this is actually pretty good 80s synthpop with zero cultural relevance. Shit, there might actually be something wrong with my music taste, because every time I like an album in a genre I don't usually care for and check the global rating, it's always at something like 2.66/5.

Just a bit out there, as far as something both synthpop and disco can be.

Interesting enough. Didn't really have enough musicality to make me want to listen again

Listened Before? N Wow, cool album. Political new wave! Love it. I have never heard of these guys or this album before. I'm guessing because I'm American and they had no hits here along with the fact this was banned by the BBC. Either way, good stuff. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Lets All Make A Bomb

Hade nog större förhoppningar om denna platta.

Is this what new wave is?? Because I like it. Just the basslines alone make you feel so silly listening to them. It makes me want to do a noodle arm dance. While grooving about that fascist groove thang. 3/5. I'm keeping this around.

Didn’t know them. Was intrigued by packaging and song titles. Thought it might be awesome and was ready to be amazed. Then the 80s electronics/ synthesizer hit. While not used in a corny pop way, still doesn’t do it for me.

It was good, but in the slew of similar music I'm not sure it had much that really pulled me.

Started well... ended a bit weird and shite

Fine really

Kind of really annoying but also kind of good

Although it sounds exactly as you’d expect an English synth-pop record from 1981 would, a deceptive amount of lyrical depth and instrumental nuance keep things interesting.

The album art had me confused and a little worried. This was actually pretty awesome, it’s pop with some gloom to it. The synth work on it is great, disjointed almost panicky vocals. Surprisingly trippy and interesting album here. 3.5 stars

I love me some 80's new wave, and this is some VERY early 80's new wave with a few good harmonies and melodies, but the songs all sound so cheap and sparse. Obviously you can attribute that to the synths and drum machine, I know.. Still doesn't explain away the overall lackluster feel of the album.

Idk how to describe it it's like groovy but uhh calm?? Boring??? It doesn't seem real HELPP feels like. hmmclosed instead of open (this isn't gonna make sense to anyone) It's incredibly simple there's like nothing to it IDKK it feels incredibly uncanny valley

3 enjoyed myself a lot having a little boogie but there wasn't a whole lot to it and wouldn't have enjoyed it heaps if I wasn't working while listening

Þetta var greinilega sándið hjá nýjum enskum böndum haustið 1981. Minnit um margt á byrjun Depeche Mode ferilsins. Allt í lagi annars, enginn banger.

Honestly not as bad as I thought it would be

Who're you getting Fratty? Goggly Go's? Johnny Zhivago? Heaven 17? Hm?

In my senior year of high school (Class of '84 represent!) my former best friend Marty ran for class president. His campaign slogan was "We don't need this fascist groove thing" and it's only now, nearly 40 years later, that I see where he got this from. He went on to win that campaign, and sure enough we didn't need that fascist groove thing. But I digress. This is okay, pretty standard eighties new wave. The best thing about this to me is the slapping bass. I don't usually appreciate bass playing but it kind of stands out for me on this album. 3 stars.

it sounds like a Craig Ferguson bit

Weird 80's synth sounds and imitation robot singing. Reminds me of The The, maybe some Devo and . Wasn't able to listen to everything on Spotify, but was intrigued enough to navigate to YT for the Geisha Boys, Make a Bomb and We're Going to Live tracks. Best track is Let's All Make a Bomb which i'd listen to again, but the rest of the album is barely salvageable.

Decent

Just average synthpop

And now for something completely different. Ahead of their time clearly. But their Lyrics could be considered, funny, in very bad taste, or inviting violent insurrection depending on your perspective. Too bad they didn't develop this further. At times they

Here's an album that I have never really given a chance before. I have seen this a million times in bargain bins, but have never given it a chance. I think, mostly, I was put off by the cover art, not realizing that it is satirizing the go-go 1980s, not a sign off of cocaine-smoothed, success-obsessed, smooth synth pop. The sound is really 80s, but in a way that holds up, and certainly with an edge. I always loved Fascist Groove Thang (the 7" lives in my DJ box), and I really cannot explain why I never gave the whole album a go. I own the Luxury Gap album, which I also never really listened to. I suspect that, had I picked up a copy of this when I was a teenager, I really would have dug this. And it is far better than post-split Human League. IK listened to the deluxe reissue with a bunch of bonus tracks, which really stand up. They were clearly on a creative roll around this time. Star player: John Wilson on bass. Funky, political, satiric, and often catchy, with an innovative sound. Would listen again.

Decent 80d synth heavy record. Will have to come back to this one for more listens.

I had high hopes based on the album cover, but it didn't quite go art-rock enough. Just ended up as middling 80s electro-pop, which is done better other places. Only memorable song was the 1st one.

ну что-то плохо запоминающееся из 80х

sounds influential

This entire album feels like a "you had to be there" (maybe a working-class adult in the early 80s, to be specific). The songs are just all over the place, madness!! I really love the synth work though... and they REALLY love slap bass, it's front and center in like every single song i listened to, it feels like i'm watching seinfeld.

This isn't as good as I remembered it (or imagined it was). It's a bit samey and less innovative than I had hoped.

3/5 a little too much electronica for my tastes AI Review: Heaven 17's debut album, Penthouse and Pavement, is a synth-pop masterpiece that was released in 1981. The album features a unique blend of electronic and funk elements, with catchy melodies and socially conscious lyrics. The opening track, "We Don't Need This Fascist Groove Thang," is a political statement that criticizes the rise of far-right politics in the early 1980s. The song's infectious beat and catchy chorus make it a standout track that still resonates today. Other standout tracks include "Penthouse and Pavement," "Let's All Make a Bomb," and "Play to Win." These songs showcase the band's ability to blend electronic and funk elements seamlessly, creating a sound that is both danceable and thought-provoking. One of the album's strengths is the contrast between Glenn Gregory's smooth vocals and Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh's electronic instrumentation. The combination of these elements creates a sound that is both futuristic and timeless. Lyrically, the album deals with themes of capitalism, consumerism, and the dehumanizing effects of technology. The album's message is still relevant today, with its critique of the excesses of the modern world. In conclusion, Penthouse and Pavement is a classic album that still sounds fresh and relevant today. Its influence can be heard in the music of many contemporary electronic and pop artists. If you're a fan of synth-pop or electronic music, this album is a must-listen.

A fun little 80s synthy ditty

This is an album I listened to that went into my ears and that I heard. I solemnly swear. It was neither good, nor bad. It just was.

I enjoyed this album despite it being pretty sloppy and sounding quite rushed in places. Despite the critics write up, it certainly isn't picking up where Man Machine left off.

is it weird to say it leaned to hard on electro without fully committing? bc they had nothing else going for them

Very hit or miss for me. About half the songs are bangers and the group makes some really unique and catchy tunes out of some off-kilter beats which was a blast to listen to. The others just really didn’t do much for me unfortunately though. 6/10

ok not more

I started off pleasantly surprised by this but my attention soon waned and I lost interest before the end. Seems to be reasonably ahead of the curve for electro-synth-pop but it’s not a curve I’m super excited to be involved in. Interesting to read that they are a splinter group from The Human League, very similar Sheffield sounds.

Only about half of this was available on Spotify, but I got the idea. This was fine, pretty 80s.

This feels like a weird bridge between Disco and New Wave.

+1 for the album cover. +1 for the vocal delivery.

Very 80s. Back in the day when 12” versions were much sought after, but did feel a bit like all filler no killer.

Not at all what I expected. Thankfully not too avant garde as to make it unlistenable. Not bad. Standouts: (We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang, Play To Win, Let's All Make A Bomb

For all the synth pop that came out in the early 80s, Heaven 17 stands out from their peers for a couple of reasons. First of all, they embraced a lot of Latin and disco-infused rhythms, which gives a nice funky edge to their sound. I also think adding some strategic use of "live" instrumentation like bass, piano and sax adds some depth that you don't always hear on this kind of music. The band also wears their politics on their sleeves, which is something I always like to hear. As an American teen growing up in the Reagan era, I remember appreciating dance music with more politically provocative subject matter. My main critique is that stylistically, it feels like they're playing around with sounds rather than having clearly thought out arrangements. As a result, some of the songs don't really land as well as others. Fave Songs: Penthouse and Pavement, (We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang, Play to Win, Let's All Make a Bomb, Soul Warfare

l'idiote du village qui a encore écouté une version extended de 1h

I think it says something when the radio that comes on after the album ends plays far better synth-pop than the album itself. This wasn't great but I'm guessing it was pretty influential for this kind of music in the early 80s

Although I generally don't listen to synth-pop, I can appreciate what the early pioneers were doing, and it's impressive to me that this album dates all the way back to '81. The music is quite good even though it's unlikely I'll listen to it again.

Bit too dancey for me

Liked this initially, but it got too same-y through the listen. Some neat things here, and cool to hear early dance music, but overall I wouldn't listen to it again. 2.75/5

This was an interesting one. I liked the opening track, in fact i liked mostly all of these songs. But it just felt like something was off the whole time. I dont even know what it was, maybe the bass and synth in the background of every song, but it felt unsettling on most songs. It was pretty cool though I don't know many albums like this. Creative 6/10

3.5

It was gloriously 80's, which I was into but then got a bit bored of. Didn't get some of the lyrics

Something just felt lacking for me on this album. I guess it was fine, but it wasn't all that memorable for me and possibly at times a bit tedious. I hadn't heard of this group nor any of the tracks, but the sound was kind of a familiar one...just not one that captivated me...

Initially I was somewhat irritated, but getting into it this is actually a pretty fun record.

Shout Out to the Sharon Stone vehicle Sliver, which features the title song from this album. Big Human League vibe here, which makes all the sense in the world since the bands are somewhat related in a Poco/Eagles sort of way, with some band members splitting to join the other. Turns out that…I like Heaven 17 now? Fuck it, I might just love them. Some of this is better than a lot of similar music that hit in the States at the time. This should have been big here in 1981. The lesson, as always: Nobody knows anything.

Nothing to write home about.

Experimental synth-pop-rock-dance-whatever. Lots of sounds that would later define genres. Just kind of meh for me though.

The cover is fantastic. I wanted a whole album of 'Let Me Go' level stuff. This wasn't it. Interesting, but nothing that made me take notice. Makes sense that this album came first. I'd leave it on in the background.

Not bad.

Not too bad

Very playful and expermental. But inconsistent

Too weird for me, and in that manner of a lot of early synth pop, too enamored of its machine generated bleeps and bloops. I didn’t absolutely hate it but I was glad when it was done.

Not my style. But really glad I listened to it.

that's one of my favourite album covers i've seen in a long time. the music is a lovely dichotomy of the 80s with some of it being amazing fun times yuppie good and some of it being toxteth riots terrible noises.

Un muy manido estilo tecno-pop de los 80 en los que no sorprende nada. Se deja escuchar, pero tengo la sensación de haber escuchado muchos discos de ese estilo. Nada sorpresivo

Strong 3

Disco lite. Somehow harder to listen to than regular disco.... Not terrible. Not going to go on my playlist any time soon

This is English synth-pop band Heaven 17's debut album. At release it did not sell much, but the sales grew over time so it eventually was certified gold in the UK. The first single "(We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang" was banned by the BBC, which potentially caused the lull in sales at release. However, the album remained in the Top 100 for 77 weeks so it was still popular. The music was good as a result of the electropop melodies and non-pretentious political lyrics. I can appreciate a good synth-pop album, but none of the tracks stuck out to me as overly amazing so I can't rate this too highly.

Best Song: Soul Warfare. Give me more of that bassline, please. Worst Song: Decline Of The West. There is a jangly little audio snippet in here that sounds like a compression fragment... I don't know what it is trying to be but it sounds awful and is used liberally. Overall: Really weird album. What started as an interesting, disco-inspired groovy pop thing suddenly took a radical turn at the end, turning into a (failed, in my opinion) attempt at industrial music. The result feels very fractured, but highlights were sufficiently interesting that I could see myself returning.

3.5 / 5. Really good songs! Second time I've come across this one and it is growing on me!

Fun synth pop album. Very 80s but that is a great thing. I took of a star as along with all the amazing there a few duffers.

Oh! An 80s British New Wave band I didn't know about! This list is definitely putting me in touch with all the bands that influenced the bands that I thought were the actual influencers. Hah. I will note that there are a lot of great things happening in the music production-wise. Heaven 17 (dumb band name) packs a lot into a single song. But does that make a good song, or an annoying song. Unfortunately, it seems like the latter - at least, on a Wednesday morning when I just want something more chill. But, I'm giving this a 3/5 (probably closer to 3.5) because I can see this being a great curveball record to throw on in the right moment when a gathering needs an infusion of unique energy.

This album feels quite dated and a bit uninteresting, especially after hearing their B.E.F. sides of 6 months before this.

It's a bit difficult to review this as I was there in 1981 and bought and loved this album. So there's a lot of nostalgia and since I still love Synth this isn't going to be objective. When you've played songs many times it's difficult. It's not the best out there and the sounds never progress from the basic repetitive beat. Heaven 17 moved towards a Funky sound (beats and vocals) but the lyrics and sound are still 6th Form (is that 12th grade nowadays?). After splitting from Human League they were trying to create an image and production along the lines of Factory Records but it never really took off as essentially there are glimpses of brilliance in there but rarely does anything emerge. To be honest I think their next album The Luxury Gap is better than this but hasn't made the 1001. Some of their choices are odd.

Middle of the road new wave. 2.5/5

This was like Depeche mode, but just not as good. And I'm already but a massive depeche mode fan, bar a few songs. Prefer not to listen again, but not terrible.

This one was... fine. Some interesting hooks, but songs mostly went on too long or were just fine. Probably won't listen again, but I didn't actively dislike it.

There's something to this but a fair portion hasn't aged well.

started off promising but then slowed. like a mix of divo and Huey lewis

A nice combination of sounds: Detached ironic vocals, busy drum machine patterns, various synth textures and lively bass work being a definite highlight

Either a high 3 or a low 4 - can’t decide

I liked it. The synth is obviously very dated, but the melodies are interesting. The lyrics are very politics and reflect the time during Reagan’s ascension during the Cold War and as such are pessimistic. I certainly see why this album is worth listening to, but it is so rooted in its own time that it’s hard to see its universality.

Not for me this!

What a fun album. Very very quirky. I feel like I have heard those voices before from some other 80's pop band. Some catchy songs but also none of them made any sense which I think added to the mystique.

Very quirky. Had no idea what to expect, and certainly wasn't expecting this sort of retro-futurist electronic pop stuff. Instrumentals are all over the place, sometimes enough to make me laugh. Lyrical performances were interesting too. I liked this, even though it ran a bit long. Favorite tracks: Penthouse and Pavement, Geisha Boys and Temple Girls, The Height of the Fighting, Decline of the West. Album art: Love, love, love this. Like something ripped from an '80s HR instructional textbook. Big fan of the style and layout. 3.5/5

Pop electrónico con sintetizadores. Un poco largo el disco, se me ha hecho un tanto de bola, pero bueno, ni fu ni fa.

Pretty fun synthpop, I liked it.

Didn’t give it a proper chance.

80’s synth

A few good songs, but mostly filler

3.5/5. Twas a neat a funky synth my, nu wave. Lots of good bass. Very 80s

Does what its supposed to do it you want something to drown out the silence but can't say that it's anything more than that

boop and beep

This was fine. 1980s British political synth-rock.

The bassist / guitarist John Wilson is aMAZing. I will give them that... I like bits here and there, but this whole album reminds me a lot of that Friends episode where Ross pulls out his synthesizer and plays his music for everyone. It's just... very noodle-y.

Why? Must I listen to this before I die? It is not terrible. But is it good? The album cover art is cool and shows some satire and wit - which the lyrics back up to some extent. I probably don't understand the development of synth or dance to appreciate where this album fits in its evolution. Maybe if I did, the rating would be higher. As it stands, it's just a funky sounding album that is neither overly annoying nor overly redeeming.

This list seems to contain albums that were quite influential at the time of their release as one of the criterion for their selection. Some of these albums are really exciting to todays ears although they do contain some redeeming qualities. Penthouse and Pavement seems like one of those choices. Reading the Wikipedia article about the album, I can surmise that it was an important release at the time and had I bought it back in '81 I might have thought of it as quite groundbreaking. Today though it does sound dated. Its interesting how some albums can come across that way and some that are decades older can still sound fresh and relevant. I did enjoyed the tongue and cheek lyrics of Fascist Groove Thing. The bass playing throughout was quite good but the album itself sound quite average. 3 stars it is!

Pretty average new wave synth pop.

Ces mecs-là font absolument n'importe quoi faites très attention à eux, ils ne plaisantent pas.

Cet album fort peu interessant ne présente non plus aucune caractéristique le rendant reconnaissable, je n'ai par conséquent aucun angle de review. Je suis en revanche l'heureux propriétaire d'un billet pour le concert de My Chemical Romance a Munich, le 6 juin 2022, auquel il semblerait que je doive me rendre seul n'ayant aucun ami appréciant la bonne musique. Par conséquent, si l'un d'entre vous souhaite me rejoindre à ce concert, merci de me le faire savoir sous la review de l'album Exit Planet Dust de The Chemical Brothers.

I dig this. Heaven 17 is a band I never recognize the name for somehow but of course know their hits. I'll tell ya, that album art is somethin' else and I wasn't sure what to expect just from that.

Not bad. Spotify was missing a lot of the songs.

Pop electrónico con sintetizadores. Un poco largo el disco, se me ha hecho un tanto de bola, pero bueno, ni fu ni fa.

interesting album going from synth rb to just synth pop with some unusual political lyrics that are very obvious but not annoying

Well, this is an awkward album to review since like half of it isn't available on Spotify. I could switch over to youtube, but I'm not particularly motivated. The first track is some decent dance punk, kind of feels like something LCD Soundsystem would do three decades later... but after that it feels pretty dated. There's one track from the second half that is on Spotify that feels somehow dated and ahead of its time simultaneously.

I would call it synth-pop, but I don’t even sure how to categorize their sound properly.I guess they were something special for maybe one year. No offence, just not one of 1001 albums that are a must hear (5/10) FT: Fascist Groove Thang

I can appreciate the group leaning fully into these off-the-wall synth textures and arrangements even if things tend to get a bit repetitive here and there.

early 80s industrial rock mixed with funky bass, political and on point 3.5

3 stars. Not bad but I’m not all about the 80s synth sound

Another unexpected gem. If you told me this was from the mid 00’s I would have said “obviously, when else could this have happened?”

Classic new wave from a classic new wave band. A very distinctive sound.

Some absolute bangers here and 80’s synth pop is my guilty pleasure. In some of the tracks the bassist either has titanium fingers or has been left with two arms like Aron Ralston after recording this record. This album started off brilliantly but dropped off in the second half. You can see where the B side kicks in on what would have been the vinyl release. I was genuinely excited to give this a 4 but it didn’t hold out to completion and I kind of got bored.

A pretty good listen not what I expected. I was expecting an ABC / Spandau Ballet sound...syrupy pop but I got some interesting, sometimes edgy music more along the lines of OMD. Not bad at all. 3.5 stars

This was alright despite my only being able to hear it with one ear. Hope to find out what stereo sounds like soon. But the title track was super fun, and the lyrics of the first song were good. History does indeed repeat itself and these yuppies - I think they are plotting something. Donald must be keeping an eye on them? The cover art is iconic. That being said, most of the songs were a bit bland and unmemorable albeit harmless, well, to my right ear at least.

Talking heads + Kraftwerk = meh. At least some tracks have funky baselines.

I like this album.

This band has the energy and charisma of Kraftwerk but the 80s stylings of the human league. It's not fun enough. Fascist groove thing is the best I've heard on here. What they need is a better director... producer... something. It sounds like it isn't quite done. The bass is really good and the lyrics and sound can work. It just needs a bigger 80s sound like the synth in animotion's "obsession." It fits right along with 80s new wave fun, but will never be the first band anyone remembers.

meh - so 80s. I like devo much better than this...nothing special to me here...

strange pre punk pop

The album art got me pumped straight away, all this stonk talk recently. I enjoyed getting some '80s electronic. There is a lot to take in on this album too. I'd like to come back to understand their message a bit better.

Best album cover yet.

We don't need this Fascist Groove Thang?????

The most 80s 80s album I've heard so far. So much funky synth.

This should be on the radio in GTA Vice City. I have a soft spot for this kind of music. I like that there's a consistent theme throughout the album. Lots of lyrics about the daily grind, rat race, etc. I was going to say it sounds like The Human League and it ends up there's some overlap there. This is the first band on this project that I haven't heard of.

Ehh

It’s strange but I didn’t dislike it.

classic 80's new wave sound. The lyrics of the song are definitely polarizing and fun.

It was not bad

liked some, didn't like others. Some good grove and swing electro

1981 art pop? experimental pop? new wave? odd and i enjoy it.

Faktisk ret fedt. Meget elektronisk og produktionen er heller ikke helt i top

I liked this album more than I thought I would like for a pop 80's band. could see myself putting this on as peppy cleaning the house music

Good!

The wiki article says “ The album sold reasonably well, but was not a great commercial success on release”… and I can see why. Heaven 17 has better material than this.

Важко щось виділити, окрім хорошого басу. Просто сінтпоп початку 80-х. Оцінка: висока 4/низька 5

Each song was quite distinct, but it was still not my groove.

The bassist is spectacular! Everything else is painfully annoying.

Pleasant Chavs, Blokes! Boring Albuhm

Sounds very dated

Couldn’t really get on board with this one

At times it hints at a Talking Heads vibe but is mainly average pop music.

“No Temptation, No party!”

Listens: 2 (barely) Standout Tracks: Penthouse and Pavement, Let's All Make A Bomb First I'll say that I mostly hated this. Electronic and other synth-based music from the 1980s, for whatever reason, just plain sucks for me. I haven't liked Depeche Mode, Gary Numan, Kraftwerk, etc. and I don't really like Heaven 17 either. Second, I'll say that I recognize the importance of the genre. 1980s electronic music walked so modern electronica music, in its functionally infinitely-branching sub-genres, could run. Third, while I don't really like the music I heard today, I did largely appreciate the subject matter and themes present in most of the songs. Themes of consumerism, greed, hypocrisy, the (cold) war, politics were all on point when the album came out and are just as relevant today as ever. Simply put though, how these themes and considerations were presented were pretty bad. At several points I debated just straight up turning off the music, not even switching to something else. I have no desire to hear this again, but plus 1 star for the themes.

elikkäs brittipoppia alkeellisella europop meiningillä. Vai mitä tuo voisi olla? Duran duran?

This might be another album that’s meant to be experienced on a sweaty dance floor and languishes in a living room, but alas no club seems to be bumping Heaven 17 these days

Yikes...nothing here. Except it's better than ABBA. At least if I were really high I could dance to this (in the correct venue). Still, 2 "not presently on the dance floor" stars.

What are we doing here. Why am I listening to this

Enjoyed Facist Groove Thang. Didn’t enjoy much else.

I'm pretty sure political camp synthpop is one of the lesser-spotted genres in the book and the music industry more broadly. I liked it about as much as I'd have expected to. I didn't know Heaven 17 formed out of the ashes of The Human League but that's about the extent of my takeaways from today's pick.

Ultimately, kinda dull