Passing Strangers
"Passing Strangers" is Ultravox's second single from Vienna, the band's first album with Midge Ure, released on Chrysalis Records on 15 October 1980.[1]
| "Passing Strangers" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Ultravox | ||||
| from the album Vienna | ||||
| B-side |
| |||
| Released | 15 October 1980 | |||
| Recorded | February 1980 at RAK Studios | |||
| Genre | Post-punk, electronic, new wave | |||
| Length | 3:48 | |||
| Label | Chrysalis Records | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Warren Cann, Chris Cross, Billy Currie, Midge Ure | |||
| Producer(s) | Ultravox and Conny Plank | |||
| Ultravox singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
A fast-paced guitar track recalling early John Foxx-era Ultravox, Passing Strangers ultimately failed to live up to the top 30 success of its predecessor Sleepwalk. It stalled at #57 in the UK charts despite having a music video (directed by Russell Mulcahy and featuring Barbie Wilde and Tok from Tik & Tok) and release on 12" format alongside the regular 7", both of which Sleepwalk lacked.[2] The video was shot in Beckton Gas Works, London.
The single contains two live b-sides; "Face To Face", an original Ultravox track that was never recorded in studio, and a live cover of the Brian Eno song "King's Lead Hat".[3] "Face to Face" was taken from a show in St Albans City Hall. The complete show was released on the 40th anniversary Vienna box-set 2020.[4]
Track listing
7" version
- "Passing Strangers" – 3:48
- "Face to Face (Live 16 Aug 80 at St Albans City Hall)" – 6:04
12" version
- "Passing Strangers" – 3:48
- "Face to Face (Live 16 Aug 80 at St Albans City Hall)" – 6:04
- "King's Lead Hat (Live 17 Aug 80 at Lyceum)" – 4:06
References
- "officialcharts". Official Charts. 1 August 2021.
- Ultravox Rare 1 CD sleeve notes. Chrysalis Records 1993
- "allmusic". AllMusic. 1 August 2021.
- "vienna-40th-anniversary". 1 August 2021.