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The Alarm — Strength
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lukekingland
(Dallas, unfortunately)
Posted: Apr 24, 2005 - 14:52
 
I don't care WHO it sounds like, it just sounds like crap to me...

:puke:
StuBotNYC
(new york city)
Posted: Mar 11, 2005 - 13:09
 
walk wrote:
For you youngin's, this is who U2 stole their sound from. I always preferred the Alarm myself. Though I guess in truth, there is only room for *so* much angsty-Irish folk-punk in the world eh?


sorry- you were the ill informed bloke whose comments made me reply to yashure with my previous comment.

U2 came first in 1978, the Alarm in 1981.
U2 sounded the way they do even in 1978- I have a bootleg from amsterdam recorded in 1979.

what a joke- u2 stealing from the alarm - lol
StuBotNYC
(new york city)
Posted: Mar 11, 2005 - 13:05
 
Yashure wrote:


Good on you mate. I saw both bands in the 80s before anybody knew shite about either of them and I preferred the Alarm by far.


ok- first off, U2 was formed in 1978, the Alarm in 1981.
U2 even had the alarm open for them for the entire WAR tour.

so as far as who stole who's sound- to say it was U2 that copied the Alarm is ludicrous, and comes from someone who has no information regarding their statement.


The Alarm was formed in Rhyl, Wales in 1981 by vocalist/guitarist Mike Peters, who'd started out in a local punk band called the Toilets along with Alarm drummer Nigel Twist (b. Nigel Buckle). When that band broke up, Peters -- then playing bass -- formed a new outfit called Seventeen (after the Sex Pistols song) with guitarists Eddie MacDonald and Dave Sharp (b. Dave Kitchingman), both local scenesters and longtime friends. Seventeen was initially influenced by the Pistols, the Clash, the mod-revival punk of the Jam, and the punk-pop of ex-Pistol Glen Matlock's Rich Kids. As their songwriting interests grew more socially conscious, and in early 1981, the group reinvented itself as the Alarm, taking the name from a Seventeen song called "Alarm Alarm." Later that year, they moved to London and self-released their debut single, a Peters/MacDonald-penned political rocker called "Unsafe Building," backed with Sharp's folk-punk tune "Up for Murder." By this time, MacDonald and Peters had switched instruments, with Peters taking up rhythm guitar and MacDonald moving to bass.

In 1982, the Alarm signed with IRS and issued another single, "Marching On." On the strength of their live shows, U2 tapped them to open their 1983 supporting tour for War, which helped make the group's next single, the Stephen King retelling "The Stand," into an underground hit. The Alarm's self-titled debut EP appeared later in 1983, compiling previous single releases, and setting the stage for the release of their first proper album, Declaration, in 1984. A Top Ten U.K. hit, Declaration spun off several popular singles, including the Seventeen holdover "Sixty-Eight Guns" (which made the pop Top 20), "Where Were You Hiding When the Storm Broke?" (which just missed), "The Deceiver," and the live staple "Blaze of Glory." Non-LP singles followed in a cover of "The Bells of Rhymney," the new wave dance tune "The Chant (Has Just Begun)," and the British Top 40 hit "Absolute Reality."

The Alarm's sophomore effort, 1985's Strength, was another U.K. success, and brought them into the Top 40 of the U.S. album charts for the first time; additionally, the single "Spirit of '76" was a Top 40 U.K. hit. Strength displayed greater subtlety and maturity in both their songwriting and arrangements, and was often hailed as the group's best overall album. The Alarm took a break after the supporting tour, and returned in 1987 with Eye of the Hurricane, which featured more polished, mainstream production reminiscent of U2. The gambit helped them gain some rock radio play in America with the singles "Presence of Love," "Rescue Me," and especially the more danceable "Rain in the Summertime," and they landed a tour slot supporting Bob Dylan. A concert EP, Electric Folklore: Live, followed in 1988.
StuBotNYC
(new york city)
Posted: Mar 11, 2005 - 12:57
 
radiojunkie wrote:
Why did I always think this song was by somebody other than The Alarm?


because the Alarm is a blatant U2 sound alike band- even their fans are blind to the core similarities.
radiojunkie
(a sleepy bordertown (NY/CT))
Posted: Mar 11, 2005 - 12:51
 
Why did I always think this song was by somebody other than The Alarm?
coding_to_music
(Marlborough Massachusetts)
Posted: Mar 11, 2005 - 12:50
 
Darkmatter wrote:
Worst segue ever!

(...from Four seasons in one day to this, that is)

Same segue today... ;-)
coding_to_music
(Marlborough Massachusetts)
Posted: Mar 11, 2005 - 12:49
 
Billy Idol(WhiteWedding) + The Church(Sanctuary) = The Alarm(Strength)
xkolibuul
(Green Mountain State)
Posted: Feb 24, 2005 - 17:53
 
I dunno Jeffro. I am one 80s kid who much preferred 70s tunes and still views my own decade as a musical black hole. Just the mere thought of a drum machine turns my stomach. Born late I guess. Still looking for nostalgia.

But... I kinda dig the Alarm.



jeffro wrote:
I think when it all comes down to it in the years to come, the lifestyle and music of the 80's will be lked by all who detest it today and who didn't have an opportunity to come to age during that time in history. Just like the music and lifestyle of the Seventies was once rejected by those who came to age after that decade and then embraced it in a wave of nostalgic regret.

supremo
Posted: Feb 24, 2005 - 17:50
 
Darkmatter wrote:
Worst segue ever!

(...from Four seasons in one day to this, that is)


Could be. I was just thinking how I was going to enjoy this song after the Church just a few songs ago. Just doesn't compare to the set ahead of it.
Darkmatter
(Sweden)
Posted: Jan 26, 2005 - 06:27
 
Worst segue ever!

(...from Four seasons in one day to this, that is)
Steelhead
Posted: Jan 11, 2005 - 12:47
 
Guess this just isn't my favorite Alarm song, I prefer more of "eye of the hurricane" than standards
Yashure
(Land of 10,000 flakes)
Posted: Jan 11, 2005 - 12:32
 
walk wrote:
For you youngin's, this is who U2 stole their sound from. I always preferred the Alarm myself. Though I guess in truth, there is only room for *so* much angsty-Irish folk-punk in the world eh?


Good on you mate. I saw both bands in the 80s before anybody knew shite about either of them and I preferred the Alarm by far.
Yashure
(Land of 10,000 flakes)
Posted: Jan 11, 2005 - 12:29
 
Bollocks to the lot of you. The Alarm kicks arse!
Platypus
(here, now)
Posted: Jan 11, 2005 - 12:25
 
how is this still in rotation? awful.

and more importantly... how'd it end up here in the first place?

bargain bin.
acme401
(boston ma)
Posted: Jan 11, 2005 - 12:24
 
I just saw these guys last year and it was a great show!!!
(former member)
(Shadow Valley Condos)
Posted: Dec 27, 2004 - 18:41
 
Man, The Edge rocks.
Tux
(The Netherlands)
Posted: Sep 30, 2004 - 08:44
 
matk wrote:
"the cult / u2 / some other 80's rock monster band" - mix

really annoying. or maybe I'm too young for that kind of ... :-#


I agree and added this to my mute list. Two thumbs down and a firm 2. :P
BrokenArrow
(Green Mountains)
Posted: Sep 30, 2004 - 08:38
 
After only the first few notes, all I could think of was cheesy Eighties tune. Not my cup of tea.
DBCinCA
(California)
Posted: Jul 19, 2004 - 21:12
 
keenevision wrote:
Hey-

the worst thing about these guys were their haircuts!!!

I really enjoyed the 'Strength' album. C'mon; it was the Eightees! It was a time of... well, something!

This song has always given me a lift- "cheesy" as it may be.... :D


LOL - yes, the hair was too much, but otherwise, this band always made me feel like rock was going to change the world. In retrospect, maybe they were a bit blunt, but when I was 16, the Alarm was one of my very favorite bands, and I still like most of their songs.
Franlrc
(SoCal)
Posted: Jun 22, 2004 - 18:27
 
While this was playing, a car alarm down the street went off and it took me a few to determine that it wasn't part of the song. I could do without hearing this one again - even without the "harmony" from down the street.
jeffro
(Celebration, FL)
Posted: May 27, 2004 - 07:34
 
I think when it all comes down to it in the years to come, the lifestyle and music of the 80's will be lked by all who detest it today and who didn't have an opportunity to come to age during that time in history. Just like the music and lifestyle of the Seventies was once rejected by those who came to age after that decade and then embraced it in a wave of nostalgic regret.
randomprime
(Madison, WI)
Posted: May 27, 2004 - 07:29
 
walk wrote:
For you youngin's, this is who U2 stole their sound from. I always preferred the Alarm myself. Though I guess in truth, there is only room for *so* much angsty-Irish folk-punk in the world eh?


Nope. The guys who founded The Alarm were so inspired by U2 that they formed the group. I like 'em both but U2 has had consistently better song writing over the years. And Negativeland never had an album titled The Alarm.
isujimmy78
Posted: May 27, 2004 - 07:26
 
You mean this isn't Billy Idol?
walk
(S.F. Yay Area)
Posted: Mar 23, 2004 - 22:45
 
For you youngin's, this is who U2 stole their sound from. I always preferred the Alarm myself. Though I guess in truth, there is only room for *so* much angsty-Irish folk-punk in the world eh?
GROO
(Guelph)
Posted: Feb 17, 2004 - 17:58
 
They kicked A** live just a lot of fun in general and is that not what rock is supposed to be ?/? (pimp)
ksb
(Oakland, CA)
Posted: Feb 17, 2004 - 17:55
 
"Give me..." a break from this song. Entirely forgettable song from 20 years ago...
pdhski
(NY Metro)
Posted: Jan 17, 2004 - 08:45
 
matk wrote:
"the cult / u2 / some other 80's rock monster band" - mix

really annoying. or maybe I'm too young for that kind of ... :-#

anyone noticed that some parts of the guitar are actually out of tune???
I guess that was cool then?


Um, the guitar is fine - the harmonies may be weak, though.

I am a child of the eighties so this still gets me psyched!

spieler
(Berlin)
Posted: Dec 07, 2003 - 07:00
 

Yikes. The kind of music for which I was glad the 80s were over.
Hairfarmer
(Asheville, NC)
Posted: Nov 06, 2003 - 08:04
 
"In the midnight hour babe, I cry Glo-ri-a"

Definately watered-down U2 meets Billy Idol
3/10
Platypus
(here, now)
Posted: Oct 06, 2003 - 13:55
 
what's next, Loverboy? :-s

"everybody's workin' for the weekend..."
DD joe1
Posted: Oct 06, 2003 - 13:55
 
Yep...Billy Idol...Generation X springs to mind.....
2
matk
(Sopot, Poland)
Posted: Sep 05, 2003 - 02:00
 
"the cult / u2 / some other 80's rock monster band" - mix

really annoying. or maybe I'm too young for that kind of ... :-#

anyone noticed that some parts of the guitar are actually out of tune???
I guess that was cool then?
BLADERUNNER
(Cortlandt Manor, NY)
Posted: Aug 05, 2003 - 12:18
 
now here is a band you don't hear very often. brings back memories also. i especially love The Stand, an homage to Stephen King. thanks for playing this other treat.
8)
Flying_Donut
(Reston, VA)
Posted: Jul 05, 2003 - 20:25
 
ahhhhhh college flashback! dancing at 2 AM to the Alarm ahhhhhhhhhhh :D
DH
(Las Vegas, NV)
Posted: Jun 25, 2003 - 15:44
 
Great Band! A voice from the past. Long live the Spirit of 76!!
newwavegurly
(Thesis Hell, GA)
Posted: Jun 15, 2003 - 10:59
 
Originally Posted by n4ku:
This is Quite Likeable, despite the fact they are trying to sound like U2. :)

Two thumbs...uh....a solid 7!


Actually, they are contemporaries of U2... U2 is a band of the 80s as well, they were making music at the same time...
keenevision
(Needham Hts, MA)
Posted: Jun 05, 2003 - 07:26
 
Hey-

the worst thing about these guys were their haircuts!!!

I really enjoyed the 'Strength' album. C'mon; it was the Eightees! It was a time of... well, something!

This song has always given me a lift- "cheesy" as it may be.... :D
quisquose
(Portland, OR)
Posted: May 16, 2003 - 00:21
 
First I thought it was the guy from the lead role in that movie 'Boogie Nights' (remember the part where he tries to be a rock star?). And then, for one brief, horrifying moment, I thought it was a new U2 song I hadn't heard before. Then I looked at the playlist.

Yikes. I'm all for diversity, but geez... (or should I say, cheese?).
adib
(UK)
Posted: May 16, 2003 - 00:18
 
Originally Posted by Ngoziman:

... For good Welsh bands, have a listen to a 70's group called Man (even John Cipollina from the most excellent Quicksiver Messenger Service played with them)...


Saw Man about 10 years ago in a pub - great gig, I could never understand why they were not more popular.
Ngoziman
(Malvern, England)
Posted: Apr 25, 2003 - 15:36
 
Originally Posted by wonderunit:
I respectfully disagree: it IS that bad. And they ARE a woefully anemic U2 imitation, vocally, lyrically and guitarically.



"guitarically" - wonderful word! Normally I support Welsh bands, but this one sucks. For good Welsh bands, have a listen to a 70's group called Man (even John Cipollina from the most excellent Quicksiver Messenger Service played with them). At least the Sterophonics are holding up the Welsh banner on RP.
n4ku
(Lexington, KY)
Posted: Apr 25, 2003 - 15:34
 
This is Quite Likeable, despite the fact they are trying to sound like U2. :)

Two thumbs...uh....a solid 7!Edited By n4ku at 3:34 pm on 4/25/2003
ObleyWan
(Champaign, IL)
Posted: Apr 15, 2003 - 10:53
 
sounds like cheese metal to me. Intelligent?
ladyj
(Owosso, MI)
Posted: Apr 08, 2003 - 01:05
 
Yeah I like this 80's thing going on hear lately but at one point in this song I keep wanting to start singing " two hearts.....beat as one....." by U2

I remember liking their "rain in the summertime" more.
KevDog
(Los Angeles, CA)
Posted: Mar 05, 2003 - 15:09
 
Originally Posted by bowton:
reminds me of skinny dipping off the Manhattan Beach pier at 2:00 am..... :)

That was you?
Subsonicwaves
(Diavik Diamond Mine)
Posted: Feb 23, 2003 - 09:49
 
hmm. good background music at the local pub...
wonderunit
(Sacramento, CA)
Posted: Feb 15, 2003 - 23:00
 
I respectfully disagree: it IS that bad. And they ARE a woefully anemic U2 imitation, vocally, lyrically and guitarically.

Originally Posted by racerx:
Never grooved on these guys, I thought they were a U2 imitation or something. That said, this song is not that bad and has a little heart actually.

KurtfromLaQuinta
(La Quinta, CA)
Posted: Dec 16, 2002 - 16:49
 
i enjoyed the alarm their first couple of albums...seems they were "sold down the river" their last albums.
mytongue
(Houston, TX)
Posted: Dec 16, 2002 - 16:36
 

The Alarm rocks. Never understood why these guys weren't more popular - pretty straight up guitar rock, good vocals, great lyrics....

Play anything by them, please!

Absolute Reality would be appropriate these days:
...You may be the President of the United States,
but even you, you can't sit on high
while the world's resources die...
bowton
(Redwood City, CA)
Posted: Dec 16, 2002 - 16:32
 
reminds me of skinny dipping off the Manhattan Beach pier at 2:00 am..... :)
racerx
(Orlando, FL)
Posted: Dec 06, 2002 - 12:38
 
Never grooved on these guys, I thought they were a U2 imitation or something. That said, this song is not that bad and has a little heart actually.