Search - Fischer Z :: Red Skies Over Paradise

An exercise in paranoia

Troy | the Netherlands | 08/01/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Now here's a quintessential classic that has withstood the test of time. "Red skies over paradise" was Fischer Z's third outing and is still their best by a city mile. Having made a name for themselves with "Word salad" and "Going deaf for a living", spawning minor hit singles like "The worker", "Remember Russia" and "So long", the internationally acclaimed "Red skies over paradise" definitively established them as one of Britain's foremost bands and allowed them to outgrow their cult status.The front cover depicts lead vocalist/lyricist John Watts standing on the Brighton pier under a menacing bloodred sky. Watts is at the top of his game on this 1981 album, not merely as a singer whose urgent, high-pitched voice stamped an indelible seal on the band's atypical sound, but as an extremely talented songwriter, whose lyrics were starkly colored by the spirit of the age. In referring to England circa this period as a modernday paradise he is laying on the irony three inches thick. The ramifications of rampant unemployment and a genuine anxiety about the future of the world in the heyday of the Cold War were reflected prominently in his work, venting social criticism in the face of imminent nuclear genocide.In haunting songs like "Cruise missiles" he warns of this danger, while the magnificent title track "Red skies over paradise", which the makers of the "Going red for a salad" anthology shamefully neglected to include, already sees the missiles flying. "In England" comments cheekily on the country's shortcomings as a tourist attraction. The wickedly titled "Wristcutter's lullaby" describes the ill-fated adventures of a fugitive from justice. From a musical standpoint as well "Red skies over paradise" is loaded with semi-legendary rock songs. The vinyl album's A-side was made up exclusively of killer tracks, including the commanding opener "Berlin" (cool theme, brilliant keys) and the marvellous hit single "Marliese". I'm not quite sure whether the inspired "You'll never find Brian here" was a single release as well. The B-side could not pride itself on quite as many highlights, but still contained some outstanding songs. The enthralling "Batallions of strangers" (again, great lyric) is perhaps my favorite track on the entire album, driving its point home on a tapestry of raunchy guitar and synths. "Red skies over paradise" is one of the finest albums of the eighties. I would recommend it to anyone who values great pop/rock music, regardless of personal preference. If you have never heard it, you are seriously missing out !"

Brings back memories from Ireland...

Peter Corrigan | Chicago, IL United States | 01/06/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, This brings back memories from Dublin when I first saw and heard this great band on the BBC's Old Grey Whistle Test program that aired in the late evening.I bought two of their records and both were good listening but sadly got damaged since.My friend has kindly bought me a couble of their CDs for a Christmas present. I am delightd and can't wait to hear them again.Best wishes, Fischer Z fans."