Strange how much could happen within twelve months back in those days. 1981 was certainly The Teardrop Explodes year as much as anyone elses. Three magnifcent singles with descending chart positions and by the end of the year they were as good as gone. Fracturing band relations, spiralling drug habits and losing the attention of the fickle music press.
In the meantime they put out two fabulous but hugely contrasting albums of triumph and introversion.Kilimanjaro and Wilde . Reward was the moment when they briefly threatened to assault the mainstream. One of the most jubilant singles ever to storm the UK Top Ten. Treason and Passionate Friend were just as great. somehow it was never meant to be sustained. Presure on Julian. He licked his wounds and began to plot his return.
This was something of an epiphany to my fifteen year old self. Blasting out of Breakfast Radio as I prepared to head for school. It took me a while to find my way from here to its sources. I was far from alone. Reward planted seeds in so many teenage heads.
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