LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

TRACK LISTING Walking With The Radio On - Like A Moth Into A Flame - When The Tanks Roll Over Poland Again - Wild One - Run Forever - Danger Signs - Stab It Back - Wear Your Love Like A Ball And Chain - Watch Her Now - Dumb Games - To The Goodtimes BONUS TRACKS British Beat - Walking With The Radio On (Demo) - When The Tanks Roll Over Poland Again (reprise) In 1978 the AUTOMATICS burst onto the music scene and immediately secured a recording deal with Island Records. The legendary producer Steve Lillywhite took control of the recording sessions...and superstardom beckoned. The 'Tanks' single was released in June 1978 in an unusual silver, mirrored sleeve. Behind the scenes the sleeve itself had become something of a 'bugbear'. The covers' silver reflective laminate was taking so long to dryy at the printers that by the time copies of the single were shipped, the advertising campaign had already ceased! Despite these teething problems, 'Tanks' received radio exposure via Radio 1's John Peel and sold well enough to reach Number 1 on the newly-conceived Alternative Music Chart. The song became an underground youth anthem. The band was touring in Berlin during late-1978 and suddenly their entire future was in jeopardy as their A&R mentor Tim Clark had been fired. On their return to the UK they were all summoned to Island's offices to be told that the band's entertainment expenses were twice as high as recording expenses. The label subsequently canned their album and released studio time, producer and equipment to an upcoming group from Ireland - U2. Now released on CD for the first time with an informative 12-page booklet by Phil Hendriks (Stiffs)