Ultravox Vienna Deluxe Edition Half Speed Master Double Vinyl LP New Sealed

	£		34
	$		45

Ultravox Vienna Deluxe Edition Half Speed Master Double Vinyl LP
Side 1   1. "Astradyne"   2. "New Europeans"   3. "Private Lives"   4. "Passing Strangers"   5. "Sleepwalk"
Side 2   1. "Mr X"   2. "Western Promise"   3. "Vienna"   4. "All Stood Still"
Side 3 1. "Waiting" (3:45) 2. "Face To Face" (live In St Albans 16/8/1980) (6:02) 3. "King's Lead Hat" (live At The Lyceum 17/8/1980) (4:06) 4. "Vienna" (US Promotional edit) (3:59) 5. "Passionate Reply" (4:17)
Side 4 1. "Herr X" (5:49) 2. "All Stood Still" (single version) (3:43) 3. "Alles Klar" (4:56) 4. "Keep Talking" (Cassette Recording During Rehearsals) (6:23)

"Vienna," released in 1980, is the fourth studio album by the British new wave band Ultravox. It marks a significant turning point for the group, being the first album featuring Midge Ure as the lead vocalist and guitarist after the departure of John Foxx. With "Vienna," Ultravox shifted towards a more polished, synth-driven sound that would become emblematic of the new wave genre in the early 1980s.
#### Track Highlights
1. **"Astradyne"**    - The album opens with "Astradyne," an instrumental track that sets a dramatic tone with its sweeping synths and driving rhythm. The song's lush, layered textures and dynamic arrangement showcase Ultravox's newfound sophistication and ambition.
2. **"New Europeans"**    - "New Europeans" combines a catchy melody with a pulsating synth backdrop, creating a perfect blend of rock and electronic elements. Midge Ure’s commanding vocals and the song’s futuristic lyrics reflect the band’s embrace of modernity and change.
3. **"Private Lives"**    - This track features a more introspective tone, with its moody synths and reflective lyrics. The minimalist arrangement allows Ure’s emotive voice to take center stage, conveying a sense of longing and introspection.
4. **"Passing Strangers"**    - "Passing Strangers" is a standout track with its upbeat tempo and anthemic chorus. The interplay between the driving bassline, sharp guitar riffs, and swirling synths creates a sense of urgency and excitement.
5. **"Sleepwalk"**    - "Sleepwalk" was the first single from the album and a defining song for Ultravox’s new sound. Its infectious synth melody, tight rhythm, and Ure’s impassioned vocals made it an instant new wave classic, showcasing the band’s ability to craft memorable, radio-friendly tracks.
6. **"Mr. X"**    - "Mr. X" delves into a darker, more experimental sound, with its eerie synth lines and mechanical beats. The song’s detached, robotic feel and atmospheric production highlight Ultravox’s willingness to push the boundaries of the new wave genre.
7. **"Western Promise"**    - This track combines Eastern musical influences with a driving, post-punk energy. The dynamic instrumentation and evocative lyrics explore themes of cultural tension and globalization, adding a unique flavor to the album.
8. **"Vienna"**    - The title track, "Vienna," is undoubtedly the album’s centerpiece and one of Ultravox’s most iconic songs. Its dramatic piano intro, lush orchestration, and haunting lyrics create a sense of grandiosity and melancholy. Ure’s passionate vocal performance and the song’s soaring chorus make it a timeless anthem of the new wave era.
9. **"All Stood Still"**    - Closing the album, "All Stood Still" is a high-energy track with a driving beat and urgent vocals. Its relentless pace and catchy refrain provide a powerful conclusion to the album, leaving a lasting impression.
#### Overall Impressions
"Vienna" is a landmark album that successfully melds post-punk edginess with the burgeoning synthpop sound of the early 1980s. The addition of Midge Ure brought a new direction and energy to Ultravox, resulting in a polished, cohesive, and innovative record. The album’s production is crisp and meticulous, highlighting the band’s skillful use of synthesizers and electronic elements.
Thematically, "Vienna" explores ideas of modernity, alienation, and cultural change, with lyrics that are both introspective and socially aware. The album’s atmospheric soundscapes and emotive vocals create a rich, immersive listening experience that resonates on multiple levels.
#### Final Thoughts
"Vienna" is a definitive album of the new wave era, showcasing Ultravox’s transition into a synthpop powerhouse. Its blend of electronic innovation, compelling songwriting, and emotional depth makes it a timeless classic. For fans of new wave, synthpop, and post-punk, "Vienna" is an essential listen that captures the spirit and sound of its time while remaining relevant and influential today.
Ultravox's "Vienna" not only solidified their place in music history but also paved the way for future artists in the synthpop and new wave genres. It's an album that continues to captivate and inspire, testament to its enduring legacy and the band's creative vision.