Burning The Ground Exclusive
Released in 1984, “Eighties” arrived during a period when Killing Joke were beginning to bring a little more melody into their dark, aggressive post-punk sound without losing any of the intensity that made them so distinctive.
The single actually predates the band’s 1985 album Night Time, where “Eighties” would later appear as the closing track. Released as a single in the spring of 1984, “Eighties” reached No. 60 on the UK Singles Chart, where it remained for five weeks. Despite becoming one of Killing Joke’s best-known recordings, the single does not appear to have charted on the major national singles charts outside the UK.
At the center of the record is that unforgettable guitar riff from Geordie Walker. Cold, repetitive and almost hypnotic, it locks in with Paul Raven’s bass and Paul Ferguson’s pounding drums while Jaz Coleman delivers the vocal with his usual sense of urgency. The result sits somewhere between post-punk, rock and dance music. Killing Joke could be brutal, but they also understood rhythm.
And then there is the connection that almost everyone eventually notices.
Listen to the opening guitar figure of “Eighties,” then listen to Nirvana’s “Come As You Are.” The resemblance is hard to miss. It has become one of the most talked-about similarities in alternative rock history.
Of course, “Eighties” was already several years old before Nirvana arrived. Hearing it today is a reminder of just how much influence Killing Joke had on the alternative and industrial rock that followed.
For the 12-inch release, “Eighties” was given the full extended treatment with the 6:27 “Serious Dance Mix.” Rather than turning the song into something completely different, the longer version gives its relentless rhythm and guitar attack more room to breathe. The UK 12-inch also includes the original version and “The Coming Mix.”
The record was written by Jaz Coleman, Paul Ferguson, Paul Raven and Geordie Walker. “Eighties” would eventually become one of Killing Joke’s most recognizable recordings, even though it was never a major chart hit.
That seems fitting. Killing Joke were never really about fitting comfortably alongside whatever else was on the radio. “Eighties” sounds tense, mechanical and strangely danceable all at once.
More than forty years later, that guitar riff still jumps out of the speakers immediately.
And once you hear it, you probably won’t forget it.
SIDE A:
Eighties (Serious Dance Mix) 6:30
SIDE B:
Eighties 3:52
Eighties (The Coming Mix) 3:54
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: EG – EGOX16, EG – 821 224-1
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Single
Country: UK
Released: Apr 1984
Genre: Electronic, Rock
Style: Post-Punk, Synth-pop
CREDITS:
- Bass – Raven*
- Design [Sleeve Design] – Mike Coles (2)
- Drums, Other [Weapons] – Big Paul Ferguson*
- Guitar [Six String Righteousness], Vocals [Verbals] – Geordie*
- Keyboards, Vocals [Verbals] – Jaz Coleman
- Lacquer Cut By – Nickz*
- Other [Helmsmanship, Insubordination] – Captain Fil ‘Oh No’
- Other [The Nailing In] – Alex Zander Rasher, Brad Sugar Dick Nelson
- Producer – Chris Kimsey
- Written by – Killing Joke
NOTES:
Made in the UK
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2
Phono Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
Audio Interface: MOTU M4
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Cleaning Solution: Turgikleen Record Cleaning Solution
Scanner: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
PLEASE READ
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I always loved this song, but I haven’t thought about it in years. As soon as I saw your post, the chorus started flowing through my brain, as if it had never left.
Night Time is one just of those brilliant albums where every track is so strong and so satisfying that you can listen to it from beginning to end with no effort whatsoever.
I just heard this again on the radio the other day. I didn’t know they did 12″ versions of it. Can’t wait to listen.
Although I’m not wild about the two remixes, the regular version of “eighTies” here sounds so much cleaner than on the album! It’d be a keeper for that alone. Thank you!
I’m having a good time on this first track. Thanks, PaulT!
By the way, everyone always references NIRVANA’s Come As You Are, but in all actuality, both groups, Killing Joke and Nirvana, ripped off the riff from The DAMNED’s “Life Goes On”.
AWESOME! Thank you!!! I love Killing Joke because they continued to evolve, always sounding contemporary but offside the mainstream! “Love Like Blood” is one of the greatest alternative songs of all time, and thus their best song, but “eighties” comes in as a close second! That riff gave rise to one of the best Nirvana songs too: Come As You Are! I mean, even Metallica covered one of their songs (“The Wait” on the $5.98 Garage EP).
HOLY SMOKES! What an absolute banger! I grew up in the 80s (and 70s) and never heard this … also had never heard a note by Killing Joke until now. I’ve got to get more of their music now, this absolutely slays!!
A classic for sure, and in pristine BTG quality! Thanks Paul!
Oh wow! This, sir… is what I’ve heard referred to… as a real banger 🙂 Such a great track, the title of which has really lent itself to longevity long after the decade ended. I’ve seen it used so many places to call back to the Eighties. One that really sticks with me was as the theme song to the very very short lived “That 80’s Show.” Incredibly obvious, sure, but so fitting. Absolutely love the Serious Dance Mix. It is the perfect twist on the original. But sometimes you just need the original! I like to think of this… Read more »
Thank you so much, JP! “Banger” definitely applies here! I had forgotten about “Eighties” being used for That ’80s Show, but you’re right, it almost seems too obvious not to use it. The title alone has given the song a life well beyond 1984. I also really like your description of it as a “gateway punk” track. That’s exactly what makes it so accessible. You’ve got the aggression and attitude, but also that irresistible rhythm and a riff that hooks you immediately. Then the Serious Dance Mix pushes the dance side even further without losing what makes the original work.… Read more »
This is a blast from the past Paul! I love the social commentary songs of the era (of which there were many). This really takes you back to the time and place. I must have seen this video on MTV, as I’m sure it would have received decent rotation. Thank you for throwing us curveballs (as usual)!!
Thanks, Retro Hound! I agree, there were so many records from that period that carried real social commentary while still being great songs. “Eighties” definitely has that ability to put you right back into the mood of the time.
I wouldn’t be surprised if you caught the video on MTV either. And I’m glad you enjoyed the curveball! I always like slipping in something a little unexpected now and then. Thanks for stopping by!
What an all-time favorite! Thanks.
You’re very welcome! “Eighties” is one of those tracks that still sounds powerful all these years later. Glad to hear it’s an all-time favorite for you. Enjoy!
It’s a dark song that sounds good, even if I’m not familiar with it. I have a problem that’s gotten worse over the years: I have so much music on my computer—categorized by decades like 70–79, 80–89, 90–99, 2000–2009, 2010–2020, plus current music—that there’s just so much out there I honestly don't know what to listen to anymore. However, I wanted to ask if you could look for these titles in your collection and post them. I’d love to have the full maxi-singles in digital format someday, since—given the current cost of living—I can't afford to buy vinyl anymore. -Eight… Read more »
Thanks, Richard! I know exactly what you mean about having so much music that sometimes you don’t even know where to begin. That can happen pretty quickly once a collection starts growing across several decades. And thanks for the request list. There are some interesting titles there. I’ll keep them in mind and check what I have in the collection. I can never promise when or if a particular record will appear, but requests do give me ideas for future posts. I also completely understand what you mean about the cost of vinyl these days. Some 12-inch singles have become… Read more »
It really encapsulates the industrial strife, manufacturing decline and harsh economic and social realities of monetarist Thatcherite policies in the UK of the time. Of course, other areas outside of these former manufacturing powerhouses weren’t as drastically affected such as southern Britain compared to Wales and northern Britain. A real social commentary record.
Absolutely, Robski. That’s a great point. There’s a real sense of tension and frustration running through the record, and knowing what was happening in Britain at the time gives it even more weight. Killing Joke had a way of taking that political and social unease and turning it into something dark, urgent, and still incredibly powerful on the dance floor. “Eighties” really does feel like a snapshot of its time. Thanks for adding that context!
Thank you, Paul. There are only two tracks from Killing Joke that I like: Love Like Blood and Eighties. I’ve somehow lost my copy of the “Eighties” 12-inch-or whatever happened to it… I can’t find it anymore. You’ve managed to fill a gap in my collection once again.
You’re very welcome! “Love Like Blood” and “Eighties” are probably the two Killing Joke tracks that connect with the widest audience, so I can understand that. Sorry to hear your 12-inch went missing, but I’m glad I could help fill that gap again. Hopefully this one stays safely in the collection this time!
Trivia tidbit: Kate Bush once spoke about how much she loved the bass line on “Eighties.” Then, a year later, Killing Joke bassist Youth appeared on her Hounds of Love LP, playing on “The Big Sky.” Between that and Nirvana, I’d say it’s had a wide-ranging influence.
That is a great bit of trivia, VanceMan. I had forgotten about Youth appearing on “The Big Sky.” It really shows how far Killing Joke’s influence reached beyond the post-punk and industrial scenes. Between Kate Bush, Nirvana and countless others, “Eighties” certainly left a much bigger mark than its original chart position would suggest. Thanks for bringing that up!
What a godsend you truly are, Paul!! I’ve been hoping for this coveted 12-inch to hit your page for a while now!! What an anthem for Burning The Ground! No one does a 1980’s site quite like you, Paul!! I love this aggressive style of the Killing Joke track!! It’s boisterous and gets the blood pumping! Wild reading about the Nirvana track too. I wonder if this record came out today, would there be a trial over the similarities over the two tracks? We do live in a world where people sue over the pettiest of things at times. Sometimes… Read more »
Thank you so much, Jeff! I had a feeling this one would go over well. “Eighties” really does have that big, aggressive energy that makes it jump right out of the speakers.
The Nirvana connection is fascinating too. I’ve wondered the same thing about how a situation like that would play out today. Similarities in music can get complicated very quickly, especially when a riff is this recognizable.
I’m just glad I could finally get this 12-inch onto the site for you. Thanks as always for the kind words and for supporting Burning The Ground!
On CD, the Serious Dance Mix is only 6:04 on the “RXMD” release but on the “Wilful Days” release, the Serious Dance Mix is a lovely 8:03!
Wow, Kevin, 8:03! That’s quite a difference. I knew there were different CD appearances of the Serious Dance Mix, but that Wilful Days version really gives the track some extra room to stretch out. Now you’ve got me curious about comparing all of these versions side by side. Thanks for pointing that one out!
Oooh! Great post! I didn’t realize there were mixes of this…. This was just the start of my ‘do I like that song or do I like the sample’ phase of life. Working at a record store when Nirvana went from indie to the majors and have so so many playing Bleach while we worked and balking at them “selling out” while I’m trying to play R&B and synth-pop. This was during the time albums like Tears For Fears’ Seeds Of Love, Depeche Mode’s Violator, Erasure’s Wild, Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814 and Babyface’s Tender Lover we released. I hated… Read more »
ING, I love this story! That really was a different time, when you had to rack your brain, ask everyone around you, and sometimes make a few phone calls before somebody finally figured out where you had heard something before. I can completely understand what you mean about “Come As You Are” too. Even if Nirvana wasn’t your thing, that riff was impossible to ignore. And once someone pointed out “Eighties,” you could never unhear the connection. The “do I like the song, or do I like the riff?” question is a good one. Sometimes I think the answer is… Read more »
Wow wasn’t expecting this! It’s a brilliant song (overshadowed by Love Like Blood). Loved this remix for years and (until now) it’s only been available on the Killing Joke Remixed Comp but the sound quality wasn’t good, so I’m VERY happy to have a rip from you!.
Glad I could surprise you with this one, Paul! I agree, “Eighties” tends to get overshadowed by “Love Like Blood,” but it’s such a strong track in its own right. And yes, that remix really deserved a better-sounding source. I’m very happy this transfer can finally give it the treatment it deserves. Thanks for the great comment, and enjoy!
Greetings Paul, Killing Joke registered on my radar back when Love Like Blood charted (i’m probably not the only one). But it left a big enough impression that when the era of serious internet downloading commenced (around the turn of millenium for me), and i was trying to get all the cool new wave/postpunk and related songs from my youth which were still locked in my memory, and burn them to CDR, i decided to check out their oeuvre and later got some of their compilations. So it’s great to have Eighties in your immaculate quality (or Paulity as the… Read more »
Greetings, Don! I think “Love Like Blood” was probably the entry point for quite a few people, but “Eighties” certainly has a way of sticking in your memory once you hear it. I remember that early internet era too, when so many of us were hunting down songs from our youth and burning compilation after compilation onto CD-Rs. It really was like rebuilding your record collection one track at a time. And “Paulity” still makes me smile every time I see it! I’m very glad you’re enjoying the transfer, my friend. Thanks as always for stopping by and sharing the… Read more »
Me neither, the mix is fantastic, thanks!!!!
You’re very welcome, Raymond! I’m glad you enjoyed it. The mix really is a great one and gives the track even more punch. Thanks for stopping by!
Ooh, there’s a 12″ mix of this? I had no idea. Thank you!
You’re very welcome, David! That’s one of the fun things about these 12-inch releases. Sometimes there are mixes hiding out there that even longtime fans never came across. I’m glad I could introduce you to this one. Enjoy!