Classic New Wave MTV Pioneers

I'm surprised I had to page through almost 70 CD's listed under Icehouse to find their debut release. It may have been issued on CD in 1990 but the original release date must have been around 1981. I would have never learned of these guys had they not had their videos for "Icehouse" and "We Can Get Together" played on MTV in the day when their playlist was like, 20 videos. I've never heard this album on the radio and don't know anybody who has this CD, which might explain a few things. However, I consider this a classic "new wave" album that makes good use of synthesizers and definitely has been influenced by such bands as Ultravox. "Icehouse" is a haunting, brooding tale highlighted as much by light keyboards as by its deep pressing drum beats. It tells a good tale and is mesmerizing to listen to. The video was great although I hardly remember it. "We Can Get Together" is much lighter fare with a danceable pop flair and is the most solid and catchy number on the album. "Sister" is a story about a supermodel who is actually a robot. The band's simplistic understanding of computers ("behind her scanners and tapes, she's programmed for perfection") shows an understanding for technology that is cutely dated to the time. It definitely has a very catchy chorus that keeps the song moving. The rest of the album is passable new wave fare, but worth the listen. Icehouse can be heard here cutting their teeth on great pioneering new wave synth and beginning to evolve into a moderately successful pop band. I just wish this album were better exposed and well known.