The Associates were a Scottish post-punk/new wave band active from 1979 to 1990. The band was founded by singer Billy Mackenzie and guitarist Alan Rankine, and their unique sound combined elements of glam rock, art pop, and avant-garde music. Mackenzie’s soaring and operatic vocals were a defining feature of the band’s music, and their songs often featured elaborate orchestration and complex arrangements.
The Associates released several critically acclaimed albums, including “The Affectionate Punch” (1980), “Fourth Drawer Down” (1981), and “Sulk” (1982). Their music was known for its theatricality, with Mackenzie’s flamboyant stage presence and dramatic vocal style adding to the band’s distinct and eccentric image.
Despite their critical success, The Associates struggled to achieve commercial success, and the band dissolved in the early 1990s following Mackenzie’s tragic death by suicide in 1997. However, their influence on the post-punk and new wave scenes continues to be felt today, with their unique blend of art rock, pop, and avant-garde music inspiring generations of musicians.
Overall, The Associates were a pioneering force in the post-punk and new wave scenes of the 1980s, with their unique sound and theatricality making them one of the most memorable and beloved bands of the era.
1. “Party Fears Two”
“Party Fears Two” by The Associates is a new wave/post-punk song released in 1982. It features a unique blend of hauntingly beautiful melodies, intricate synthpop arrangements, and dark lyrics that explore the theme of existential anxiety and the fear of social interaction. The track’s memorable chorus, “I’ll have a shower then call my brother up, Within the hour I’ll smash another cup,” perfectly captures the sense of isolation and self-destructive tendencies that the protagonist feels. “Party Fears Two” has become a cult classic, praised for its inventive use of synthesizers and emotive vocal delivery, and is often regarded as one of the most significant songs of the 1980s.
2. “Club Country”
“Club Country” is a song by the Scottish post-punk band The Associates, released in 1982. The song features a driving drum beat, catchy synthesizer riffs, and the distinctively theatrical vocals of singer Billy Mackenzie. The lyrics describe the hedonistic lifestyle of the club scene, with themes of decadence and excess. The music video, directed by Derek Jarman, features a surreal and visually striking depiction of the song’s themes, with the band members dressed in flamboyant costumes and performing in front of a backdrop of flashing lights and abstract imagery. “Club Country” was a critical and commercial success, becoming a hit in the UK charts and earning The Associates a reputation as one of the most innovative and influential bands of the post-punk era.
3. “White Car in Germany”
“White Car in Germany” is a song by Scottish post-punk/new wave band The Associates, released in 1981 on their album “Fourth Drawer Down”. The song features Billy Mackenzie’s soaring and operatic vocals, with a moody and atmospheric melody that builds to a powerful climax. “White Car in Germany” is a testament to The Associates’ ability to create music that is both musically complex and emotionally resonant, with its haunting melodies and introspective lyrics exploring themes of love, loss, and desire. The song’s production is lush and cinematic, showcasing the band’s ability to create immersive soundscapes that transport listeners to another world. “White Car in Germany” remains a fan favorite and a testament to The Associates’ lasting impact on the post-punk and new wave scenes.
4. “Take Me to the Girl”
“Take Me to the Girl” is a song by Scottish post-punk/new wave band The Associates, released in 1982 on their album “Sulk”. The song features Billy Mackenzie’s distinctive and theatrical vocals, with a moody and atmospheric melody that builds to a powerful climax. “Take Me to the Girl” is a testament to The Associates’ ability to create music that is both musically complex and emotionally resonant, with its haunting melodies and introspective lyrics exploring themes of love, loss, and desire. The song’s production is lush and cinematic, showcasing the band’s ability to create immersive soundscapes that transport listeners to another world. “Take Me to the Girl” remains a fan favorite and a testament to The Associates’ lasting impact on the post-punk and new wave scenes.
5. “Tell Me Easter’s on Friday”
“Tell Me Easter’s on Friday” is a song by the Scottish post-punk band The Associates, released in 1984. The song features a haunting piano melody, atmospheric synthesizer effects, and the distinctive vocals of singer Billy Mackenzie. The lyrics describe a sense of loneliness and isolation, with the narrator questioning the nature of faith and religion. The music video, directed by Tony Scott, features a surreal and visually striking depiction of the song’s themes, with Mackenzie dressed in a variety of elaborate costumes and performing against a backdrop of abstract imagery. “Tell Me Easter’s on Friday” was a critical success, showcasing The Associates’ innovative and experimental approach to music.
6. “Q Quarters”
“Q Quarters” is a song by Scottish post-punk/new wave band The Associates, released in 1981 on their album “Fourth Drawer Down”. The song features Billy Mackenzie’s soaring and operatic vocals, with a lively and energetic melody that showcases the band’s unique blend of art rock and pop music. “Q Quarters” is a testament to The Associates’ ability to create music that is both musically complex and highly entertaining, with its catchy hooks and playful lyrics making it a fan favorite. The song’s production is intricate and detailed, showcasing the band’s technical prowess as musicians and their ability to create music that is both innovative and accessible. “Q Quarters” remains a classic of the post-punk and new wave genres and a testament to The Associates’ lasting influence on the music scene.
7. “No”
“No” is a song by the Scottish post-punk band The Associates, released in 1985. The song features a propulsive drum beat, dramatic synthesizer riffs, and the powerful and distinctive vocals of singer Billy Mackenzie. The lyrics describe a sense of defiance and resistance, with the narrator rejecting societal norms and expectations. The music video, directed by Howard Greenhalgh, features a striking and visually inventive depiction of the song’s themes, with Mackenzie dressed in a variety of flamboyant costumes and performing against a backdrop of surreal imagery. “No” was a critical success, showcasing The Associates’ unique and innovative approach to music and cementing their reputation as one of the most influential bands of the post-punk era.
8. “Kitchen Person”
“Kitchen Person” is a song by Scottish post-punk/new wave band The Associates, released in 1980 on their album “The Affectionate Punch”. The song features Billy Mackenzie’s distinctive and theatrical vocals, with a quirky and playful melody that showcases the band’s unique sound. “Kitchen Person” is a testament to The Associates’ ability to create music that is both musically complex and highly entertaining, with its catchy hooks and witty lyrics making it a fan favorite. The song’s production is intricate and detailed, showcasing the band’s technical prowess as musicians and their ability to create music that is both innovative and accessible. “Kitchen Person” remains a beloved part of The Associates’ discography and a testament to their lasting influence on the post-punk and new wave scenes.
9. “Love Hangover”
“Love Hangover” is a cover of the disco classic originally performed by Diana Ross, released by the Scottish post-punk band The Associates in 1990. The song features a driving drum beat, funky bassline, and the powerful and dynamic vocals of singer Billy Mackenzie. The arrangement is faithful to the original, but with a distinctively rock-influenced edge. Mackenzie’s soaring vocals and theatrical delivery infuse the song with a sense of drama and emotion. “Love Hangover” was a critical success, showcasing The Associates’ versatility as musicians and cementing their reputation as one of the most innovative and influential bands of the post-punk era.
10. “Nude Spoons”
“Nude Spoons” is a song by Scottish post-punk/new wave band The Associates, released in 1980 as a single. The song features Billy Mackenzie’s distinctive and theatrical vocals, with a driving and energetic melody that showcases the band’s unique blend of art rock and pop music. “Nude Spoons” is a testament to The Associates’ ability to create music that is both musically complex and highly entertaining, with its catchy hooks and infectious rhythms making it a fan favorite. The song’s production is intricate and detailed, showcasing the band’s technical prowess as musicians and their ability to create music that is both innovative and accessible. “Nude Spoons” remains a classic of the post-punk and new wave genres and a testament to The Associates’ lasting influence on the music scene.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
